Opening a Bank Account in Argentina as a British Expat

Banking in Argentina is not built for convenience. The system is formal, slow, and built on paper. Once you understand the requirements and pick the right path, it becomes manageable — but it will take longer than you expect.

What you need to open an account

A full Argentine bank account requires a DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad). This is the Argentine national identity document, and without it your options are severely limited.

Getting a DNI is tied to your residency application. Allow three to six months from arrival before you have it in hand. This is the primary bottleneck for expat banking.

You will also need:

• DNI
• Proof of address in Argentina (utility bill, lease agreement, or letter from your landlord)
• Your income source documentation (employment contract, pension statement, or proof of self-employment)
• Your UK passport

Which banks are worth approaching

Banco Ciudad: The City of Buenos Aires's own bank. Generally more patient with expats and clear about requirements. Good ATM network. The British community hears the best stories from here.

Banco Galicia: Large private bank, decent app, good ATM presence. Served expats reasonably well.

Banco Nación: The state bank. Theoretically open to everyone but in practice the most bureaucratic option. Queues are legendary. Only worth it if other options fail.

Banco Santander (Argentine branch): Familiar name from the UK but operates completely independently from the British entity.

The process

Turn up to a branch in person — you cannot do this online. Bring all your documents and expect to be told you're missing something. Return with the missing document. In most cases, a third visit completes the process. This is not an exaggeration. Build in two or three branch visits.

Functional alternatives while you wait

Mercado Pago: Argentina's dominant fintech platform. You can open a Mercado Pago account with your passport in some cases, or with your DNI once it arrives. You get an Argentine account number (CVU), can pay by QR code everywhere, and transfer money between accounts. It functions well as a basic current account for daily life.

Brubank: A digital bank that processes applications faster than traditional banks. Worth trying once you have your DNI.

Keeping your UK banking working

Wise: Open an account before you leave the UK. Keep your UK address on file. Wise allows you to hold and transfer Argentine pesos alongside pounds sterling, and the transfer rates are significantly better than bank wire.

Revolut: Similarly useful for international transfers. Most British expats maintain an active UK account and manage international transfers through Wise or Revolut rather than relying solely on Argentine banking.

Worth reading next

• Sending Money Between UK and Argentina
• First Week in Buenos Aires Checklist
• Argentina vs UK Cost Comparison