A Crucial Guide to Argentina’s Economy for Travelers: Understanding 51% Inflation and the Black Market for Dollars.

by | Jul 22, 2023 | Invest During Inflation | 18 comments




If you are a digital nomad, backpacker, traveler or visitor to Argentina you need this guide to the Argentine Peso and the Dólar Blue. Don’t show up here without a clear understanding of the complex dynamics and realities of the Argentine economy.

In this video I give you THREE KEYS for understanding the Argentine economy and then THREE OPTIONS for getting your hands on pesos.

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51% Inflation and BLACK MARKET DOLLARS | An Essential Guide to the Argentine Economy for Travelers

When planning a trip to any destination, it is crucial to understand the local economy and its implications on your budget. In the case of Argentina, the country’s economy has been grappling with certain challenges, specifically high inflation rates and a thriving black market for dollars. As a traveler, it is essential to get acquainted with these factors to make informed decisions during your visit.

Argentina has long struggled with inflation, and currently, the country is facing one of the highest inflation rates in the world. In 2021, the annual inflation rate reached a staggering 51%. This means that prices for goods and services can increase rapidly, significantly impacting your expenses while traveling.

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The reasons behind Argentina’s persistently high inflation are multi-faceted. Economic mismanagement, excessive public spending, and a history of currency devaluations all contribute to this ongoing issue. The Argentine peso has been significantly devalued over the years, meaning that prices for imported goods are often much higher than in other countries. As a traveler, it’s essential to consider the potential impact on your travel budget.

One crucial aspect to be aware of is the thriving black market for dollars, also referred to as the “blue dollar” or “dólar blue.” The black market arises due to various exchange rate restrictions and regulations imposed by the government to prevent capital flight and preserve foreign reserves. As a result, a parallel, unofficial exchange rate exists, which offers a significantly better rate than the official market.

While the official exchange rate might not accurately reflect the purchasing power of your currency, it is crucial to understand that participating in the black market is illegal. Engaging in such activities can result in significant penalties, including fines and even imprisonment. Consequently, as a responsible traveler, it is advisable to stick to the official exchange rate and conduct transactions through authorized and reputable financial institutions.

To navigate Argentina’s economy, travelers should plan their budgets accordingly. Researching the current exchange rates and monitoring inflation trends before arriving in the country can provide a useful benchmark for your expenditure. It is essential to keep this in mind while budgeting for various expenses such as accommodation, meals, transportation, and tourist activities.

Furthermore, it is advisable to carry a mix of cash and debit/credit cards to ensure access to funds in case of any unforeseen circumstances. ATMs are widely available in Argentina, but it is essential to check for any international transaction fees or limits imposed by your bank. Additionally, inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid your cards being flagged for suspicious activity when used abroad.

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As the Argentine economy continues to fluctuate, it is also vital to stay updated on current events and changes in government policies that may impact the economy and exchange rates. Keep an eye on reputable news sources and consult with locals or fellow travelers who may have up-to-date information. This awareness will allow you to adapt your spending and make smarter financial decisions while exploring Argentina.

In conclusion, understanding Argentina’s economic landscape, particularly the high inflation rate and the existence of a black market for dollars, is essential for any traveler visiting the country. By doing proper research, budgeting wisely, and adhering to legal financial channels, you can have a rewarding and enjoyable experience while minimizing the impact of economic challenges on your trip.

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18 Comments

  1. Globalnomad

    What happens if you wire yourself 500 US$ to Western Union in BA then the day before you fly out you have under spent by 200 US$? Where should you go to change back to US$?

  2. Cameron Eaton

    I am also from New England and will be studying abroad in Argentina/Buenos Aires in a month! Thanks for your straightforward and informative content 🙂

  3. George Chiesa

    They don't give you 92% LESS/Fewer PESOS !!!! That's NOT how the math works! You get circa 90%, whatever the exact number, the formula is [ (BLUE – OFFICIAL) / OFFICIAL ] MORE PESOS if you sell dollars in the BLUE market compared to the official market [thus you divide by OFFICIAL], AND you get – in your example – almost 50% LESS/FEWER pesos if you sell dollars in the OFICIAL market compared to the BLUE market [THUS YOU WILL DIVIDE BY BLUE] thus [(BLUE – OFFICIAL) / BLUE]. QED.

  4. Patrick Overhage

    Great and insightful video! I'll be moving to Buenos Aires from Germany soon and am really excited for this adventure. Really appreciate the great content you put out there. Btw, the official rate is not 92% less than the blue rate, it's 48% 🙂 Hope we can see more of these really helpful vids coming!

  5. JOJO

    lol I'm Argentine

  6. Ansar M. Smith

    Brilliant video, concise, detailed, and to the point, like a true north easter. Looking forward to visiting CABA this June, and taking advantage of the exchange rate. Especially to buy my ticket back to Los Angeles.

    The video is 7:15 and my birthday is July 15th, so obviously meant to be. Cheers

  7. Franks Challenguer

    Hola, conoces el canal de ace live?, un norteamericano tambien, que anda de paseo por argentina!

  8. Jeffrey Wolf

    What are some of the risks of exchanging currency on the black market. I'm gunna go with western union!

  9. Pau Chiari

    Most registered exchangers also deal blue dollars "once inside". We use them all the time and it's safe. If you walk into one, just ask how much for a dollar and you'll know. If it's the official rate, then you just walk out. But I've never had to walk out.

  10. Rocknroll

    Great subject for a video, Brian. I'm in the very early stages of exploring USDC (USD crypto stablecoin), with a view to whether it might be a useful avenue of exchange in Argentina. Is this something you've tried or do you know anyone who has tried it?

  11. Pedro Pedrin

    Hola que tal. Estabas viviendo en la Argentina porque te gustaba mucho el país, pero te fuiste y pregunta si pensás volver a la Argentina o no volvés mas. Besos Abrazos Bendiciones desde Lincoln Argentina
    Hi how are things. You were living in Argentina because you liked the country a lot, but you left and he asks if you plan to return to Argentina or if you don't come back anymore. Kisses Hugs Blessings from Lincoln Argentina

  12. Axel Pap

    La inflacion en USA es del 20% o mas , solo que la disfrazan no contando cosas como el alquiler de una vivienda, alimentos, auyomoviles etc

  13. Anthony McCarthy

    As someone who just moved to Buenos Aires this video is spot on. I landed last week and transferred money to a local western union on their app, went in with my ID and 5 mins later was out and had my arg pesos. Great video and content!

  14. Pablo Alvarez

    Muy bien explicado. Es una locura pero that's the way it is !

  15. Teil Jorgensen

    Hello Brian BA: Great info!!! I am a retired US guy looking to escape the insanity of the US. Do you know of any honest and reliable Argentines who provide immigration services for a reasonable fee? I know times are hard all over, so I'm sure there are some sharks out there who would relish a gringo goulash.;-) Also, do you know of any people who have one bedroom flats available in Tigre? (I understand it's a bit safer in the BA exurbs.) Thanks for your interesting videos!

  16. Daryl Baines

    Get back down here Brian, you're missing all the lovely hot weather.

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