If you are thinking of traveling to Argentina, before embarking to the land of wine, tango and natural wonders, you should know how the country's exchange rate works. It is common to visit any destination and find a single exchange rate, but as if it were a puzzle to put together, the dollar in Argentina is divided into different rates, depending on the market and the consumer. That is to say, the value of the same greenback can vary considerably, opening doors to different exchange rates. You will be surprised! Now, how many exchange rates are there in Argentina? Below, we have created for you a basic guide so that you can understand the dollar in Argentina - without going crazy - and enjoy an amazing trip avoiding any confusing or uncomfortable situations.    Basic guide to understand the Dollar in Argentina
Every day you will find thousands of tourists exchanging currencies in one of the main streets of Buenos Aires, Florida Street / Photo: Fuente

Official Dolar 

This dollar is established by the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic (BCRA), it is the base from which the rest of the existing exchanges in the country will come from. It has two exchange rates: retail, used by banks with their clients, and wholesale, for operations between financial entities and foreign trade. This is the value of the dollar that you will receive when you withdraw money at the bank or ATM and when you pay for something with your credit card. You can find the quotation of this dollar here   

Solidarity Dollar

It is the one that is acquired in authorized financial entities and has a monthly purchase limit of $200 dollars for Argentines. Its price is higher than the official dollar because taxes to the country are added to the official retail exchange rate. Travel Tip: It is advisable to always check the local exchange rate before leaving, a place where you can do it is through the website dolarhoy.com where you can know the exact exchange rate of the day.  

Tourist Dollar or Card 

It is the exchange rate applied for people who make purchases in usd (such as Netflix or Amazon) and / or those who want to travel abroad from Argentina and use their credit or debit cards. It arises from adding 75% in taxes to the official retail dollar. To reinforce, this type of quotation applies only to Argentines.  

Dollar Exchange or MEP

It is the exchange rate that occurs through the purchase of bonds in pesos and then their sale is made in dollars, a clear example of this is the Electronic Payment Markets. A broker is required for this type of exchange.   Basic guide to understand the Dollar in Argentina
One of the most visited regions in Argentina is undoubtedly Patagonia, the most visited destinations are: El Calafate, Ushuaia, Bariloche and Puerto Madryn / Photo: Hasbleidy Chacón 

Blue Dollar

This is the most popular exchange rate in Argentina and you will surely hear about it even before arriving in the country. This exchange rate is well known because the value of the blue dollar is very different from the value of the official dollar being beneficial for anyone arriving with dollars to the country. And, although technically this exchange rate is illegal and "unofficial", it is a necessary foreign exchange market in the Argentine economy and used by thousands of people on a daily basis. All the media, both on TV and in newspapers, constantly publish both rates. Travel tip: You will find many people in the streets offering to buy and sell the blue dollar, that's why we recommend you to be careful where you decide to make the exchange... The key is to know the daily exchange rate and go to safe exchange houses.  

New measures: Tourist Dollar 

Recently the Government announced a new version of the dollar called Dolar Turista, the government and the Central Bank (BCRA) seek to promote a higher exchange rate for foreign tourists. As of this new rule, foreign tourists arriving in the country and wishing to exchange their dollars, will be able to do so in financial entities up to a limit of $5000 USD. Now, the question that arises is the following: Will the change to tourist dollar be as beneficial for tourists as the change to blue dollar? This question is too early to be answered at the moment, but we may review it in the not too distant future.

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As you just realized the dollar in Argentina is a complex world of quotes, however, to summarize all this mess we can leave you two major conclusions: 1. As a tourist it is highly recommended that you travel to Argentina with dollars (all Argentines will be happy that you bring them!) and 2. Knowing this, believe us when we tell you that it will be easier for you to travel to one of the most visited destinations in South America!
  By: Hasbleidy Chacón, Content Coordinator and Spanish language writer for Daytours4u.