Dólar Blue Converter
Convert between blue, official, MEP and CCL dollar in Argentina.
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About the dollar in Argentina
Argentina has a foreign exchange market with multiple dollar exchange rates. The blue dollar is the informal market rate, usually significantly higher than the official rate. This difference is known as the "exchange rate gap" and reflects currency control restrictions.
Exchange rates are constantly updated during business days. On weekends and holidays, the last available rates are maintained. Our converter obtains real-time data from the public DolarAPI.com API.
Frequently asked questions
What is the blue dollar?
The blue dollar is the exchange rate of the US dollar in the Argentine informal market. It is bought and sold outside the official banking system, mainly in "cuevas" (informal exchange houses) and between individuals. Its price is determined by supply and demand, without intervention from the Central Bank.
What is the difference between the blue dollar and the official dollar?
The official dollar is the exchange rate regulated by the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic (BCRA). It can only be accessed with limitations (currency controls). The blue dollar arises as a response to these restrictions: those who cannot buy official dollars turn to the parallel market. The difference between the two (exchange rate gap) can exceed 100% during periods of high economic uncertainty.
What is the exchange rate gap?
The exchange rate gap is the percentage difference between the blue dollar and the official dollar. It is calculated as: ((Blue - Official) / Official) x 100. A high gap indicates strong capital controls or distrust in the local currency. It is a key indicator of the Argentine economy that investors and savers closely follow.
What are the MEP and CCL dollars?
The MEP dollar (Electronic Payment Market) is obtained by buying bonds in pesos and selling them in dollars within Argentina. The CCL (Settlement in Foreign Currency) is similar, but the dollars are deposited in an account abroad. Both are legal and usually trade between the official and blue rates.
What is the card dollar?
The card dollar is what you effectively pay when making purchases abroad or in dollars with a credit or debit card. It is calculated by taking the official dollar and adding taxes: 30% PAIS tax + 30% income tax withholding (approximately 60% additional on top of the official rate).
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