Argentina has always been a favorite destination for Brazilians, but the economic scenario in 2025 has brought important changes that every traveler needs to know before packing their bags. If you are planning your trip to our neighbors, this guide will help you understand exactly how much money to bring and how to prepare financially to make the most of your experience.

The new Argentine economic scenario:

Let’s start with the reality: Argentina is no longer the “cheap” destination we used to know. The economic reforms implemented by the current government have resulted in significant changes in prices, with inflation reaching 166% over the last 12 months through November 2024.

To give you an idea of the impact: a simple meal in Buenos Aires that cost around R$ 30 in 2023 now exceeds R$ 50. Prices for basic items like food and transportation rose by approximately 40% in 2024 alone.

But don’t worry! That doesn’t mean you should cancel your trip. With the right planning and up-to-date information, it is still possible to enjoy Argentina without breaking the budget.

More economical destinations: If Buenos Aires is straining your budget, consider alternative destinations such as Corrientes, Puerto Iguazú, or Cafayate, where you can experience incredible scenery while spending much less.

What is the best way to pay for your expenses?

1. Using the belo app: you can scan the QR code and pay like a local!

2. International debit card: Safer and with commercial exchange rates

3. Cash: USD or R$ for local exchange

4. Credit card: Accepted at most places, but with high fees.

Important tips:

• Avoid exchanging money at the airport (high fees)

• Look for official exchange offices in the city

• Always keep some cash for emergencies

• Use apps to monitor the exchange rate

Tips to save money:

Accommodation

To avoid accommodation taking up a large part of your budget, the ideal is to book everything well in advance.

It is also worth considering alternative stays, such as hostels or Airbnbs, which can be more advantageous if you are traveling with more people.

And finally, tourist areas will always be more expensive, so consider staying a little farther away, but still close to public transportation.

Food

• Explore local markets: Argentine markets are true culinary treasures where you can try fresh products and typical dishes for a fraction of the price of tourist restaurants. Mercado San Telmo and Feria de Mataderos offer everything from homemade empanadas to premium cuts of meat at local prices.

• Try neighborhood parrillas: Skip the parrillas in the tourist district and venture into residential neighborhoods like Villa Crespo or Chacarita. In these places, you’ll find authentic barbecues where locals actually eat, with prices up to 50% lower and quality equal to or better than restaurants in the city center.

• Take advantage of happy hours: Buenos Aires has a very strong happy hour culture, especially between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Many bars offer specials like “2-for-1” drinks and appetizers, as well as tablas de fiambres (cold cuts platters) that can easily replace dinner at a very affordable price.

Transportation

• Use public transportation: Argentina’s public transportation system is efficient, clean, and incredibly cheap. With the SUBE card, you can get around the whole city spending less than R$ 20 per day. The subway connects all the main points, and buses literally reach anywhere in Buenos Aires.

• Walk whenever possible: Buenos Aires is a very walkable city, especially downtown and in neighborhoods like San Telmo, Recoleta, and Palermo. Many attractions are just a few blocks apart, and walking lets you discover charming cafés, urban art murals, and small treasures you would miss by car or subway.

• Avoid taxis during peak hours: Between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Buenos Aires traffic becomes complete chaos. Besides being much more expensive because of the time stuck in traffic, you can take 40 minutes to cover a distance you would walk in 10 minutes. Prefer Uber or Cabify outside these hours for more predictable prices.

Sightseeing:

• Take advantage of free attractions: Buenos Aires offers an impressive number of free attractions: from the iconic Caminito to museums like MAMBA on Wednesdays. Parks such as Puerto Madero and Costanera Sur are perfect for picnics, and the Sunday fairs in San Telmo provide free entertainment with street tango shows.

• Buy tickets online in advance: Sites like TripAdvisor and GetYourGuide often offer discounts of 10% to 30% on major attractions such as the Teatro Colón and important museums. Besides saving money, you avoid lines and secure your entry, which is especially important in high season or at attractions with limited capacity.

• Consider free walking tours: Free walking tours are an excellent way to get to know the city with passionate local guides who tell stories you would not find in traditional guides. Although they are “free,” it is customary to leave a tip of R$ 20 to R$ 50, still much cheaper than traditional tours that cost R$ 150+.

Use our trip calculator

Now that you have a general idea of the costs, how about making a more precise calculation based on your travel profile?

Our tool takes into account your specific details such as:

• Trip duration

• Preferred type of accommodation

• Food style

• Activities of interest

• City of origin

In just a few minutes you will have a personalized and realistic budget for your trip to Argentina!

Conclusion

Traveling to Argentina in 2025 requires more careful financial planning than in previous years, but it is definitely still worth it. With a well-structured budget and the right tips, you can enjoy everything the country has to offer without unpleasant surprises.

Remember: the key is planning ahead and staying flexible. Use our calculator to get exact numbers based on your profile and start planning the trip of your dreams!