Tax Free in Argentina: a step-by-step guide to recovering VAT on your purchases
Planning a trip to Argentina means thinking of breathtaking landscapes, world-class gastronomy, vibrant culture on every corner and, of course, excellent shopping options. To make the experience even more tempting, the country offers a key benefit for international travelers: Tax Free.
How to get a tax refund for tourists?
The IVA (Impuesto al Valor Agregado) is the consumption tax that is already included in the final price of products in Argentina. It is the equivalent of what is internationally known as VAT, sales tax, GST, or sales tax.
Recovering taxes from your purchases of national products is a fast, agile, and mostly digital process. This means you can stretch your budget further and enjoy much more for less.
Step-by-step guide: How to manage your refund
- Shop at participating stores: Look for shops displaying the benefit sign or ask the cashier. When paying, request your electronic refund check, which is valid for six months.
- Validate upon leaving the country: When it's time to return home, go to the self-service terminals (digital totems) located at airports, ports, and main border crossings; or use the mobile apps enabled at the country's exit points.
- Choose how to get paid: The system allows you to select the most convenient method to receive your money: cash, credit card credit, or via international money transfer.
- Fast Selectivity System: Forget about long mandatory inspections. Thanks to the new intelligent system, you will only need to physically present yourself before Aduana to show the goods if the totem or app assigns you the "Canal Rojo". If you don't get it, the process is automatically approved on screens.
Why is it quick and easy?
Argentina transformed this process to adapt it to the needs of today's tourist:
- 100% Digital: Paper use has been drastically reduced. Stores issue receipts electronically, and validation is completed by interacting with touch screens or from your own cell phone.
- Fewer lines and more free time: The channel selectivity system prevents all tourists from having to stand in the same line at the Aduana counter. If your process does not require physical verification, you can resolve it in a couple of clicks.
- More integrated exit points: The system operates dynamically and progressively at the most important international airports (Ezeiza and Aeroparque), river and maritime terminals (Buquebus, Colonia Express, and cruise ports), and at key border crossings such as those in the province of Mendoza.
Travel, shop, and enjoy the greatness of Argentina
Knowing that a part of your spending on souvenirs, local designer clothing, or typical products will return to your pocket is the perfect boost to explore the country with total freedom. Argentina not only awaits you with infinite experiences and horizons to discover, but also with a system designed to protect your wallet and make your stay unforgettable from start to finish.
Pack your bags and come see for yourself!
Find out all the details HERE.