Print
Email
Bookmark & shareThe Argentine peso is the national currency and is accepted everywhere. Only higher-end hotels accept US dollars, and most restaurants do not. In Buenos Aires, US dollars are more commonly accepted at both, but you should always carry pesos. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit cards.
Please note that prices are going up - fast - in Argentina. It's no longer the rock-bottom bargain it was even last year. Part of this is due to supply and demand - skyrocketing visitation has led hoteliers and restaurateurs to raise their prices. And part of it is inflation, which is back with a vengeance (just ask the locals about the price of tomatoes). Prices for accommodations are up an average of 100% (you read that right) and restaurants an average of 50% since our last visit. Taxis and internet rates have also jumped. It's anticipated this trend will only continue, so please call or check websites for hotels and tour operators before budgeting your trip - or be prepared for sticker shock.
However, it's good to keep things in perspective - Argentina is still very affordable for what it offers. Where else can you enjoy a steak dinner with a good bottle of wine for under US$10.00 ? Or a double scoop of amazing ice cream for less than US$2.00 2? Certainly not in Europe - especially if your home currency is the plummeting US dollar.
-
Currency
- Name
- Argentine Peso
- Symbol
- Arg$
Banknotes come in denominations of two, five, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pesos. One peso equals 100 centavos (cents).
Coins come in denominations of one (rare), five, 10, 25 and 50 centavos (cents), and one peso.
-
Changing Your Money
US dollars are by far the preferred foreign currency, although Chilean and Uruguayan pesos can be readily exchanged at the borders. Dollars and euros can be changed at cambios (exchange houses) in most larger cities, but other currencies can be difficult to change outside Buenos Aires.
-
Money Tips
Counterfeiting, of both local and US bills, has become a problem in recent years, and merchants are very careful when accepting large denominations. You should be too; look for a clear watermark or running thread on the largest bills.
Bargaining is uncommon, except in the artisan markets of the Andean northwest.
-
Sample Price Guide
- pasta dinner
- US$ 5.00
- bed in hostel
- US$ 8.00
- steak dinner
- US$ 10.00
- 5hr bus ride
- US$ 13.00
- subway ticket
- US$ 0.25
Average Room Prices
Low Mid High Deluxe US$7-35 US$35-80 US$80-150 US$150+ Average Meal Prices
Low Mid High Deluxe US$2-5 US$5-20 US$20-40 US$40+ -
Tipping
In restaurants, it's customary to tip about 10% of the bill, but in times of economic distress Argentines frequently overlook the custom. In general, waiters are poorly paid, so if you can afford to eat out, you can afford to tip. Even a small propina (tip) will be appreciated, but note that restaurant tips can't be added to a credit card bill.
Taxi drivers don't expect tips, but it's customary to round up to the nearest peso if the difference isn't much.
Advertisement
Book Your Trip
Hotels & Hostels
Booking hotels is simple with Lonely Planet. See our reviewed and recommended hotels in one place and book online. Browse hotels ›
Lonely Planet Newsletters
Updates, offers and inspiration - straight to your inbox.
Subscribe now ›
Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
