Booking flights
Getting to your trip starting location will most likely involve some air travel. Here is our brief guide on flights; including reservations, taxes and baggage.
Discover MoreDeep roots in Patagonia: We are ex-guides, tour leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, & adventurers.
We’ve got our feet on the ground: Impartial advice, a bespoke service, and at no extra cost.
For the ends of the Earth: Sustainability is more than our carbon footprint (but we’re reducing that too).
Ensuring you have the correct currencies when travelling, along with a budget and plan for tipping, is important for your peace of mind. In this guide, we share practical tips and advice on how best to navigate money during your adventure.
Before you dive into our guide, we wanted to let you know that Argentina elected a new government in December 2023, which resulted in some changes to the economy. Prices across various industries and services have been fluctuating and foreign exchange rates are more variable than usual. This will likely continue to be the case throughout 2024 as new legislation is rolled out.
If you will be visiting Argentina as part of your itinerary, we recommend that you check the 'blue dollar rate' ('Dólar Blue') and official exchange rates ('Dólar Oficial') before travelling to depart feeling as prepared as possible.
At present, foreign-issued credit cards represent the best and safest way to budget and pay for most of your travel costs.
For your trip to Chile/Argentina, we would recommend the following:
The official currency of Chile is the Chilean Peso ($). In contrast to Argentina, US dollars are rarely used day-to-day when paying for things but are easy to exchange during office hours (9am to 6pm). Some hotels may exchange USD for pesos in an emergency, but we wouldn’t recommend that you rely on it.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout Chile. You can also easily withdraw cash from an ATM.
Chile does not have a significant black market for foreign currency so you’ll largely find the same rate being applied throughout the country.
You can see all legal Chilean peso tender notes on the Central Bank of Chile’s official website.
Chilean pesos
Argentine pesos
The official currency of Argentina is the Argentine Peso ($). However, it's common to use US dollars in tourist areas, and most hotels and restaurants used to dealing with international travellers will accept them.
Argentina currently has a black market (known as the 'blue' market) for foreign currency, so travelling with and spending US dollars in cash is recommended. This is an accepted way of life, so don’t worry, you’re not doing anything illegal. Most establishments (cafes, bars, restaurants and tour operators) will accept US dollars in cash at a slightly better rate than when using credit cards, but the actual exchange rates will vary greatly. You may save anywhere from 5-50% over the official exchange rate. Always ask what the exchange rate is before purchasing.
As foreign currency is not generally accepted outside of establishments catering to tourists, you will need to carry a small number of pesos for paying taxis, museums, supermarkets and so on, or use a credit or debit card.
If given the choice when paying by card to select either USD or Argentine Pesos, choose the local currency option (AR$) as this will give you the most beneficial exchange rate.
You can see all legal Argentine peso tender notes on the Central Bank of Argentina’s official website.
If you would like to understand more about the Argentine economy, both its history and the current situation, we recommend reading this article written by Swoop's Product & Partnerships Manager, David (also featured in the video above).
David is half Argentine and has spent many years living in and exploring Argentina.
Welcome to El Chaltén
All major towns in Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia have ATMs, but please note that El Calafate and El Chalten are notoriously problematic, so try to plan ahead and withdraw enough cash in Buenos Aires. If you are arriving from Chile, then a good way to get local currency is to pay for your dinner in US dollars, as the change will be given to you in local currency.
Most restaurants in towns accept Visa/Mastercard/Amex, however, please be aware that cards are not usually accepted in more remote parts of Chile and Argentina, so do stock up on local currency before venturing into more remote areas.
Even if you intend to pay by card and withdraw local currency from an ATM, please ensure that you carry some US dollars cash as your backup currency (remember to only take as much as your travel insurance covers you to carry).
I cannot praise Swoop highly enough. Everyone planning a trip to Patagonia should consider their services!
Travelled: November 2023
Jonathan Earl - UK
Get all your currency in Buenos Aires. Bring $100 bills for the best rate of exchange.
Travelled: March 2023
Beth Mansfield - USA
I feel like we were very prepared for the experience, culture and currency of Argentina and Chile as a result of the help and education we received from Swoop staff.
Travelled: February 2023
Ken Kerr - USA
Take 15% more cash out than you planned. Tipping guides, drivers and others adds up - we wish we would have had more cash on hand to really express our appreciation to all those that treated us so well! Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Jonathan Staker - USA
Review:
While in Argentina, a rough budget of $30-60 USD per person per day for lunch and dinner may be helpful.
In Chile, $40-80 USD per person per day should suffice.
However, this will obviously depend on where you choose to eat.
The only cash machine in El Chalten is usually empty, and the bank is rarely open. A lot of the restaurants in the town only accept cash; therefore it is important that you stock up on cash before travelling to the town.
It is customary to leave a tip for guides, drivers and hotel staff in USD at the end of their services, but you may want to carry a few extra pesos for tipping in local establishments such as restaurants and bars. It is at your discretion whether or not you choose to tip, but we generally suggest the following guidelines:
It is up to you to decide if you would like to tip. Guides are paid and do not rely on tips for their income, however, they work long hours throughout the season and are knowledgeable and passionate about what they do. Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for the great experience they gave you.
It may also be helpful to note:
Trekking from Estancia Cristina
Getting to your trip starting location will most likely involve some air travel. Here is our brief guide on flights; including reservations, taxes and baggage.
Discover MoreTo help you to choose places to stay that make sense for your itinerary, budget and preferences, we've created these location-based accommodation guides.
Discover MoreThis website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Privacy policy