Cards, peso cash, open transit payments and dependable local apps
Argentina is much easier with a mixed payment plan. Foreign-issued Visa and Mastercard cards receive the card network's tourist conversion for purchases, but the rate still moves, card surcharges and cash discounts remain common, and small or rural businesses may accept only pesos or local QR transfers. Carry limited cash, choose Argentine pesos at every terminal, and compare the final rate rather than relying on an old claim that the exchange-rate gap has disappeared. Mercado Pago normally requires Argentine identity details, so it is not a useful tourist download. Buenos Aires subway gates and every bus using SUBE now accept foreign contactless Visa and Mastercard cards, but suburban trains still require a physical SUBE card. The SUBE app and SUBE Digital are poor visitor defaults because identity verification uses an Argentine DNI and the full app is Android-only. Use Uber or Cabify for app rides, PedidosYa for delivery, and WhatsApp for local contacts. Save tickets and addresses offline, watch phones and bags in crowded transport, and check official weather, park, road and service alerts before long journeys or Patagonia hikes. Call 911 for an immediate emergency.
The easiest first ride app for travelers, with the broadest current documented city coverage in Argentina.
A strong alternative with published service in nine Argentine cities and upfront trip estimates.
A useful price and availability comparison in Buenos Aires and many Argentine provincial capitals.
Buenos Aires City's app for licensed black-and-yellow taxis, with fare estimates and driver details.
The best first delivery app for restaurants, groceries and pharmacies across many Argentine cities.
A major-city alternative for food, groceries and convenience delivery when the exact address is covered.
A developing option during Uber Eats' progressive 2026 return, which began in Córdoba.
A new traveler wallet for Argentine QR payments and local Alias, CBU or CVU transfers without a local account.
An optional way to send pesos to yourself for cash pickup when the service supports your sending country.
Argentina's default channel for hosts, restaurants, guides, drivers and many local service businesses.
The best general map for Argentine addresses, businesses, walking, driving and urban trip planning.
A fully offline OpenStreetMap-based backup for roads, paths and saved places across Argentina.
The official Android app for live times, service status and station information on Trenes Argentinos lines.
The best all-purpose Spanish tool for offline text, camera translation and basic conversations in Argentina.
The best first app for comparing and booking many Argentine long-distance bus operators.
A second bus aggregator for comparing operators and routes across Argentina and neighboring countries.
Argentina's official app for forecasts, weather alerts, short-term warnings, radar and satellite data.
Reliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.
One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.
Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.
Use an official carrier store and complete registration and activation before leaving the counter.
Tourist-friendly choice with a straightforward purchase process.
A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.
Good-value option when price matters most.
The essential apps for Argentina are Uber, Cabify, PedidosYa, WhatsApp, Google Maps.
We've curated 17 apps across 10 categories for traveling in Argentina, including 7 essential apps.
Uber is the top-rated ride hailing app in Argentina. The easiest first ride app for travelers, with the broadest current documented city coverage in Argentina.
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