The local currency is the Argentine peso, identified by the symbol $ or ARS.

Available banknotes

Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 10,000, and 20,000 pesos

You will find two series of banknotes in circulation: one featuring national heroes and the other, native animals. Both are equally valid.

Exchange rates

In Argentina, there are different exchange rates. The two most relevant are:

• Official rate:
  Applies when you:

  • Exchange money at a bank

  • Pay with a debit or credit card issued abroad

  • Withdraw pesos from an ATM using a foreign card

• "Blue" dollar (informal rate):
  A slightly more favorable rate than the official one. Applies when you:

  • Exchange cash (USD or EUR banknotes) at certain exchange houses

  • Make purchases in cash using foreign currency

The closest exchange house to UTDT is Cambio Baires (Av. del Libertador 5799).

You can also use Western Union, which allows you to transfer money from your foreign account and withdraw it in pesos at a competitive rate. The closest branch to UTDT is located at Vuelta de Obligado 1974.

ATMS

ATMs allow withdrawals in Argentine pesos. Fees and withdrawal limits vary depending on your card and issuing bank.

Tips if you are bringing U.S. dollars

• Bring $100 bills, as smaller denominations are often exchanged at a less favorable rate or may not be accepted.

• Make sure they are the newer "large-head" design. Bills with the older "small-head" design may be rejected.

Tips if you are bringing Euro

Should you choose to bring Euro, it is best that they are 100 or higher bills.

Electronic wallets

The most popular electronic wallets in Argentina are: MercadoPago, MODO, Ualá, PayPal and GooglePay.

Tipping

Most restaurants in Argentina add a non-optional per-person charge for table service-listed on the menu as "servicio de mesa" or "cubierto". This fee covers items like bread, spreads, or small appetizers served before your meal. It varies by restaurant and is not a tip for the wait staff.

Tipping is customary: Argentines usually leave around 10% of the bill for the server, adjusting up or down depending on the quality of service.

Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but it's common to round up the fare and leave the change. Tipping is also standard for hotel porters, hairdressers, manicurists, and other personal care providers.

VAT (Value Added Tax)

IVA (or VAT tax) is already included in the published prices of goods and most services in Argentina. It is usually 21%, except for some food items (10.5%). Purchases of goods over certain values may be eligible for tax refunds at the airport. Further information on this link.