Sending Money Between the UK and Argentina: The Honest Guide

Moving money internationally is something every British expat in Argentina has to figure out. There are now several reliable options, but Argentina's currency environment means the best approach can shift with regulation — so I'll give you platforms and frameworks rather than specific rate promises.

Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise is the most-used option in the British expat community. It operates legally in both the UK and Argentina, transfers typically clear in one to three business days, and the fees are transparent upfront.

Transfer limits are around £3,000-5,000 per transfer in standard accounts, with higher limits available after verification. You can hold both GBP and ARS in a Wise account, which gives useful flexibility.

Revolut

Similar to Wise for international transfers. Works well if you already have a Revolut account from the UK. Smooth for sending to an Argentine bank account or Argentine Wise account.

Bank wire

Your UK bank can wire money to an Argentine bank account once you have one. This works but the exchange rate offered by both banks is usually poor, and fees of £15-30 per transfer add up over time.

For large transfers (pension lump sums, property sale proceeds), bank wire may be appropriate for compliance documentation even if it costs more.

Western Union

Legal and available. Particularly useful before you have an Argentine bank account — transfers can be collected in cash from many Western Union agents across Buenos Aires. Not ideal for large sums but practical in the early months.

The typical expat setup

Most British expats with UK income follow this pattern:

1. Receive salary or pension into UK bank account

2. Transfer to Wise GBP balance

3. Convert and transfer to Argentine account via Wise

This keeps everything traceable, legal, and typically beats direct bank wire exchange rates.

Exchange rate complexity

Argentina has an official exchange rate and a higher parallel rate. UK bank cards at Argentine ATMs use the official rate, which is less favourable. Understanding what's available legally at any given time requires current advice from the community — the Brits in Buenos Aires Facebook group keeps running threads on this. What was true last year may have changed.

Tax implications

If you're receiving UK income while resident in Argentina, your UK tax obligations don't automatically disappear. HMRC's non-resident rules are specific and the UK-Argentina double tax treaty is complex. A consultation with a specialist accountant is worth the cost. Lucero Legal can refer you to trusted partners.

Worth reading next

• Opening a Bank Account in Argentina
• Argentina vs UK Cost Comparison
• First Week in Buenos Aires Checklist