What exactly is CacaoCash?

CacaoCash is a digital wallet built for people who travel or live in Latin America. It lets you pay with the QR codes locals use every day — Pix in Brazil, Mercado Pago in Argentina, and more — using money you load from abroad. No local bank account, no cash runs, no bad exchange rates.

How do I add money to my wallet?

Several ways — whatever's easiest for you: • ACH or SEPA bank transfer • Credit or debit card • SWIFT bank transfer • Crypto deposit (USDC and other major assets — paste your address or scan from any wallet) You'll always see the exact rate and any fees before you confirm. No surprises.

Do I need to verify my identity?

Yes, once. It's a quick in-app process — a photo of your ID and a selfie. It keeps your account secure and lets us work with regulated financial partners across the region. Most people finish in under 3 minutes.

What if a payment is pending, fails, or I get a refund?

Pending payments usually clear on their own within minutes. If a payment fails, your balance is returned immediately. Refunds land straight back in your wallet — no waiting, no friction. If anything ever looks wrong, our support team is one message away.

Are there hidden fees?

Never. Before every single payment, you'll see: • The exact amount being charged • The live exchange rate • Any applicable fees What you approve is exactly what leaves your wallet. That's a promise.

How do I know my money is safe?

CacaoCash is non-custodial — your funds are never pooled with anyone else's and every transaction requires your explicit approval. Identity verification and money movement are handled by licensed, regulated partners. You stay in control at all times.

Which countries are live?

CacaoCash is live today in: • 🇦🇷 Argentina — Mercado Pago QR Coming soon: • 🇧🇷 Brazil — Pix • 🇨🇴 Colombia • 🇵🇪 Peru — Yape

I lost my phone. What happens to my money?

Nothing bad. Your account is tied to your identity, not your device. Just install the app on a new phone, sign in, and everything is exactly as you left it — balance, transaction history, all of it.

Argentina Payments Cheat Sheet for Travelers (2026)

Everything you need to know about paying in Argentina as a traveler, condensed into one reference page. Save it before you land.

Payment Methods at a Glance

Method	Rate in 2026	Works at	Requires	Verdict
CacaoCash (QR)	Mid-market ✅	Most merchants	App + passport	Best for daily use
Credit/debit card	MEP rate (~1-3% above official)	Formal commerce	Your card	Good backup
Cash (casa de cambio)	MEP rate	Everywhere	USD/EUR cash + passport	Good for markets
ATM withdrawal	Official or MEP	Anywhere there's ATM	Foreign debit card	Use sparingly
Blue dollar	~2-5% above official	Cash only	USD/EUR cash	Not worth it in 2026
Mercado Pago	N/A	Everywhere	Argentine DNI ❌	Not available to foreigners

Your First 24 Hours in Argentina

✅ Set up CacaoCash before you fly, takes under 5 minutes, verification may take a few hours.
✅ Load your CacaoCash wallet with USD 200-500 to cover your first few days.
✅ Exchange a small amount of USD cash at the airport or a casa de cambio for immediate cash needs (taxis, tips).
✅ Notify your home bank that you're traveling so your cards aren't blocked.
❌ Don't exchange currency at the official airport exchange counters, rates are the worst in the city.
❌ Don't hand your card to a street vendor or unofficial "cambio" tout on Calle Florida.

Key Terms Every Argentina Traveler Should Know

CBU, Clave Bancaria Uniforme. The 22-digit number that identifies an Argentine bank account. Like an IBAN.
CVU, Clave Virtual Uniforme. The equivalent identifier for digital wallets (Mercado Pago, MODO, etc.). Works the same as CBU for transfers.
Alias, a human-readable name (like "name.word.word") that replaces the CBU/CVU for transfers. Easier to share verbally.
DNI, Documento Nacional de Identidad. Argentina's national ID. Required to open local bank accounts and digital wallets.
CUIL/CUIT, tax identification number. Issued to workers (CUIL) and businesses (CUIT). Linked to DNI.
SUBE, the national transit card used for buses, subways, and trains in Buenos Aires and other cities. Can be loaded at kiosks and Mercado Pago. Not accessible to foreigners without a local wallet.
Dólar MEP, legal parallel exchange rate accessible through stock operations. About 1-3% above official in 2026.
Dólar blue, informal parallel exchange rate. About 2-5% above official in 2026. Not worth the risk for small amounts.
Cepo cambiario, currency controls. Largely dismantled under Milei, though some restrictions remain.

When to Use What

Restaurant, café, supermarket → CacaoCash QR
Street food, markets, taxis → CacaoCash QR or cash pesos
Hotel, car rental, airline → Credit card
Large cash purchase → Casa de cambio for pesos, then cash
Emergency cash → ATM (last resort, withdraw maximum)

What to Avoid

❌ Airport exchange counters (worst rates in the city)
❌ Hotel exchange services (almost always worse than casas de cambio)
❌ Exchanging money with strangers on the street (counterfeit risk)
❌ Multiple small ATM withdrawals (each one costs $8-15 in fees)
❌ Trying to open a Mercado Pago account without a DNI (it won't work)

Quick Setup: CacaoCash in Under 5 Minutes

Go to cacaocash.com and create an account with your email.
Complete identity verification: photo of your passport + selfie.
Load your wallet via bank transfer (ACH/SEPA/SWIFT), card, or crypto.
In Argentina: open the app → Scan & Pay → point at any QR → confirm.

Done. You can now pay at any Argentine merchant that accepts QR codes, no DNI, no local bank account, no peso cash required.