Argentina Troupers: Set up your PayPal wallet with a USD wallet

For most users, the USD wallet is automatically created when you verify your account with your personal information (ID). You do not need a separate “activation” for the wallet itself. The key is to fully verify your account and then make sure you are using the USD balance for transactions.

Step-by-step guide to setting up your account and USD wallet

Step 1: Create and verify your personal PayPal account

1. Sign up: Go to the Argentine version of PayPal (paypal.com/ar) and sign up for a personal account.
2. Provide accurate information:You must use your exact legal information as it appears on your ID:
   • Full name
   • Argentine ID number
   • Date of birth
   • Physical address in Mexico
   • Phone number
3. Confirm your email address: Click on the link in the confirmation email sent to you by PayPal.
4. Link a payment method (essential for verification):
   • Go to your Wallet in PayPal.
   • Click on Link a card.
   • Add a credit or debit card issued by a Mexican bank (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). The card must be in your name.
   • PayPal will make a small temporary charge to this card. You will need to find this code on your bank's online statement to confirm the card, which will fully verify your identity and address.

Step 2: Access and use your USD wallet

Once your account is verified, the multi-currency feature will be enabled.

1. Find your USD wallet:
   • Log in to your PayPal account.
   • Go to your Wallet. You should see your main balance in Argentine pesos (ARS).
   • To view your USD balance, you may need to:
     • Click on your ARS balance.
     • Look for an option that says “Manage currencies” or “Add currency”.
     • If USD is not yet listed, you can “add” it. This does not create a new account, it simply adds the USD wallet to your view.
2. How to add USD to your wallet:
   • Receive a payment: The main way is for someone (e.g., a customer from abroad) to send a payment in US dollars directly to your PayPal email address. The funds will automatically go to your USD balance.
   • Currency conversion (not recommended): You can convert your ARS balance to USD within PayPal, but the exchange rate used is the official rate plus PayPal's commission, which is usually very unfavorable.

Step 3: Important settings for USD transactions

To ensure that you are using your USD balance correctly, you need to set up your payment preferences.

1. Set up your primary funding source:
   • Go to Settings (the gear icon) > Payment preferences.
   • Under “Payments for purchases in a currency I don't have,” you will see several options.
   • To prioritize the use of your USD balance, you must manage the conversion settings here. However, to send USD, the process is more straightforward (see below).
2. Sending a payment in USD:
   • When you go to send money to another PayPal user, you will be asked to enter an amount.
   • Before confirming, click on the option to “Change” the currency.
   • A window will appear allowing you to select which balance to use. Choose your U.S. dollar balance to send the payment directly in USD without any conversion.

Important considerations for Argentina

• Automatic creation: You are not “opening” a bank account in USD. You are enabling functionality within your existing PayPal account to hold a balance in a second currency. This is usually automatic after verification.
• Withdrawal limitation (the key restriction): Remember that although you can hold and send USD within PayPal, you cannot withdraw USD in cash to an Argentine bank account. When you make a withdrawal, the funds are automatically converted to ARS at the official exchange rate, minus taxes and fees.
• Use it for spending, not saving: The USD wallet is most useful for making international online payments in USD, thus avoiding double conversion costs. It is not an effective savings vehicle for Argentinians due to withdrawal restrictions.
• Fees: Be aware of PayPal fees for receiving payments for goods and services, and for currency conversion.

Summary checklist

1. Sign up at PayPal.com/ar with your real ID information.
2. Confirm your email address.
3. Link and confirm an Argentine credit/debit card in your name.
4. Check your wallet to see your USD balance or use “Manage Currencies” to add it to your view.
5. When sending USD, always manually select your “US Dollar Balance” as the source of funds.

If you do not see the option to add USD after fully verifying your account, the best thing to do is to contact PayPal Argentina customer service directly through your account's help center.