What is USDT (Tether)?
USDT, also known as Tether, is a stablecoin — a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a 1:1 peg with the US dollar. Each USDT token is backed by reserves held by Tether Limited, meaning 1 USDT should always be worth approximately $1 USD.
In Latin America and Africa, USDT has become the most popular way to hold dollar-denominated value without needing a US bank account. It trades on virtually every crypto exchange and can be sent peer-to-peer in seconds at minimal cost.
USDT is available on multiple blockchain networks including Ethereum (ERC-20), Tron (TRC-20), and Solana. The TRC-20 version is most popular in emerging markets due to its low transaction fees — often less than $1 per transfer regardless of amount.
Other popular stablecoins include USDC (by Circle/Coinbase) and DAI (a decentralised stablecoin). Cambialo tracks all of these across 20+ exchanges so you can find the best rates.
How Crypto Arbitrage Works
Crypto arbitrage is the practice of buying a cryptocurrency on one exchange where the price is lower and selling it on another exchange where the price is higher. The difference — called the "spread" — is your profit.
For example, if USDT is trading at 1,020 ARS on Binance and 1,045 ARS on Bitso, you could buy on Binance and sell on Bitso for a 2.4% spread. In practice, you need to account for trading fees (usually 0.1% per trade), withdrawal fees, and transfer time between exchanges.
Cambialo's arbitrage scanner does this comparison automatically across all tradeable exchanges, showing you real-time opportunities. It only compares exchanges where you can actually execute trades — not info-only data sources.
Important: Arbitrage opportunities in crypto are real but fleeting. Prices can change in seconds, and large spreads often correct quickly. Always verify prices on the actual exchange before executing a trade.
Buying Crypto in Argentina: A Beginner's Guide
Argentina has one of the highest crypto adoption rates in Latin America, driven by persistent inflation and currency controls. Stablecoins like USDT and USDC serve as a popular savings tool, allowing Argentines to hold dollar-equivalent value outside the traditional banking system.
Popular exchanges for buying crypto in Argentina include Binance (the world's largest), Bitso (specialising in Latin America), and local platforms. Most accept bank transfers in ARS, and some support cash deposits through payment networks like Mercado Pago.
When buying USDT in Argentina, the "blue dollar" rate is the key reference. The official exchange rate set by the government differs significantly from the market rate. Crypto prices in Argentina typically track closer to the blue dollar rate than the official rate.
Cambialo compares prices across all major exchanges in real-time so you can find the cheapest place to buy. Use the Exchange Guides section to see which exchange offers the best rate for your country right now.
Buying Crypto in Nigeria: What You Need to Know
Nigeria leads Africa in cryptocurrency adoption. Despite the Central Bank of Nigeria's past restrictions on bank-to-crypto transactions, peer-to-peer trading has flourished, with Nigerians using platforms like Binance P2P, Bybit, and local exchanges to buy and sell crypto.
USDT is the most traded crypto in Nigeria, serving as both a remittance tool and a hedge against naira devaluation. Many Nigerians use USDT to receive payments from international clients, bypassing the traditional banking system's foreign exchange bottlenecks.
To get the best rates, compare prices across multiple P2P platforms and centralised exchanges. Cambialo tracks NGN rates across all major exchanges so you can see where USDT and other stablecoins are cheapest at any moment.
Buying Crypto in Brazil
Brazil has the largest crypto market in Latin America by trading volume. The country has a relatively progressive regulatory framework, with the Central Bank of Brazil overseeing crypto regulation since 2023. Mercado Bitcoin is the largest local exchange, while international platforms like Binance and Bybit are also popular.
Brazilian traders can buy crypto using PIX (Brazil's instant payment system), bank transfers, or credit cards. PIX deposits are typically the fastest and cheapest option, with most exchanges supporting instant BRL deposits via PIX.
Note that crypto gains in Brazil are subject to income tax when monthly sales exceed R$35,000. Keep records of your transactions for tax reporting purposes.
Understanding Stablecoins: USDT vs USDC vs DAI
Not all stablecoins are created equal. USDT (Tether) is the largest by market cap and most liquid, making it the default choice in emerging markets. USDC (USD Coin) is issued by Circle and Coinbase — it's considered more transparent due to regular attestation reports, but has slightly less liquidity in LATAM/Africa markets.
DAI is unique because it's decentralised — it's not backed by a company holding dollars, but by over-collateralised crypto assets locked in smart contracts on Ethereum. This makes it censorship-resistant but also slightly more volatile during extreme market events.
For most users in emerging markets, USDT offers the best combination of liquidity, exchange support, and tight pricing. USDC is a good alternative if you value regulatory compliance and transparency. DAI is best suited for DeFi users who want decentralisation.
How to Stay Safe When Trading Crypto
Security is critical when dealing with cryptocurrency. Always enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on every exchange account — preferably using an authenticator app rather than SMS, which is vulnerable to SIM-swap attacks.
Only use reputable, established exchanges. Be extremely cautious with P2P trades — verify the counterparty's reputation, use the exchange's escrow system, and never release crypto before confirming payment has cleared.
For larger holdings, consider a hardware wallet (like Ledger or Trezor) to store crypto offline. Exchange wallets are convenient for trading but carry the risk of exchange hacks or freezes.
Finally, be wary of scams. No legitimate investment guarantees returns. If someone promises "guaranteed 10% daily returns" or asks you to send crypto to "double it," it's a scam. Stick to established exchanges and verify everything independently.