What is the currency of Argentina called? The Argentine peso is the currency of Argentina. A Brief History of the Argentine Peso, History of the Currency of Argentina

Argentine peso(sign: $; code: ARS) - the currency of the Argentine state. Consists of 100 centavos. Previously, this currency also had the name "peso", on this moment previous issues of the peso have different names. The modern currency of Argentina was introduced after the abolition of the Austral in 1992. The exchange rate fluctuated around 3 pesos per US dollar from 2002 to 2008, and is around 4 ARS from 2009 to 2011. To keep the peso, it was necessary to make occasional purchases of US dollars from the Central Bank.

Circulation area of ​​the Argentine Peso:

Argentina.

Argentine peso exchange rates:

• The exchange rate of the Argentine peso (ARS) to the ruble (RUB) online now on the Forex exchange (Forex)
• Rates, quotes for the exchange of cash Argentine pesos to the ruble in banks for today

History of the Argentine Peso.

After the introduction of the Argentine peso in 1992, it was replaced by the Austral at a rate of 1:10,000. There was also a controlled peso with a Central Bank exchange rate of 1 peso per 1 US dollar. The new peso was approximately equal to 10,000,000,000,000 moneda nacional pesos. After the violation of the fixed exchange rate and the financial crisis in 2001, it began to fluctuate within four pesos to one US dollar. The devaluation was 75%. The export boom led to a massive influx of US dollars into the Argentine economy, which led to the stabilization of the national currency. Some time later, the Central Bank announced its support for the strategy of maintaining the exchange rate between 2.90 and 3.10 pesos per US dollar, in order to maintain the competitiveness of exports. When necessary, the Central Bank prints pesos and buys dollars on the free market to protect the peso from inflation, $27,000 million has accumulated in the Central Bank's vaults, despite spending $9,810 million as an IMF payment in January 2006.

Argentine Peso (ARS) is the currency of Argentina. The symbol for the Argentine peso is the same as the dollar symbol ($). At the dawn of the 20th century, the Argentine peso was one of the most traded currencies in the world. Unfortunately, the next hundred years for Argentina were full of economic difficulties, during which time there were repeated periods of hyperinflation, and, ultimately, this Argentine currency depreciated.

The Argentine peso is subdivided into 100 centavos. There are banknotes in circulation in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 pesos. Coins in circulation: 1, 2, and 5 pesos, as well as 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 and centavos.

Argentine peso exchange rate

In the currency converter you can see the exchange rate of the Argentine peso to the ruble, the exchange rate of the Argentine peso to the dollar, and to the euro.

A Brief History of the Argentine Peso, History of the Currency of Argentina

Even before 1826, the then-used Spanish coin of eight reales began to be called "peso". After Argentina gained independence, new coins began to be used in the country: escudo, salt, and real. Coins continued to be used until 1881.

From 1881 to 1969, silver and gold peso coins were introduced. The gold coins were in denomination 2? and 5 pesos, silver - 5, 10, 20, and 50 centavos, and 1 peso. Copper coins of 1 and 2 centavos were also used.

From 1970 to 1983, the "peso lei" was used instead of the previous peso. 1 peso lei was equal to 100 pesos national. From 1983 to 1985, the previous currency, the peso, was used. From 1985 to 1991, the Austral currency was used.

In 1992, the latest version of the peso was introduced, which is called the "convertible peso" in the international market. The Central Bank of Argentina set the exchange rate between the peso and the US dollar at a ratio of 1:1. After 2001, due to the financial crisis, the fixed exchange rate between the two currencies was disrupted and since 2002 the exchange rate has fluctuated.

Banknotes and banknotes of Argentina, photo of the Argentine peso

Below are all currently issued banknotes of Argentina. For each banknote, a photo of both the front and back sides is given.

Number of Argentine pesos	Front side	Back side
2 Argentine pesos
5 Argentine pesos
10 Argentine pesos
20 Argentine pesos
50 Argentine pesos
100 Argentine pesos

All payments within this Latin American country are made in Argentine pesos, with the exception of bank card payments. However, cashless payments are not available everywhere. Below we have collected life hacks and helpful tips about how to competently and with the least losses exchange euros and dollars in Argentina and at the same time not be deceived on the black currency market.

1. Where can I find out the official and black dollar exchange rate in Argentina?

In Argentina, from 2011 to the end of 2015, there was a huge black market for the currency. At the same time, in the official and black exchangers for the national currency of Argentina, the exchange rate against the US dollar (“dolar blue” or “dolar negro”) easily reached a difference of 50%, and at some points even 100%. This happened due to severe currency restrictions within the country.

However, at the end of 2015 new president removed them almost completely. So now in Argentina you can pay as in most civilized countries, without thinking about the black exchange rate. Although the black market has not yet disappeared and you can exchange money on it. However, the difference between the official and black rates is now no more than 1-2%, but the risks are very high.

The official and black exchange rates in Argentina can be found at www.ambito.com (see columns oficial and informal, compra). This course is indicative, so different places will offer rates slightly different from those indicated on the site.

It is best to go to Argentina with cash dollars, because it is for them that the most favorable rate is here. The euro is less expensive, and all other currencies are practically worth nothing. It can also be problematic to exchange bills less than $50.

2. Currency exchange in Argentina and the use of bank cards

2.1. Bank cards

It has become very convenient to use bank cards of Visa and MasterCard payment systems after the disappearance of the huge difference between the official and black rates. However, part of the money can be lost due to unfavorable conversions of banks and payment systems.

When paying in Argentine pesos, the payment system first converts pesos into dollars, and then your bank then dollars into rubles (if the card is attached to a ruble account). It is more profitable to open a card in US dollars before the trip and get by with one conversion. And do not forget to notify the bank about the country and dates of travel before leaving, so that on the first day you do not have your cards blocked.

You will not be able to pay with a card in some inexpensive restaurants and small shops, in taxis. It happens that the store does not include the bank commission in the price when paying by card. So when paying by cashless, the store can take a commission, but when paying in cash, you won’t have to pay extra. Sometimes in Argentina you can agree with the seller to exclude VAT (21%) from the price or make a 10-15% discount when paying in cash (this works, for example, in some hotels). This will not work when paying by card.

With cash withdrawals in Argentina, you are in for a few unpleasant surprises:

• Even if your excellent bank does not charge commissions for withdrawing cash from ATMs abroad, Argentine banks will gladly take it. And its size will be around 6-8 USD per transaction. Even if you want to withdraw the peso equivalent of 10 USD. It would seem that such losses can be minimized by removing very large sums at a time. Alas, more than 2000 pesos (in rare cases 3000 pesos) ATMs do not give out for one transaction. Therefore, get ready to give 3-5% of the withdrawn amount to an Argentinean bank.
• Lack of cash in ATMs is a common thing in Argentina. In addition, with a high probability you will also have to stand in line at the ATM.
• Even more common is that there are no ATMs 🙂 If you can find ATMs in the city center quite quickly, then in ordinary areas you often have to make a mini-journey in search of an ATM. Even in developed Buenos Aires, this is a big problem.

2.1. Airport

IN international airports Ezeiza and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery are official exchangers. The course in them is less profitable than in banks and exchange offices in the city. In addition, there are almost always a lot of people. You can also try to change small amounts at the racks of different travel agencies and car rental agencies.

2.2. Official exchangers (casa de cambio)

Between 2011 and 2015 official exchangers practically ceased to exist. At that time, it was pointless to exchange money at the official rate. Since 2016, this area has begun to revive, but there are still not very many official exchangers in Buenos Aires. Unlike banks, the opening hours of exchangers are quite social: money can be changed both in the evening and on weekends. Minus - unfavorable exchange rate.

Do not neglect the legality of the exchange office. During the years of the reign of the black currency market in Argentina, a huge number of illegal exchangers have formed, which have not yet disappeared. In underground exchange offices there are big risks of getting. Remember that official exchangers are usually located in plain sight: they can be easily found on the main streets, while illegal exchangers are usually well hidden.

Addresses of a couple of official exchange offices in Buenos Aires:

• Columbus Casa de Cambio (San Martín 529);
• Paris Cambio (Sarmiento 399).

• Galerías Pacifico (Florida 737);
• Patio Bullrich (Posadas 1245).

2.3. Arbolitos (street money changers) on Florida Street

"Arbolito" is translated as "tree" and is applied to a huge number of street changers. Like planted trees, they stand along the edges of the Florida tourist street in Buenos Aires and shout the word “Cambio!” several thousand times a day. (currency exchange). Even after the abolition of foreign exchange bans, arbolitos have not gone away. There are two reasons for that:

• Many tourists still change money with them - it's fast and convenient. At the same time, most do not even suspect that since the end of 2015, money can be changed at almost the same rate in banks.
• Many Argentines prefer not to "shine" their foreign exchange savings.

Arbolitos can often offer a rate of 1-2% more profitable than a bank one. True, the risks of getting a fake or being cheated are great here. If before for them it was good business, which without deceit brought great benefit, now it has become much more difficult to earn money by illegal exchange. So the temptation to deceive customers has grown. All this applies to unofficial exchangers.

2.4. Shops on Florida Street

In some cases, it is convenient to buy goods directly for dollars. Many stores, in particular on Florida Street, will gladly accept dollars and euros. The course in stores, as a rule, is quite profitable - this is one of the forms of attracting customers. If you wish, you can also exchange a hundred or two dollars for pesos. The same goes for almost everyone. tourist places: souvenir shops, tango shows, sightseeing tours, and.

2.5. Banks

The most reliable and profitable place for currency exchange in Argentina is a bank. True, the country's banking system is still in the last century, in the 2000s it almost did not develop. As a result, a deplorable picture emerged: there are few banks in the country, they do not like to work normally (the usual work time Argentine bank from 10 to 15 on weekdays), customer focus is close to zero (in a number of banks, a person cannot make a single transaction until he becomes his client and opens an account, which is usually impossible without a local identity card). There are always queues in banks, and few people want to stand in it to find out that they will not serve you.

3. Black dollar exchange rate in Argentina: history of appearance

For a long time in Argentina, the dollar was legally traded against the local peso at a ratio of 1:1. Since 2002, the peso began to depreciate rapidly, and the demand for the US currency has grown steadily. By 2011, there were so many people willing to buy dollars in Argentina that the country's central bank was selling several billion dollars a year. In the same year, the government experimented with the foreign exchange market and required disclosure of information about the income of individuals who wanted to purchase dollars. With this measure, it tried to prevent money laundering and tax evasion, as well as curb the hyperinflation raging in the country. Allegedly, the popularity of the peso among the population in the absence of access to the dollar should have grown significantly.

In 2012, the purchase of dollars in Argentina was completely banned. People were left in a situation where the Argentine peso depreciated by 30-50% in a year, while it was not possible to keep their savings in foreign currency. Thus, the demand for the dollar on the black market has reached cosmic proportions.

Argentines had practically no access to American or any other currency: it was impossible to buy and withdraw dollars from ATMs, and also make a money transfer in foreign currency. At the same time, when using bank cards, the rate became almost the same as the unofficial one. Let's say an Argentine abroad paid 100 USD by card. At the official exchange rate, they would amount to, say, 800 pesos. However, the bank withheld a special tax of 35%, turning 800 pesos into 1080.

The very fact of the black market for currency spoke of huge problems in the country's economy. This situation played into the hands of only foreigners who came not only as tourists, but also remained to live in Argentina. It was they who felt great here, receiving income in their countries in more stable currencies and, if necessary, exchanging them for pesos. Nothing good for Argentina, this situation would not end. As a result, with the advent of the new president, the ban on currency was lifted. In one day, the peso depreciated to the level of a black rate, and the country began to live in a new reality.

Currency sign: Arg$

ISO4217 code: ARS 032

The Argentine peso is the currency of the state of Argentina. In the past, the currency of Argentina also bore the name "peso", now the previous issues of the peso have other names (the peso of the national currency, the peso of law No. 18188, the Argentine peso, etc.). The modern currency of Argentina was introduced after the abolition of the Austral in 1992. The exchange rate of the peso fluctuated around 3 pesos to the US dollar from 2002 to 2008, and is around 4 pesos from 2009 to 2011. In order to maintain the value of the peso, periodic purchases of US dollars by the Central Bank took place.

In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2 pesos, coins in denominations of 1, 2 and 5 pesos, as well as coins in 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos.

Argentine peso coins

In the center of the obverse of the coin is the official motto of Argentina "EN UNION Y LIBERTAD" "In Union and Freedom", framed by a laurel wreath

In the center of the obverse of the coin is depicted the "May Sun" (a symbol of the Inca god Inti), on top of the sun there is an inscription in Spanish "REPUBLICA ARGENTINA" - the Argentine Republic, below the official motto of Argentina "EN UNION Y LIBERTAD" - "In Union and Freedom" is written

The coat of arms of the Argentine Republic is depicted in the center of the obverse of the coin.

In the center of the obverse of the coin is the City Hall of Buenos Aires.

In the center of the obverse of the coin is depicted the "Independence House" in the city of Tucuman

On the reverse of the coin, on the outer ring, the denomination is indicated in words in Spanish on top, and the date of minting is below; on the inner disk - a copy of the design of the reverse of the first Argentine coins minted in 1813, on which around the circumference there is an inscription in Spanish "PROVINCIAS DEL RIO DE LA PLATA" - "Province of the Rio de la Plata", and in the center the "May Sun" is depicted.

In the center of the obverse of the coin there is a copy of the design of the obverse of the first Argentine coins minted in 1813, on which there was an inscription in Spanish "EN UNION Y LIBERTAD·PTS·J·8S" around the circumference, the motto "In Union and Freedom", and in the center the coat of arms of the Provinces was depicted Rio de la Plata. On the outer ring of the obverse there is an inscription in Spanish on top "REPUBLICA ARGENTINA" Argentine Republic, on the bottom there is an inscription in Spanish "PRIMERA MONEDA PATRIA" - the first currency of the country.

Argentine peso banknotes

2 Argentine pesos- on the obverse of the banknote there is a portrait of B. Mitre

2 Argentine pesos- on the reverse of the banknote the museum of B. Mitre is depicted

5 Argentine pesos- the obverse of the banknote depicts a portrait of José de San Martin

5 Argentine pesos- on the reverse of the banknote there is a fragment of the monument of glory in Mendoza

10 Argentine pesos- the obverse of the banknote depicts a portrait of Manuel Belgrano

10 Argentine pesos- the reverse of the banknote depicts the Banner Monument in Rosario

20 Argentine pesos- on the obverse of the banknote there is a portrait of Juan Manuel de Rosas

20 Argentine pesos- depicted on the reverse of the banknote sea ​​battle at Obligado

50 Argentine pesos- the obverse of the banknote depicts a portrait of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento

50 Argentine pesos- the government building is depicted on the reverse of the banknote

100 Argentine pesos- on the obverse of the banknote there is a portrait of Julio Roca

100 Argentine pesos- on the reverse of the banknote, riders who arrived in new territories are depicted