A travel agency enables credit card payments and installment plans for international destinations

Days before the Cyber ​​Monday discount event, the travel agency Despegar confirmed that it will incorporate a new payment method in dollars for international flights : financing in up to three installments , with the benefit that they can be paid with a credit card .

It's worth noting that since November 2021 , purchasing tickets, accommodations, or services abroad using credit card installments has been prohibited due to a measure implemented by the Central Bank of Argentina (BCRA). In this case, the financing will come from the travel company, according to Despegar.

With this new method, those who choose Despegar's installment plan can make the first payment by credit card and repeat that option after 30 and 60 days. They also clarified that the final payment must be made seven days before the trip.

The company began offering installment payments for hotels and international packages with its own financing in August 2024 as part of the Travel Sale, and added flights in March 2025. Until now, the only available payment methods were debit or Debin.

The online travel company Despegar was acquired by Prosus

“We are constantly working to improve our customers' experience and help them organize their payments in the most convenient way, without sacrificing travel opportunities. Starting today, we are the only agency in the country that allows payment in dollars, with credit card, and in installments with Despegar,” highlighted Paula Cristi, General Manager of Despegar for Argentina and Uruguay.

In addition, the travel agency offers the following payment options : cash, Passport points, cryptocurrency payment (Binance), Passport points exchange for cryptocurrency (Bitso), bank transfer via Debin with no purchase limit, Mercado Pago with account funds with no purchase limit, and payment in dollars.

“We continue to develop solutions that adapt to the real needs of our users so that travel becomes easier, more accessible and personalized,” Cristi concluded.

Last Monday, Despegar presented the latest trends on traveler behavior towards Buenos Aires, which is currently consolidating itself as the company's number one destination in Argentina.

“So far in 2025, we have seen a 63% increase in passengers traveling to Buenos Aires, with Córdoba, Mendoza, and Neuquén as the main points of origin. This interest in the city remains stable throughout the year and grows even more during major events,” Cristi noted.

According to data from Despegar, Buenos Aires accounts for 16% of all searches in the country. 65% of sales are for international travel, while domestic tourism continues to rise, with a 9% increase compared to 2024.

Among foreign visitors, 50% come from Brazil and 30% from Chile. Furthermore, the city has seen a 10% increase in passenger numbers compared to the previous year.

Regarding the activities segment, an increase of 37% was observed up to September 30 compared to the same period in 2024, with special interest in experiences such as tango shows and visits to the Boca Juniors Museum and Stadium.