Currency & Money: Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Route)

The most advantageous method is using Western Union or similar money transfer services. This allows you to transfer money from your home country and pick up Pesos in Argentina at an exchange rate close to the 'dólar blue,' which is significantly better than the official bank rate or ATM rates. Plan to pick up cash in larger towns like Bariloche or San Martín de los Andes.

Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets in major towns. However, for smaller businesses, many gas stations, cafes, and especially for tolls, cash is either preferred or essential. Always carry ample cash as a primary payment method.

Always assume you'll need cash for fuel. While some modern gas stations in larger towns might accept cards, many others, particularly in more rural stretches, are cash-only or strongly prefer cash. Carry sufficient Pesos in various denominations, and fill your tank whenever possible.

There are no major toll booths directly on the main Ruta de los Siete Lagos (National Route 40 / Provincial Route 63). However, if your itinerary includes entering or exiting larger cities like Bariloche via certain access roads, you might encounter minor tolls. These are almost always cash-only, so have small bills ready.

While carrying cash is necessary for Argentina, it's wise to distribute it across different secure locations (e.g., money belt, separate pockets, hotel safe). Avoid displaying large sums of money. Only carry what you need for the day and be discreet when handling cash. Using Western Union to withdraw funds as needed, rather than carrying all your trip's cash at once, is a good strategy.

While some tourist-oriented businesses in major cities might accept USD at an unfavorable rate, it's not widely accepted for everyday transactions in Patagonia. It's always better to convert your USD to Argentine Pesos (preferably via Western Union) to get the best value and ensure smooth payments.

The 'dólar blue' is an unofficial, parallel exchange rate for US dollars (and other foreign currencies) in Argentina. It's typically significantly higher (more favorable for tourists) than the official government-controlled rate. For travelers, accessing a rate close to the 'dólar blue' (e.g., through Western Union or the 'tourist dollar' rate on credit cards) means your foreign currency will buy you much more in Pesos, making your trip significantly more affordable. It's crucial for budget planning in 2026.

This depends on your spending habits, but as a general rule, plan for at least ARS 50,000-100,000 per person for a few days of incidental expenses, fuel, and smaller purchases, especially if you won't be in a town with a Western Union regularly. Always have extra cash for emergencies, as ATMs are unreliable.