Bitcoin in Argentina: rules, tax and how it's priced
In Argentina bitcoin is quoted both in pesos (ARS) and in US dollars, as the price of one whole BTC; local platforms let you buy fractions, so small amounts are often shown in sats (1 BTC = 100 million satoshis). Peso prices on local exchanges are often derived from the “dólar cripto”, the peso price of dollar stablecoins, which can differ from the official rate. The figures on this page are the international BTC/USD price converted into pesos at today's exchange rate, before exchange fees, spreads and any local premium.
Is bitcoin legal in Argentina?
Yes. Bitcoin is legal to own and trade in Argentina but is not legal tender. Law 27.739 of March 2024 defined virtual asset service providers (PSAVs) and made the securities regulator, the Comisión Nacional de Valores (CNV), responsible for them; the CNV created the PSAV registry the same month. On 14 March 2025 the CNV tightened the regime with General Resolution 1058, which sets minimum capital of US$35,000 to US$150,000, requires client crypto and pesos to be kept separate from the firm's own assets, and adds cybersecurity, compliance and consumer-protection duties. Existing registrants had until mid-2025 to comply, and foreign platforms must register a local branch or representation. The CNV publishes the registry so you can check a platform.
How crypto is taxed in Argentina
Simply buying and holding bitcoin does not trigger income tax. When individuals sell or swap crypto at a profit, the gain falls under the schedular (cedular) income tax: 5% for Argentine-source gains in pesos without an adjustment clause, and 15% for gains denominated in foreign currency or with an adjustment clause, and for foreign-source gains such as those on overseas platforms. Because most crypto trades are priced in dollars or run on foreign platforms, many investors end up at 15%. Losses can offset gains of the same type. Holdings at 31 December are also generally counted for the personal wealth tax (Bienes Personales). On 14 September 2026 Argentina committed to the OECD's Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework, with automatic exchange of data by 2029.
Buying bitcoin in Argentina
Argentines buy bitcoin through CNV-registered PSAVs or peer-to-peer, not through their bank. Since May 2022 the Central Bank (BCRA) has barred banks from offering or facilitating crypto transactions (Comunicación A 7506), after two banks briefly launched crypto purchases; in May 2023 the ban was extended to payment providers with accounts, such as digital wallets. Reports in 2025 suggested banks might be allowed to offer crypto from April 2026, but in October 2026 a BCRA superintendent said nothing would change this year. In practice, users fund an exchange account with a peso transfer and buy bitcoin or dollar stablecoins there.
Bitcoin, stablecoins and the peso
Decades of high inflation and currency controls made Argentina one of the most crypto-aware countries in the region. Many people use dollar stablecoins as a digital savings dollar and treat bitcoin as a longer-term hedge, which is why the local market tracks the “dólar cripto” rate alongside the official one. Since April 2025, when most exchange controls on individuals were lifted, people can again buy dollars through banks, and the gap between the official and crypto dollar rates has generally been much smaller than in the controls era. For tax purposes stablecoins are treated as crypto, not as foreign currency.
Legal and tax information last reviewed October 2026. Crypto rules change quickly — check with the regulator or tax authority, or a qualified adviser, before acting. This is not tax, legal or investment advice.