How to Get Pesos with Western Union

Last reviewed: October 2026

How it works

You send money from your own US bank account or debit card to yourself, then pick up the pesos in cash at a WU location in Argentina with your passport.

The exchange rate is set when you send. The WU rate on our rates page is WU's rate before fees, so check the rate and fee in the app before you send.

Why WU: exchange houses pay the best rate only for US$100 bills in perfect condition, and most people have a limited supply. So use WU whenever its rate after fees is close to Blue. Rates swing, though: at times Blue is above WU even before fees.

1. Set up your account

  1. Sign up on the US site, westernunion.com/us. The website sets your sending country from the site you register on. The app uses the country of your Apple or Google account.
  2. Link your US bank account or debit card.
  3. Send money to yourself for cash pickup in Argentina. Enter your name as the receiver exactly as it appears on your passport. If your passport has a middle name, include it.
  4. Keep WU's confirmation email for the transfer. It has the tracking number (MTCN), the Final Receiver Details and the Billing Summary. Screenshots of those parts are the easiest thing to bring to the counter.

2. Keep the cost down

  • Compare payment methods. The fee can change with how you pay (bank account or debit card). Check each in the app before you send.
  • Send fewer, larger transfers. Fees rise more slowly than the amount, so larger transfers usually cost less per dollar. Balance that against how much cash you want to carry, and whether the location has enough pesos.
  • Compare with other options. The rates page shows WU next to Blue and other transfer services.

3. Choose a location

Larger locations

  • In main commercial areas, with many reviews
  • More pesos on hand, so better for larger amounts
  • Usually don't buy US dollar bills

Smaller locations

  • Often short on pesos, so they may not cover larger pickups
  • More likely to buy US dollar bills

Use Find a WU Location to search by address, neighborhood or province and see which locations are open now. Tick "WU branches only" for WU's own offices, which usually have cash. After a visit, tap "Had cash here?" on the location to help others.

4. At the counter

  1. Bring your passport. You can't pick up money without it.
  2. Wait in line, then slide your passport to the agent and say "Quiero recibir dinero." (I'd like to receive money.)
  3. The agent will ask for:
    • The MTCN
    • The amount sent, in its currency (e.g. "USD 500")
    • The sender's name
    • Your address in Argentina, as in the Final Receiver Details
  4. When it's processed, a screen shows the amount for you to confirm and sign. You sign before you get the money: it confirms the amount, not that you've been paid.
  5. Watch the agent count the cash in the bill counter. You can ask them to run it through again: "¿Lo puede contar otra vez?"
Not fluent in Spanish? Have screenshots of the confirmation email ready (MTCN, Final Receiver Details, Billing Summary) and hold them up to the window. Or write the four items above on a sheet of paper.

Useful phrases

  • "Quiero recibir dinero." (I'd like to receive money.)
  • "¿Qué billetes tienen?" (What bills do you have?) Ask for large bills if you can.
  • "¿Lo puede contar otra vez?" (Can you count it again?)

Timing and safety