Top payment methods in Argentina: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Argentina? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Argentina, with a population of around 47.59 million people, has a GDP of approximately 683.53 billion making it the 24th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Argentina is the Argentine Peso (ARS)
A diversified economy, its main drivers are its vast agricultural sector (soybeans, beef), industrial manufacturing, and rich natural resources. As a founding member of Mercosur, its economy is closely linked with Brazil, alongside China as another key trading partner.
| Country | Argentina |
|---|---|
| Population | 47.59 million |
| GDP (USD) | 683.53 billion |
| Global Ranking | 24th |
| Currency | Argentine Peso (ARS) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Argentina?
The digital wallet Mercado Pago is the leading payment method in Argentina, offering a comprehensive suite of services from online payments and in-store QR codes to bill management. Credit and debit cards are also extremely popular, largely due to the common practice of paying in installments ('cuotas'), which helps consumers manage the country's high inflation. Despite the rise of digital payments, cash in the form of the Argentine Peso remains widely used for daily expenses.
How to pay in Argentina
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Argentina.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| Digital Wallets (Mercado Pago) | Mercado Pago is the dominant digital wallet, used massively for QR code payments, online shopping, and P2P transfers in response to inflation and for convenience. | Online/In-person |
| Cards (Visa/Mastercard) | Credit and debit cards are a central part of the payment system, widely used online and in-person. Paying in installments (cuotas) with a credit card is very common. | Online/In-person |
| Cash & Vouchers (Rapipago) | Cash remains a key payment method. Unique cash voucher systems like Rapipago and Pago Fácil allow customers to pay for online purchases with cash at physical locations. | Online/In-person |
| Bank Transfers (Transferencias 3.0) | The "Transferencias 3.0" system enables instant, low-cost bank transfers via QR codes, connecting bank and fintech apps seamlessly. | Online |
Is PayPal available in Argentina?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Argentina.
Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card
Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.