How to exchange dollars, euros and USDT in Buenos Aires: exchange houses, banks and cards
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The simplest legal way to exchange money is a licensed casa de cambio (exchange house). The Central Bank (BCRA) keeps the list of authorized exchange houses, and you can check a name on bcra.gob.ar. You will be asked for your passport.
3Best exchanger for this amountBest rate UNION EXCHANGE1 USD = 1,540 ARS · checked 1 min ago
💱 Exchange at UNION EXCHANGEBanks also exchange currency, but for a foreigner without an account it is usually inconvenient: queues, limited hours, and not every branch does it. If you already have an account (see the "Bank" article), you can exchange in your bank's app.
Exchanging money with a foreign card and ATM
paying by card and withdrawing cash at an ATM both work, but the result depends on your bank's exchange rate, the ATM fee and the withdrawal limit. Compare the final amount in pesos, not just the rate.
Sending money to yourself (Western Union and similar services) is an option if you need pesos in cash and only have a card with you. Check the rate and the fee in the app before you send.
Calle Florida, the "arbolitos" and the "cuevas" are informal exchange. The risks: counterfeit bills, short-changing, and no protection if there is a dispute. Since the restrictions were lifted in 2025 the gap with the official rate has almost disappeared (see "Rates" in ArgHub), so there is less reason to take the risk.
Exchange with delivery and USDT exchange
the "Currency exchange" section of ArgHub has exchange house cards with their terms. ArgHub does not carry out exchanges and is not a party to any deal: you agree terms directly and check them before you meet. Cryptocurrency is information, not a recommendation: the rate and the fee change, and a blockchain transfer cannot be reversed.
Which US dollar bills to bring for exchange
bring clean, undamaged dollars; old "small" $100 bills (cara chica), torn ones or ones with writing on them are often accepted at a worse rate or not at all.
Safety when exchanging currency
count the money on the spot, don't show a wad of cash on the street, don't pay in advance to strangers and don't exchange with people who approach you on their own.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I exchange dollars in Buenos Aires?
At a licensed casa de cambio (with your passport) or at a bank, if you have an account. The live rate is on the "Rates" page in ArgHub, and exchange houses with their terms are in the "Currency exchange" section.
Does the blue dollar still exist?
Yes, it is published, but since 2025 the gap with the official rate has been small (on 26.09.2026, under 1%). See the current figures on "Rates" in ArgHub.
Can I exchange euros and rubles?
Almost all exchange houses take euros, at a less favorable rate than dollars. Rubles are exchanged only by some houses; check their cards for the terms.
Is it safe to exchange on Calle Florida?
It is informal exchange with no protection: there is a risk of counterfeit bills and short-changing. A licensed exchange house is better.