In Argentina, the dollar can have different rates. Each one depends on how you access it and where it's held.
Type | Where to buy | Availability | Some considerations* |
|---|---|---|---|
“Official Dollar” | Banks | Depends on the bank; at most, business days (Monday to Friday), from 10:00 to 15:00 | After buying, you can't acquire, directly, indirectly or on behalf of third parties, securities settled in foreign currency for the following 90 (ninety) calendar days (for example, selling “MEP Dollar” or “CCL”). |
“MEP Dollar” | AlyCs | Business days (Monday to Friday), from 10:30 to 17:00 (market hours) | You can buy “MEP Dollar” even if you bought Official Dollar, but you can't sell it if you bought Official Dollar in the previous 90 days. |
Contado con Liquidación Dollar (“CCL”) | AlyCs | Business days (Monday to Friday), from 10:30 to 17:00 (market hours) | You can buy “CCL Dollar” even if you bought Official Dollar, but you can't sell it if you bought Official Dollar in the previous 90 days. |
Crypto Dollar (USDc, for example)** | Virtual Asset Service Providers | 24/7 | Not subject to the Official Dollar's 90-day restriction. |
What do I have in ARQ?
Your ARQ balance is in USDc, a dollar-backed stablecoin held outside Argentina***.
What is USDc?
USDc is a stablecoin, a virtual asset designed to maintain parity with the US dollar. In ARQ, it's available every day, 24 hours a day. More information here.
Why does USDc in ARQ seem “more expensive” than the Official Dollar?
Because you're not comparing exactly the same product, so the conversion isn't 1:1. When you transfer dollars from your bank account to ARQ, you're buying USDc.
Can I deposit and withdraw dollars via Alias or CBU with ARQ?
Yes. You can send dollars to your ARQ account from an Argentine dollar account in your name. Once credited, the dollars will be converted into USDc.
You can also withdraw your USDc to an Argentine dollar account in your name. In that case, the USDc will be converted into dollars.
Before you confirm, you'll see the applicable conversion rate****.
Receive from Argentine USD account | Send to Argentine USD Account |
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* The information shared here is for informational purposes only and reflects a general interpretation of the regulations. It does not constitute legal, tax or professional advice. If you have questions about how it applies to your situation, consult a specialist advisor.
** “Crypto dollar” refers to stable cryptocurrencies known as stablecoins, which are linked to the value of the US dollar (USD). These cryptocurrencies keep a stable value, generally close to 1 dollar.
*** Virtual asset services in Argentina are provided by DolarApp México S.A. de C.V., a Virtual Asset Service Provider (PSAV) registered under No. 92 on 20/11/2024 in the CNV Registry of Virtual Asset Service Providers.
**** Because bank transfers can take time to arrive, your dollars are converted into Crypto Dollars at the conversion rate in effect when we receive your transfer. This rate may differ from the one you saw in ARQ before sending.
