Argentina card dollar today — spending abroad
Live Argentine *card-dollar* rate — official rate plus PAIS tax and Income Tax perceptions. The effective cost of credit- or debit-card spending abroad.
| Type | Buy | Sell | Spread vs official | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official dollar | $ 1.370,00 | $ 1.420,00 | — | 24/4/26, 2:00 p. m. |
| Blue dollar | $ 1.400,00 | $ 1.420,00 | 0.00% | 26/4/26, 6:00 p. m. |
| MEP dollar | $ 1.437,00 | $ 1.441,40 | +1.51% | 26/4/26, 6:00 p. m. |
| CCL dollar | $ 1.494,60 | $ 1.495,80 | +5.34% | 26/4/26, 6:00 p. m. |
| Card dollar | $ 1.781,00 | $ 1.846,00 | +30.00% | 24/4/26, 2:00 p. m. |
| Crypto | $ 1.482,00 | $ 1.482,10 | +4.37% | 26/4/26, 6:00 p. m. |
What is the card dollar and what taxes does it include?
The card dollar (also known as solidario or turista) is the effective exchange rate for credit- or debit-card spending in foreign currency. It is not a separate rate: it is the retail official rate plus a combo of taxes.
Components historically include: PAIS tax (30% since 2019, with variable levels over time) and Income / Wealth-tax perceptions (typically 30-45%). Rates and compositions have been repeatedly revised, so the card dollar is a number that recomputes with each fiscal reform.
Operationally, it matters when deciding whether to pay a USD service with a card or buy MEP and pay from a USD account. MEP usually beats card once the official spread exceeds ~30%. For travelers, a simple card-vs-MEP comparison tells you which route to use for consumption and cash.
Common questions
What does the card dollar cost today?
The total price (official + current taxes) is shown above, refreshed from dolarapi.com which tracks active perception rates.
Card or MEP — which is cheaper?
Depends on the spread. If MEP < card: pay from a USD account using MEP. If the difference is small, the card simplifies operations. Recompute monthly — card-tax rates change.
Which taxes apply to the card dollar?
Historically: PAIS tax plus Income-tax perception. Rates vary with fiscal policy. Always check AFIP rules before large operations.
Can I recover the tax?
Income / Wealth-tax perceptions are recoverable if you are subject to those taxes. The PAIS tax has historically not been recoverable. Consult an accountant.
Does the card dollar apply to travel cash?
For card spending abroad, yes — it is the effective cost. For cash there is no *card-cash* rate — travelers typically combine MEP plus USD-account withdrawals, or buy cash dollars through the active retail channels.
Analyze the card dollar with AI
Open the Rueda AI terminal and ask in natural language: historical spread, impact on bonds, MEP implied from AL30, and more.
Open Terminal