Whether you’re going on a wine-tasting tour in Mendoza, riding with gauchos or crossing the Patagonia to sightsee glaciers, you’ll want to carry cash, a debit card and a credit card to be prepared. Cash is more widely accepted in Argentina than other payment methods, so you’ll need some pesos on hand. However, you can pay with credit cards or even US dollars in many major stores, hotels and restaurants, especially if you’re sticking to large cities like Buenos Aires.
Visa and Mastercard are most common in Argentina, with American Express coming in third.
Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and supermarkets in Buenos Aires and other major cities. Some smaller establishments and shops in rural areas may accept only cash. When you can use a credit card, go with travel rewards credit cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees, as these fees can be high in Argentina.
Tips:
In Argentina, ATMs can be expensive, costing up to £8 or £8.88 per transaction, according to forums. Aside from paying foreign transaction fees, you’ll pay local ATM fees, and you’ll be limited to how many pesos you can get per withdrawal. You’ll need to make multiple withdrawals, adding up the fees.
Prepaid travel cards are usually an alternative to debit cards. However, in Argentina, they could cost you more than they’re worth. If you already have a Prepaid travel card, use it to make payments where accepted.
Cash is popular in Argentina. Museums, taxis, smaller shops and restaurants may accept only cash. Since ATMs in Argentina have fees and daily withdrawal limitations, you should consider carrying enough cash for up to 5 days. Keep ATM withdrawals as a backup option.
Traveler’s checks are rarely accepted in Argentina. Some high-end shops in Buenos Aires might accept them, but you’ll likely have to find a bank to cash them. This could cost you additional time and fees, which makes traveler’s checks a poor cash alternative in Argentina.
Common Argentine peso banknotes:
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Credit cards are widely accepted in Buenos Aires and other large cities in Argentina. If you plan to use a credit card in Argentina, compare credit cards without foreign transaction fees. But make sure to carry cash for smaller shops, family-owned restaurants, taxis and other incidentals.
ATM cash withdrawals are an option, but due to ATM withdrawal limitations and fees, it may be best to take some cash with you and use a debit card as a last resort.
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