Argentina Guide
Money
The Argentine peso, divided into one hundred centavos, is represented in this book by "$".
Since mid-2002 the exchange rate against the US dollar has fluctuated slightly around or just above the three-peso mark. Notes come in 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 denominations, while 1 peso and 1 (rare), 5, 10, 25 and 50 centavo coins are in circulation. Sometimes people are loath to give change, as coins can be in short supply, so it's a good idea to have plenty of loose change on your person; otherwise insist that they find change if they want to do business. Ask for small denomination notes at banks if possible, break bigger ones up at places where they obviously have plenty of change (busy shops, supermarkets and post offices), and withdraw odd amounts from ATMs ($190, $340, etc) to avoid getting your cash dispensed in $100 bills only – trying to buy a drink, an empanada or a postcard with a crisp $100 note can be a frustrating ordeal and won't make you many friends. Argentine money is difficult to change outside the country, except in Uruguay and border areas of Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay, where it may even be used as legal tender.