Argentina Digital Nomad Money Guide 2025: Blue Dollar vs Credit Cards

The Economic Shift in 2025

Argentina's economy has stabilized somewhat, leading to a major change for digital nomads: The gap between the Official Rate and the Blue Dollar has narrowed significantly.

Blue Dollar vs. MEP Rate

• Past: You needed to bring piles of USD cash to get double the value.
• Present (2025): Foreign credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) give you the MEP Rate (Mercado Electrónico de Pagos), which is very close to the Blue Dollar rate.
• Verdict: It's now viable to live almost entirely cashless, using your foreign card for restaurants, supermarkets, and Uber.

Cash Still Rules (Sometimes)

• Small Vendors: Kiosks and some taxis still prefer cash.
• Discounts: Some shops offer a 10-20% discount for cash payments (even if the exchange rate gap is small).
• Customs Limit: You must declare cash > $10,000 USD upon entry.

Digital Nomad Visa

• Validity: 180 days, renewable once.
• Perk: Avoids the "perpetual tourist" status that immigration is cracking down on.

Community Insight

"I stopped Western Union runs. The 2% difference isn't worth the 40-minute wait in line. I just swipe my card everywhere now." — James, Palermo Soho