The old advice needs updating Buenos Aires no longer has one timeless rule that the informal “blue” market always pays dramatically more. Recent 2026 local discussions describe periods when official, MEP and street rates were close. Compare today's legal quote before accepting the risk of an unlicensed cueva. Cambio Baires at Plaza Italia, Avenida Santa Fe 4114, showed 4.7 from 1,550 Google reviews on 31 August 2026. Many reviews praised fast service and flexible quotes. Lower-rated reports said a WhatsApp quote was not honoured, damaged bills were discounted, or a nearby office paid more; one alleged a short count. House Exchange Palermo at Thames 2426 showed 4.6 from 801 reviews. Reviewers often liked pre-agreed WhatsApp quotes and friendly service. Contrary reports repeatedly said $20, $50 and $100 notes received different rates, or the final rate was below expectations. Cambio Baires Puerto Madero showed 4.7 from 459 reviews. Recent reviews mixed good service with note-condition deductions. Lower reviews questioned the unusually positive profile, complained of poor rates or damaged-note discounts, and mentioned limited currencies. How to make a clean comparison Use the BCRA retail reference as a benchmark, not a guaranteed counter price. Ask two registered agencies: “If I sell these US$1,000 notes, exactly how many pesos do I receive?” Confirm the rate for each denomination and note condition. Count the pesos at the counter and keep the receipt. The BCRA publishes authorised exchange agencies. If the spread versus an informal quote is small, the registered office usually wins on traceability and personal safety. Western Union is a remittance alternative, not a cash-exchange quote; compare its final ARS payout and collection friction separately. USDT Argentina's CNV publishes the PSAV register. Check the exact provider before converting USDT, and separate a regulated platform from an unknown cash broker. Confirm the ARS or USD payout, KYC, receiving wallet and receipt before transferring; never follow a last-minute request to use another person's account.