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In Argentina, the official rate for the U.S. dollar is lower than what you can get by changing cash. As of December 2nd, while the official rate sat around 160 pesos to the dollar, those with cash could exchange at about 300-322 pesos depending on the method. This phenomenon makes it clear that visitors should carry cash and consider using Western Union for transfers in Buenos Aires—even before arriving in Patagonia.
Brittany advises travelers to complete substantial Western Union exchanges while still in Buenos Aires, circumventing long wait times and uncertainty in smaller towns like El Calafate, where cash flow can quickly run out.