How much does Argentina cost per day?
Argentina swings between very affordable and surprisingly pricey, depending on how you pay and where you go. As a rough guide:
- Backpacker: USD 35-50 a day (hostel dorm, set-menu lunches, public transport)
- Mid-range: USD 70-120 a day (private room or 3-star hotel, casual restaurants, the odd taxi)
- Comfort: USD 150+ a day (boutique stays, steakhouse dinners, domestic flights)
Buenos Aires and Patagonia are the most expensive zones. The north (Salta, Jujuy) and smaller towns stretch your money much further.
Sample prices
- Hostel dorm bed: USD 12-20
- Private double, mid-range hotel: USD 50-90
- *Menú del día* (set lunch): USD 6-10
- A good steak dinner with wine: USD 20-35
- Coffee and a medialuna: USD 3-4
- Empanada: USD 1-1.50
- Local bus or Subte ride in Buenos Aires (SUBE card): under USD 0.50
- Long-distance bus, BA to Mendoza: USD 35-60
- Domestic flight, BA to El Calafate: USD 80-160
Money and cards
Argentina has a complicated currency situation. For years the "blue dollar" street rate beat the official rate. Today most foreign cards are charged at the favourable MEP/tourist rate, so paying by card (Visa or Mastercard) is usually a good deal and safe.
- Bring some US dollars cash in clean, newer bills as a backup; they are widely accepted and exchangeable.
- ATMs work but charge high fees and dispense small amounts, so withdrawals add up.
- Services like Western Union often give an excellent peso rate for cash pickup, a favourite trick of long-stay travellers.
- Always carry small peso notes; change can be scarce.
Saving tips
- Eat the lunchtime *menú ejecutivo* instead of dinner mains.
- Drink the house Malbec, it is cheap and excellent.
- Buy a SUBE card for cheap city transport across buses, metro and trains.
- Take overnight *cama* buses to save a night of accommodation.
- Tip around 10% in restaurants; it is appreciated but not always expected.
- Travel in shoulder season (spring and autumn) for lower prices than peak summer (December-February).
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