Argentina Blue Rate Calculator
Instantly convert between US Dollars (USD) and Argentine Pesos (ARS) using the unofficial "Blue" market rate.
Sell USD (Get Pesos)
Buy USD (Pay Pesos)
Enter the current "Cuevas" rate.
Used to calculate the "Brecha" (gap).
Understanding the Argentina Blue Dollar
If you are traveling to Argentina or conducting business there, understanding the Dólar Blue (Blue Dollar) is crucial for your finances. The Blue Dollar is the informal or parallel exchange rate for the US Dollar in Argentina.
Due to strict currency controls imposed by the government, the official exchange rate is artificially low compared to the market demand. This disparity creates a parallel market where the US Dollar trades at a significantly higher value in Argentine Pesos (ARS).
Why use this calculator?
This Argentina Blue Rate Calculator helps you estimate:
- Actual Purchasing Power: How many pesos you will actually receive in cash exchanges (cuevas).
- The "Brecha": The percentage gap between the official bank rate and the street value of the dollar.
- Budgeting: Accurate cost estimation for travelers paying in cash versus credit cards.
Official vs. Blue Rate: The "Brecha"
The difference between the official rate and the Blue rate is known locally as the brecha. When the brecha is high (e.g., above 30-40%), travelers gain a massive financial advantage by using cash exchanged at the Blue rate rather than using foreign credit cards charged at the official rate (though the MEP rate for credit cards has mitigated this recently).
How to Exchange Money at the Blue Rate
Exchanging money at the Blue rate is technically illegal but widely tolerated and practiced openly. You can exchange money at:
- Cuevas: Informal exchange houses, often hidden in back offices or jewelry stores.
- Arbolitos: Street exchangers who shout "Cambio, Cambio" on pedestrian streets like Florida Street in Buenos Aires.
- Western Union: Often offers a rate very close to the Blue rate (sometimes even higher), allowing you to send money to yourself and pick it up in pesos.
Does the Blue Rate change daily?
Yes, the Dólar Blue is extremely volatile and changes hourly based on inflation, political news, and market sentiment. Always check the rate on the day of your exchange.
Are $100 bills worth more?
Yes. In the Argentine Blue market, pristine $100 USD bills (the "blue strip" new design) often command a higher exchange rate than smaller denominations ($20s, $50s) or old/damaged bills.
Amount in USD:$' + formatMoney(amount, 'USD') + '
';
resultHTML += 'Blue Rate Applied:$' + formatMoney(blueRate, 'ARS') + ' / USD
';
resultHTML += 'You Get (Blue Rate):$' + formatMoney(convertedAmount, 'ARS') + '
';
// Comparison logic
resultHTML += 'If exchanged at Official Rate:$' + formatMoney(officialConverted, 'ARS') + '
';
var brechaPercentage = ((blueRate – officialRate) / officialRate) * 100;
resultHTML += 'By using the Blue Rate, you gain an extra $' + formatMoney(difference, 'ARS') + ' (' + brechaPercentage.toFixed(1) + '% Brecha)
';
} else {
// Buying USD with ARS
convertedAmount = amount / blueRate;
currencyFrom = "ARS";
currencyTo = "USD";
// Cost at official rate (hypothetical, as restrictions apply)
var officialCostUSD = amount / officialRate;
resultHTML += 'Amount in Pesos:$' + formatMoney(amount, 'ARS') + '
';
resultHTML += 'Blue Rate Applied:$' + formatMoney(blueRate, 'ARS') + ' / USD
';
resultHTML += 'You Get (Blue Rate):$' + formatMoney(convertedAmount, 'USD') + '
';
var brechaPercentage = ((blueRate – officialRate) / officialRate) * 100;
resultHTML += 'Current Exchange Gap (Brecha): ' + brechaPercentage.toFixed(1) + '%
';
}
// Display Result
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('result');
resultDiv.style.display = 'block';
resultDiv.innerHTML = resultHTML;
}
function formatMoney(number, currency) {
// Format number with commas and 2 decimal places
return number.toLocaleString('en-US', {
minimumFractionDigits: 2,
maximumFractionDigits: 2
}) + ' ' + currency;
}