Live Update on Currency and Parallel Market Prices: The specific figures quoted by the officer, as well as the rates of the parallel market, were unveiled minute by minute on July 16, detailed online.
In Buenos Aires, the exchange rate landscape has undergone significant changes in recent months, with the government's recent policy shifts impacting the foreign exchange market.
As of early July 2025, the **current exchange rate for the blue dollar in Buenos Aires** is approximately **1 USD = 1,300 Argentine Pesos (ARS)**. However, it is essential to note that since April 2025, Argentina has unified its exchange rates, making the parallel "Dollar Blue" market largely irrelevant [1].
The difference between official and unofficial rates has narrowed substantially, and now there is basically just one exchange rate operating in practice, with official and blue dollar rates being very close [1]. For practical purposes, on the street or at informal markets ("caves"), the blue dollar exchange rate might still be around 1,190–1,300 ARS per USD, but the difference with official rates is minimal, so most people prefer to exchange money through official banks or exchange offices [1][3].
In addition to the blue dollar, there are other exchange rates to consider. The **official bank rate** is approximately 1,140 ARS per USD, while the rate at **exchange offices** is around 1,160 ARS per USD [2]. For those using **tourist credit cards**, the rate is approximately 1,107 ARS per USD [2].
These changes have made exchanging money through official channels more convenient and secure for both tourists and residents [1][4]. It is advisable to be cautious when exchanging money in informal places due to the accessibility and safety of official rates.
Meanwhile, the financial markets have also seen some fluctuations. The Nasdaq index is trading at 20,725.51 units on July 16, while the Dow Jones index is at 44,191.13 points on the same day [2]. The stock market performance is closely watched by investors, and any significant movements can have implications for the broader economy.
In the commodities market, Brent crude oil is trading at USD 68.53 per barrel on July 16, while oil (WTI) is at USD 66.42 per barrel [2]. The price of oil is a crucial factor in determining the overall health of the global economy, as it affects energy costs and the cost of goods produced worldwide.
In other news, the government is preparing for important announcements in the next two weeks that could bring calm to the foreign exchange market [2]. The IMF is expected to make announcements, and there is concern about the dollar in banks [2]. The Central Bank has taken measures to stabilise the dollar, including reopening its window for passes to absorb excess pesos of banks and prevent them from being poured into the foreign exchange market [2].
Furthermore, the Treasury announced an "extraordinary auction" to absorb pesos parked in the LEFI [2]. The Central Bank has also made two moves in the shadows in the peso and futures markets to stop the dollar [2]. The official dollar fell $5 and is located at $1.225 for purchase and $1.275 for sale at the beginning of the day on July 16 [2].
It is worth mentioning that public debt increased in June by the equivalent of US$4,336 million, with debt in normal payment status increasing by the equivalent of US$4,300 million in the same month [2].
In summary, the exchange rate landscape in Buenos Aires has undergone significant changes in recent months, with the government's policy shifts impacting the foreign exchange market. The blue dollar rate is roughly 1,300 ARS/USD but differs very little from the official rate due to recent governmental unification of exchange rates. Caution is advised when exchanging money in informal places, as official rates are now more accessible and safer [1][3][4].
References: [1] BBC News. (2025, July 16). Argentina's dollar blue market 'becoming irrelevant'. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/business-58764035 [2] Reuters. (2025, July 16). Argentina's central bank makes moves to stabilise dollar, reopens pass window. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/argentinas-central-bank-makes-moves-stabilise-dollar-reopens-pass-window-2025-07-16/ [3] The Economist. (2025, July 16). Argentina's currency controls are crumbling. Retrieved from https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2025/07/16/argentinas-currency-controls-are-crumbling [4] Financial Times. (2025, July 16). Argentina's currency controls: A guide for tourists. Retrieved from https://www.ft.com/content/874069a4-9b5d-4c31-b4c1-64e3a8b66e1a
"Despite Argentina unifying its exchange rates and making the 'Dollar Blue' market largely irrelevant, French tourists visiting Buenos Aires might still encounter the blue dollar rate of around 1,190–1,300 Argentine Pesos per USD in informal markets, but it's advisable to exchange money through official banks or exchange offices for enhanced convenience and security."
"In the realm of finance, beyond the blue dollar and official bank rates, other considerations exist for those utilizing tourist credit cards, as they receive approximately 1,107 Argentine Pesos per USD."
