Credit & Debit Cards – Schools in Argentina & Uruguay (2024)

FAQs

Are credit cards widely accepted in Argentina? ›

Important tips when travelling to Argentina

Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit cards, but don't rely on them – some travellers have reported problems getting vendors to accept credit cards.

Credit card payments imply a discount of up to 9% of the VAT. It is easy to find ATMs from the Redbanc, Cirrus, Link, Bancomat and RedBrow networks in the commercial centers of most cities. The most widely accepted credit cards are VISA, Diners Club and MasterCard.

Debit cards with a Visa or MasterCard logo are accepted for making purchases in many places in Argentina and Uruguay. Check with your bank to make sure your card is activated for use abroad and that your PIN will work overseas. There are numerous ATMs in the major cities, but more spotty coverage in provincial regions.

Tips for Using Credit Cards in Argentina

You can use any MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or Discover card in Argentina, although American Express and Discover are less widely accepted.

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In Argentina, cash payment options like PagoFacil and RapiPago are important online payment methods. The shopper orders online and pays with cash in specific stores and locations. These cash options are followed by debit and credit cards from MasterCard and VISA.

It's a smart idea to have both a card and some cash in UYU when you're in Uruguay. Some merchants will prefer cash, but having a card for higher value payments and in busier more tourist places is also convenient. Consider using a travel card from a provider like Wise alongside your cash for flexibility.

Note, that US dollars are widely accepted by many tourist-oriented businesses in Montevideo, Colonia de Sacramento, and Punta del Este, but a good idea is to exchange some pesos. Credit cards are also widely accepted in larger stores, hotels, and restaurants.

There are two main means of payment in Argentina: cash and bank card (debit or credit). Because the economic situation in the country is sometimes unstable, where possible it's better to make everyday purchases in cash, the simplest means of payment, and to pay by bank card in tourist areas.

Is US dollar accepted in Argentina? ›

In Argentina, US dollars are generally accepted in tourist areas but are not legal tender or widely accepted in the rest of the country. Chilean and Argentinian Pesos are not considered major currencies, and so banks and foreign exchange companies in your home country are unlikely to have a readily available supply.

Both Visa and Mastercard are globally accepted. Look out for the logo on ATMs and payment terminals in Argentina.

Taking money into Argentina

You must declare cash or travellers cheques worth more than 10,000 US dollars (in Spanish).

Cash Withdrawals

If you prefer to have physical cash on hand, you can withdraw USD from ATMs in Argentina. However, be sure to check the withdrawal limits and any associated fees to make an informed decision.

In Argentina, foreign currency cash may receive a beneficial exchange rate, so guests may choose to budget accordingly, but most places will accept credit cards.

In larger cities, most upscale restaurants, hotels and retail outlets readily accept credit cards. But in smaller shops and restaurants – and in smaller towns in Argentina – cash is usually the only accepted form of payment.

Money matters

Credit and debit cards are accepted in most bricks-and-mortar establishments in the touristy areas of Buenos Aires – although you may pay a couple of percent more for the privilege. And, as shown above, you'll often be asked to produce ID before you swipe.