How Americans move money to Argentina now

Since Argentina lifted exchange controls for individuals, the cepo, in April 2025, cards and bank transfers settle close to the official rate and the street rate has lost its old premium. In September 2026 the official rate sits around ARS 1,545 per US$1. A US card covers daily spending, and a US-dollar wire covers rent deposits, savings and property.

That change retired the routine of carrying stacks of cash and hunting for a better rate on a street corner. The choice now comes down to who receives the money and which currency it has to arrive in.

Which route fits which job

Bank wire (SWIFT) suits rent deposits, savings and property purchases. US banks typically charge $25 to $50 for an outgoing international wire, the Argentine bank takes its own incoming fee, and the money lands in 1 to 5 business days. Dollars wired into a dollar account stay in dollars.

Before arranging a property deposit, compare Argentine homes on PlataPlace. Its listings identify the source and last-seen date; verify ownership and the recipient independently before wiring.

Western Union and similar transfer services suit sending money to someone else. Payment happens online, in the app or at a US agent; the recipient picks up cash at an agent in Argentina or receives a deposit into their bank account. The real cost is the fee plus the service's exchange margin, so the number worth comparing is what the recipient receives.

A US debit or credit card suits daily spending. A card with no foreign-transaction fee does the work, and when a terminal offers to charge in dollars, pesos is the better choice: the terminal's own conversion usually carries a markup.

Cash dollars still have a role, and since DNU 70/2023 rent can legally be agreed in dollars. Carrying more than $10,000 must be declared on leaving the US (FinCEN Form 105) and on entering Argentina. Exchange happens at banks or licensed exchange houses (casas de cambio).

What the recipient hands over

For a bank transfer, the sender needs the recipient's full name exactly as it appears on the account, the bank's name and SWIFT code, the 22-digit CBU (Argentina's bank account number) and usually the recipient's CUIT, CUIL or DNI number. A dollar account (caja de ahorro en dólares) has its own CBU, so that is the one to request when the money should stay in dollars.

For cash pickup, the recipient brings a DNI or passport and the tracking number you send them, the MTCN at Western Union. The name on the transfer has to match their ID.

Opening your own account takes a DNI plus a CUIL or CUIT. Until residence is granted and the DNI arrives, usually 2 to 6 weeks after the RENAPER appointment, most Argentine banks will not receive a wire in your own name. A US card and transfer services bridge that stretch comfortably.

Sending a wire, step by step

A wire runs through the same four steps every time, and the details decide whether it lands cleanly.

1. The wire form takes the recipient's full name and address, the bank's name and SWIFT code, the 22-digit CBU, and their CUIT, CUIL or DNI number.

2. Sending in US dollars is the right call when the receiving account is a dollar account, because the money stays in dollars on arrival.

3. The stated purpose is the real one: family support, rent, savings, a property purchase. On larger amounts a bank at either end can ask where the money came from, and the matching bank statement, sale contract or invoice answers that.

4. A first transfer to a new recipient can be small, with the rest to follow. The wire confirmation and SWIFT reference let the Argentine bank trace a delayed payment.

Taxes and US reporting on money you send

Moving your own money between your own accounts is not income in either country. Money given to another person counts as a gift for US tax purposes, and the sender files Form 709 once the amount passes the IRS annual gift exclusion.

Argentine accounts that together top $10,000 at any point in the year bring an FBAR (FinCEN Form 114), due April 15 with an automatic extension to October 15. Form 8938 is a separate IRS form with higher thresholds: $200,000 at year-end or $300,000 at any time for a single filer living abroad.

Common questions

What is the cheapest way to send money to Argentina from the US?

A US card with no foreign-transaction fee for spending, and a US-dollar wire into an Argentine dollar account for large sums, where no conversion happens at all.

How long does a money transfer to Argentina take?

Western Union cash pickup is often ready within minutes. A bank wire usually takes 1 to 5 business days.

Can I send US dollars instead of pesos?

Yes. Dollars wired into a caja de ahorro en dólares stay dollars, and the holder can withdraw them as dollar bills at the bank.

What details do I need to send money to someone in Argentina?

For a wire: their full name, bank name, SWIFT code, 22-digit CBU and CUIT, CUIL or DNI number. For cash pickup: their name exactly as printed on their DNI or passport.

Is the blue dollar still worth using?

Since April 2025 individuals can buy dollars freely, the street gap is small and US cards convert close to the official rate, so informal exchange adds risk for very little gain.