Travelling around Argentina is becoming increasingly simple, especially when it comes to payments, cards and handling money. Even so, there are important differences between large cities and rural areas. For this reason, it is essential to understand how shops, banks and restaurants operate, in order to avoid surprises.

1) Money and currency in Argentina

Official currency

The official currency is the Argentine peso (ARS).
In major cities, inflation affects frequently changing prices, so it is advisable to check up-to-date prices before travelling.
Check exchange rates daily. The official US dollar rate changes constantly, so it is a good idea to review it every day.

Circulation of US dollars and euros

US dollars or euros are not accepted for direct payment in ordinary shops.
Many tourist accommodations do allow payment in US dollars or with foreign cards, but this is not the norm in shops or restaurants.

2) What is the best way to pay in Argentina?

Argentina is a country where card payments are widespread, but cash is still important in certain places.

Credit and debit cards

Accepted in most hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and urban shops.
The main accepted brands are Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
Foreign cards often receive a more favourable exchange rate than exchanging cash.

Can Apple Pay / Google Pay be used?

Yes, in many supermarket chains and shops with modern POS terminals.
It is not guaranteed in smaller towns.

3) Cash machines (ATMs)

Available in all cities.
They often charge high fees for foreign cards.
The maximum withdrawal amount per transaction may be low compared to other countries.

For this reason, most tourists prefer to pay by card or exchange money at exchange offices.

4) Cash: when it is necessary

Although large cities are highly digitalised, you will need cash if you travel to:

Small towns.
Handicraft fairs.
Local markets.
Street taxis (some accept apps or QR codes, others do not).
Rural or remote excursions.
Petrol stations on secondary roads.
Some entrances to natural parks or local access points.

Tip: always carry a small cash reserve.

5) Currency exchange

Where to exchange money

Official exchange offices in cities and airports.
Banks, although they are usually slower.
Authorised private exchange companies.

Avoid:

Exchanging money on the street with unknown individuals (risk of scams).

Tipping in US dollars

You may leave tips in US dollars in hotels or on private tours, but this is not common practice in ordinary shops.

6) QR code payments (very common in Argentina)

Argentina is one of the countries where QR payments are most widely used.

They mainly work with local bank accounts.
Tourists generally cannot use Argentine digital wallets (Mercado Pago requires a local ID).
However, many shops allow QR payments using an international card loaded into apps such as Google Pay or Apple Pay.

7) Business hours in Argentina

Opening hours vary depending on the region.

Large cities (Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Rosario, Mendoza)

Shops and stores:

Monday to Saturday, 10:00 to 20:00 (continuous opening).

Shopping centres:

Every day, 10:00 to 22:00.

Medium-sized cities and the interior of the country

Traditional shops:

9:00 to 13:00.
17:00 to 21:00.

Restaurants

Lunch: 12:00 to 15:30.
Dinner: 20:00 to 24:00.
In Argentina, dinner is later than in many other countries.
Note: in small towns, many restaurants do not open until 20:00.

Cafés and bars

Open early: 7:00 or 8:00.
Close between 20:00 and 23:00, depending on the city.

8) Tipping in Argentina

Restaurants: around 10% of the total bill (not always included).
Hotels:

Bellboy / porter: a fixed amount equivalent to USD 1–2.
Housekeeping: a small daily amount.

Taxis: not mandatory, but fares are often rounded up.

9) Popular transport apps

Uber and Cabify operate in many cities.
In Buenos Aires, BA Taxi is an official app for travelling by taxi within the city.
In smaller cities, you may only find traditional taxis or remis services.

10) Final tips

Pay with a foreign card whenever possible; it is usually more economical.
Always keep some cash in pesos for emergencies.
Keep exchange receipts if you exchange currency.
In rural destinations, ask in advance whether cards are accepted.
National public holidays may affect business opening hours.