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Argentina price guide

Prices in Argentina in 2026: fair price vs tourist trap

Short answer: about average, if you pay what locals pay. Fair prices sit 13% above the 60-country median, and tourist prices are about 2.4× the fair price.

29 prices checked Apr – Aug 2026 6 verified and 23 estimates How I check

Fair prices at a glance

All 29 prices are also in the free app for iPhone and Android, and they work offline. Get it

One day in Argentina: AR$58,900 or AR$124,301

About $39 or $82 a day.

The first number is what locals pay, the second what tourist spots charge for exactly the same day.

Same day, same things: the tourist version costs 2.1× as much.

Restaurant meal alone: AR$70,000, or 56% of the tourist-trap day.

+AR$65,401 (about $43) for the same day

What's in the day. Middle of each range
Item Fair (AR$) Trap (AR$)
Street food meal 6,500 16,000
Restaurant meal 36,500 70,000
Coffee (espresso) 3,500 5,751
Water 1.5 L 2,000 4,750
Local beer 6,750 13,500
Public transit ticket 2 rides 2,250 5,300
Short taxi ride about 1 km 1,400 9,000
Total 58,900 124,301
  • Sightseeing comes on top: a ticket to a top museum or attraction is AR$8,000 –⁠ AR$20,000 (about $5 –⁠ $13).
  • Accommodation is left out on purpose: it swings too much with the season and the night of the week for one honest number.

Where tourists overpay most in Argentina

Tourist-trap price compared with the fair price, using the middle of each range.

  1. 1 City taxi 1 km Fair AR$800 – AR$2,000 Trap AR$5,000 – AR$13,000 Tourist prices are about 6.4× the fair price
  2. 2 Local handcraft Fair AR$12,000 – AR$40,000 Trap AR$40,000 – AR$180,000 Tourist prices are about 4.2× the fair price
  3. 3 Half-day group tour Fair AR$40,000 – AR$80,000 Trap AR$150,000 – AR$350,000 Tourist prices are about 4.2× the fair price

Check a price you were quoted

Pick what you are buying, type the price, and see where it lands.

about $6.60

Tourist-trap price

Fair AR$800 – AR$2,000 Trap AR$5,000 – AR$13,000

AR$10,000 is 7.1× the middle of the fair range (AR$800 –⁠ AR$2,000).

Tourists often get charged AR$5,000 –⁠ AR$13,000. From AR$5,000 you are paying the tourist-trap price.

In the app, every expense you log on a trip gets the same check, offline.

Fair vs tourist prices in Argentina, item by item

What 29 everyday things should cost, and what tourists often pay instead. Typical for Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Bariloche, Salta, and Córdoba.

Show prices in
  • Fair price
  • Tourist-trap price
  • Verified
  • Estimate

Bars run from zero to each item's top tourist-trap price.

Food & drinks 8 prices, up to 2.7×

Restaurant meal: fair is AR$28,000 –⁠ AR$45,000. From AR$50,000 you are on the tourist menu.

  • Water 0.5 L

    Bottled, convenience store

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.4× the fair price
    Fair AR$1,200 – AR$2,500 ≈ $0.79 – $1.60
    Trap AR$3,000 – AR$6,000 ≈ $2 – $3.90

  • Coffee (espresso)

    Cafe or street vendor

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 1.6× the fair price
    Fair AR$2,500 – AR$4,500 ≈ $1.60 – $3
    Trap AR$4,501 – AR$7,000 ≈ $3 – $4.60

  • Local beer

    Draft, at bar or restaurant

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.0× the fair price
    Fair AR$4,500 – AR$9,000 ≈ $3 – $5.90
    Trap AR$9,000 – AR$18,000 ≈ $6 – $12

  • Restaurant meal

    Tourist area, main course

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 1.9× the fair price
    Fair AR$28,000 – AR$45,000 ≈ $18 – $30
    Trap AR$50,000 – AR$90,000 ≈ $33 – $59

  • Street food meal

    Local market or stand

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.5× the fair price
    Fair AR$4,000 – AR$9,000 ≈ $2.60 – $5.90
    Trap AR$12,000 – AR$20,000 ≈ $8 – $13

  • Cocktail at bar

    Mixed drink, bar

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.6× the fair price
    Fair AR$6,000 – AR$10,000 ≈ $3.90 – $6.60
    Trap AR$10,001 – AR$16,000 ≈ $7 – $11

  • Bottle of wine (restaurant)

    House wine, restaurant

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.7× the fair price
    Fair AR$8,000 – AR$12,000 ≈ $5.30 – $7.90
    Trap AR$18,000 – AR$35,000 ≈ $12 – $23

  • Fresh juice

    Cafe or street stall

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.5× the fair price
    Fair AR$5,000 – AR$8,000 ≈ $3.30 – $5.30
    Trap AR$8,001 – AR$12,000 ≈ $5.30 – $7.90
Transport 4 prices, up to 6.4×

Airport taxi to the center: fair is AR$45,000 –⁠ AR$60,000. At AR$80,000 or more, walk away.

  • Airport taxi to center

    Standard route

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.2× the fair price
    Fair AR$45,000 – AR$60,000 ≈ $30 – $39
    Trap AR$80,000 – AR$150,000 ≈ $53 – $98

  • City taxi 1 km

    Metered or typical fare

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 6.4× the fair price
    Fair AR$800 – AR$2,000 ≈ $0.53 – $1.30
    Trap AR$5,000 – AR$13,000 ≈ $3.30 – $8.50

  • Public transit ticket

    Single ride

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.4× the fair price
    Fair AR$750 – AR$1,500 ≈ $0.49 – $0.98
    Trap AR$2,300 – AR$3,000 ≈ $1.50 – $2

  • Private transfer (app)

    Grab / Bolt / Uber

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.6× the fair price
    Fair AR$10,000 – AR$30,000 ≈ $7 – $20
    Trap AR$35,000 – AR$70,000 ≈ $23 – $46
Souvenirs 3 prices, up to 4.2×

Fridge magnet: fair is AR$4,000 –⁠ AR$8,000. From AR$12,000 you are paying the souvenir-stall markup.

  • Fridge magnet

    Tourist shop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.1× the fair price
    Fair AR$4,000 – AR$8,000 ≈ $2.60 – $5.30
    Trap AR$12,000 – AR$25,000 ≈ $8 – $16

  • Printed T-shirt

    Tourist shop

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.4× the fair price
    Fair AR$15,000 – AR$35,000 ≈ $10 – $23
    Trap AR$40,000 – AR$80,000 ≈ $26 – $53

  • Local handcraft

    Ceramics, textiles, etc.

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 4.2× the fair price
    Fair AR$12,000 – AR$40,000 ≈ $8 – $26
    Trap AR$40,000 – AR$180,000 ≈ $26 – $120
Daily essentials 6 prices, up to 3.7×

Tourist SIM: fair is AR$500 –⁠ AR$9,000. From AR$10,000 it is the tourist-kiosk price.

  • Tourist SIM card

    Data package

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.7× the fair price
    Fair AR$500 – AR$9,000 ≈ $0.33 – $5.90
    Trap AR$10,000 – AR$25,000 ≈ $7 – $16

  • Sunscreen SPF50

    Pharmacy or shop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.9× the fair price
    Fair AR$25,000 – AR$35,000 ≈ $16 – $23
    Trap AR$36,000 – AR$80,000 ≈ $24 – $53

  • Water 1.5 L

    Supermarket

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.4× the fair price
    Fair AR$1,500 – AR$2,500 ≈ $0.98 – $1.60
    Trap AR$3,500 – AR$6,000 ≈ $2.30 – $3.90

  • Cigarettes

    Pack of 20

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.6× the fair price
    Fair AR$3,000 – AR$5,500 ≈ $2 – $3.60
    Trap AR$5,600 – AR$8,000 ≈ $3.70 – $5.30

  • Painkillers (paracetamol)

    Pack of 20 tablets

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.7× the fair price
    Fair AR$5,000 – AR$8,000 ≈ $3.30 – $5.30
    Trap AR$8,001 – AR$14,000 ≈ $5.30 – $9.20

  • Mosquito repellent

    Spray or lotion

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 1.7× the fair price
    Fair AR$7,000 – AR$12,000 ≈ $4.60 – $7.90
    Trap AR$12,001 – AR$20,000 ≈ $8 – $13
Services 4 prices, up to 3.5×

One-hour massage: fair is AR$30,000 –⁠ AR$45,000. From AR$60,000 you are paying for the address.

  • Men's haircut

    Local barbershop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.4× the fair price
    Fair AR$8,000 – AR$25,000 ≈ $5 – $16
    Trap AR$30,000 – AR$50,000 ≈ $20 – $33

  • Laundry (per kg)

    Laundry service

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.4× the fair price
    Fair AR$2,000 – AR$5,500 ≈ $1.30 – $3.60
    Trap AR$6,000 – AR$12,000 ≈ $3.90 – $7.90

  • Massage (1 hour)

    Standard full-body massage

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.3× the fair price
    Fair AR$30,000 – AR$45,000 ≈ $20 – $30
    Trap AR$60,000 – AR$110,000 ≈ $39 – $72

  • Women's haircut

    Basic cut, salon

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.5× the fair price
    Fair AR$15,000 – AR$40,000 ≈ $10 – $26
    Trap AR$40,001 – AR$150,000 ≈ $26 – $98
Attractions 4 prices, up to 4.2×

Top museum or attraction: fair is AR$8,000 –⁠ AR$20,000. From AR$25,000, check that you are not buying through a reseller.

  • Top museum / attraction

    Entrance ticket

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.0× the fair price
    Fair AR$8,000 – AR$20,000 ≈ $5 – $13
    Trap AR$25,000 – AR$60,000 ≈ $16 – $39

  • Half-day group tour

    Organized excursion

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 4.2× the fair price
    Fair AR$40,000 – AR$80,000 ≈ $26 – $53
    Trap AR$150,000 – AR$350,000 ≈ $98 – $230

  • Full-day group tour

    Organized excursion 6-8h

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.6× the fair price
    Fair AR$120,000 – AR$170,000 ≈ $79 – $110
    Trap AR$170,001 – AR$280,000 ≈ $110 – $185

  • Cooking class

    Local cuisine cooking class

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.1× the fair price
    Fair AR$85,000 – AR$110,000 ≈ $56 – $72
    Trap AR$150,000 – AR$250,000 ≈ $98 – $165

Converted at 1 USD = 1,523 ARS, the rate on October 3, 2026. Approximate.

Money and tipping in Argentina

Currency

Argentine peso (ARS)

  • 1 USD = 1,523 ARS

Rate as of October 3, 2026

Quick converter, ARS to USD

$13

Approximate. Your card or exchange booth adds its own margin.

When a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, choose ARS. The rate it offers is almost always worse.

Tipping in Argentina

Leave around 10 percent propina for good service in restaurants. Tip in cash and in pesos, not dollars, even when you pay the bill by card, because card terminals usually cannot add a tip and staff rely on cash. It is appreciated but not mandatory.

Bargaining in Argentina

Prices in Argentina are mostly fixed, even at markets. Bargaining is not culturally standard, but you can politely ask for a discount ("¿Me puede hacer un precio?") at craft fairs and street stalls.

Fuel prices per liter

  • Gasoline AR$2,174 / liter ≈ $1.40
  • Diesel AR$2,323 / liter ≈ $1.50

Fuel prices as of

Scams and safety in Argentina

What tourists actually run into, from overcharging tricks to local laws. Open any item for the details.

Scam or crime Buenos Aires Mustard-and-distraction theft

In San Telmo, La Boca and Recoleta in Buenos Aires, a stranger squirts mustard or ice cream on your shirt; a 'kind woman' offers to clean it while an accomplice lifts your phone or camera. Pickpocketing on Subte lines A and D peaks around Congreso and Retiro stations. Don't stop when something hits you, keep walking with bag in front. Use Uber and pay in pesos through the app; never in cash in La Boca after dark.

Scam or crime Fake currency and 'Blue Dollar' exchange scams

Fake notes at street exchanges: arbolitos on Florida Street in Buenos Aires still offer the blue dollar rate, and counterfeit 10,000 and 20,000 peso notes turn up in Microcentro and at the San Telmo Sunday market. Since the currency controls ended in April 2025 the blue rate beats the official one by only a few percent, so the risk buys you very little. Use a licensed casa de cambio recommended by your hotel or a no fee card, check the watermark and the holographic strip, count every note yourself, and never let the stack go back to the changer.

Nature Patagonia weather and Iguazú slippery Falls

Patagonia's Fitz Roy, Perito Moreno and Torres del Paine regions see 100+ km/h winds and sub-zero summer nights, foreign trekkers die yearly. Iguazú Falls' wet walkways cause slip injuries; 3 fatal falls since 2020. Pack layers, wind-proof shell, and hiking boots for Patagonia; use the grippy handrails at Iguazú and never climb the barriers. Budget accommodation in Argentine pesos increases 5-10% monthly with inflation.

Emergency numbers in Argentina

Not sure who you need? Call this one. 911 Emergency number

Medical costs

  • Doctor visit Private clinic, general consultation without insurance $20 –⁠ $70 ≈ AR$30,500 –⁠ AR$107,000
  • Hospital night One night in a general ward without insurance $100 –⁠ $400 ≈ AR$152,000 –⁠ AR$609,000
  • Ambulance Emergency transport to hospital $70 –⁠ $450 ≈ AR$107,000 –⁠ AR$685,000
  • Dentist Check-up or basic treatment at a private practice $20 –⁠ $80 ≈ AR$30,500 –⁠ AR$122,000

Typical private prices a tourist pays without insurance.

Good to know before you go

Gestures and etiquette 1 note

Don't say just "Americans"

Don't refer to only US citizens as "Americans". Argentines consider themselves Americans too and find it dismissive. Never insult Maradona or Messi in any context. "Boludo" can be friendly between close friends but is very offensive coming from a stranger.

Buying souvenirs 1 note

Mate, Malbec & leather

A mate gourd with bombilla is the quintessential Argentine souvenir, find quality sets at San Telmo market in Buenos Aires. Malbec wine from Mendoza and alfajores (dulce de leche cookies) are perfect edible gifts. Leather goods from Calle Florida offer great value compared to European prices.

Driving and tolls 1 note

Use TelePASE for tolls in Argentina

Argentina's toll system is increasingly electronic. TelePASE is the national standard, offering significant discounts and access to express lanes. Many urban highways in Buenos Aires have transitioned to 'free flow' or electronic-only payment. Always carry ARS for remaining manual booths, as foreign currency is not accepted.

Did you know? 3 notes

  • Argentina consumes more beef per capita than almost any other country. An asado (barbecue) is a social ritual, not just a meal.
  • Tango was born in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires in the late 1800s. The best place to watch it is at a milonga (tango dance hall).
  • Argentina used to run a wide gap between the official rate and the informal blue dollar, but the currency controls were lifted in April 2025 and the rates now sit within roughly 3 percent of each other. A foreign card is usually as good as street cash.

Cities these prices cover 5 cities

The prices on this page are typical for these cities and the tourist areas around them.

  • Buenos Aires
  • Mendoza
  • Bariloche San Carlos de Bariloche
  • Salta
  • Córdoba

How Argentina compares

The TruePrice Index for Argentina, next to the countries people weigh it against and its nearest neighbors, all on one scale. 100 is the median of the 60 countries I track.

  1. Bolivia 40 Prices about 65% lower than in Argentina
  2. Brazil 86 Prices about 24% lower than in Argentina
  3. Ecuador 87 Prices about 23% lower than in Argentina
  4. Peru 90 Prices about 20% lower than in Argentina
  5. Colombia 100 Prices about 12% lower than in Argentina
  6. Chile 103 Prices about 9% lower than in Argentina
  7. Argentina 113 This page

Bars show each country's TruePrice Index. The dotted line marks Argentina.

See all 60 countries in the TruePrice Index Browse every country guide

Common questions about prices in Argentina

Is Argentina expensive to visit?

Short answer: about average, if you pay what locals pay. Fair prices sit 13% above the 60-country median, and tourist prices are about 2.4× the fair price. On the TruePrice Index, Argentina scores 113, the 24th most expensive of the 60 countries I track.

How much does a day in Argentina cost, without flights and hotel?

Roughly AR$58,900 (about $39) a day at fair prices, or AR$124,301 (about $82) at tourist prices. That covers two meals, a coffee, a bottle of water, a beer, two transit rides and a short taxi ride. Sightseeing comes on top (AR$8,000 –⁠ AR$20,000 for a top museum or attraction), and accommodation is not included.

Do you tip in Argentina, and how much?

Leave around 10 percent propina for good service in restaurants. Tip in cash and in pesos, not dollars, even when you pay the bill by card, because card terminals usually cannot add a tip and staff rely on cash. It is appreciated but not mandatory.

What currency does Argentina use?

The Argentine peso (ARS). On October 3, 2026, 1 USD was worth 1,523 ARS. Card terminals and ATMs that offer to charge you in your home currency usually give a worse rate, so pay in ARS.

How much is a meal and a beer in Argentina?

A restaurant main course is AR$28,000 –⁠ AR$45,000 (about $18 –⁠ $30) at fair prices, while tourist menus charge AR$50,000 –⁠ AR$90,000. A street food meal runs AR$4,000 –⁠ AR$9,000. A local beer is AR$4,500 –⁠ AR$9,000 (about $3 –⁠ $5.90), or AR$9,000 –⁠ AR$18,000 in tourist bars.

How much money should I bring to Argentina?

Budget roughly AR$58,900 (about $39) a day for food, drinks and getting around at local prices, or about AR$124,301 (about $82) at tourist prices. Add AR$8,000 –⁠ AR$20,000 for each major sight, plus your accommodation.

What is the emergency number in Argentina?

Call 911, the general emergency number. Direct lines: police 101, ambulance 107, fire brigade 100.

Sources and method

Where these numbers come from, and how sure I am about each one.

Prices
29 items: 6 verified and 23 estimates
Checked
to
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1,523 ARS,
Fuel prices
Cities
Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Bariloche, Salta, and Córdoba
Page updated

What the labels mean

Verified
Checked against recent local sources.
Estimate
Based on related prices and not yet confirmed.
Rough estimate
Thin data. Treat it as a ballpark.
Fair price
What locals typically pay.
Tourist-trap price
What tourists are commonly charged in tourist areas.
Markup
The middle of the tourist-trap range divided by the middle of the fair range. 3.0× means three times the fair price.
TruePrice Index
Fair prices for all 29 items compared with the median of the 60 countries I track. 100 is the median, 50 means half the median price and 200 twice it.

How to cite

TruePrice Index, October 2026, truepriceapp.com/en/trueprice-index/

Spotted a price that looks off? Email me at [email protected] and I will check it.

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