Buenos Aires, the Argentine capital, is a popular shopping destination in entire South America. A shopping expedition is sheer fun here. You are sure to find everything in small boutiques, glitzy malls, little out-of-the-way stores, and major shopping avenues. The city is particularly renowned for its exceptional high-quality leather goods and is a major draw with the tourists from worldwide. If you love antiques then San Telmo is the place to visit, which is integral to the shopping scene in the city. Most of the items that you want to purchase are reasonably priced when compared to those in North America and European countries. Most of the stores in the city, which are especially visited by tourists, will make you happy with their tax free shopping offers. The tax free stores here are discernible with their blue-and-white logo on their doors. If you are visiting for the first time or finding difficult to locate then promptly ask the locals.
Knowing about tax free shopping
Before you go for your shopping expedition in Buenos Aires, it would be just great for you to know about, how these tax free stores operate. Most of the stores in the city are open from 9 am to 8 pm on weekdays, while on Saturdays they are open from 9 am till midnight. Don’t be surprised to find some shops being closed for a few hours in the afternoon. It’s a usual practice here. Some of the shops along Avenida Santa Fe are open on Sundays. Most of the shopping centers in the city are open from 10 am to 10 pm every day.
The city is undoubtedly the best destination for you in South America to go on a tax free shopping holiday. The tourists visiting the city regale in the fact that there are many stores participating in a tax-refund program when goods worth 70 Pesos and more are purchased. After making your purchases from tax-free stores do remember to get a special receipt which will allow you to seek a refund of hefty 21 percent tax when finally leaving Argentina. These stores can be easily distinguished with their bold blue-and-white TAX FREE signs.
If you are making tax free purchases for the first time, here is all that you know about its process. The store from where you are buying the goods, a special Global Refund check will be provided indicating the value you will be receiving as refund when exiting from the country. You will however be required to carry the special form along with you duly approved by the participating stores from where you made your purchases. Some restrictions will though be applicable. The item which you are buying should be made in Argentina and the purchase should indicate that you would be taking the good out of the country. Food items are exempted from this category. Tax free shopping can be made to buy clothes and leather goods. When you arrive at the airport to leave the country, you should approach the Global Refund desk in the immigrations area with your receipts for the refunds.
Many stores in the city, especially those found in the larger malls, such as Galerias Pacífico, Alto Palermo and Patio Bullrich offer tax free shopping options with their active participation in the Global Refund program.
Famous Shopping Malls
Buenos Aires is home to some of the famous shopping malls. These include Galerias Pacifico, Patio Bullrich, Buenos Aires Design, Paseo Alcorta, Alto Palermo and Abasto.
The Galerias Pacifico is a popular shopping center in the city situated on the pedestrianized street of Calle Florida. The building where it is currently housed at is simply awesome. The spectacular painted ceiling, impressive murals and artistic architecture of this historical national monument keeps the visitors mesmerized endlessly. It is Argentina’s most fabulous artistic shopping center.
The Patio Bullrich is perhaps the most exclusive and stylish shopping center in the city. The beautiful building in which it is currently located was constructed in 1867. Renowned architect Juan Waldorp played a key role in designing this magnificent building, which was formerly used as an auction house of fine art pieces, thoroughbred horses and cattle. You can look forward to a luxurious shopping experience at this state-of-the-art shopping center.
The Alto Palemo shopping centre was inaugurated in 1990. It is the trendiest shopping center in the city because of its proximity to Recoleta and Palermo Soho. Many clothing stores can be found here most of them being prime attraction for female shoppers. The stores of leading brands present here include New Man, Gep, Mac, Rouge, Timberland, La Parfumerie, Tommy Hilfiger and Zara. Tourists from foreign countries can also change currency at Metropolis inside the shopping mall.
If you are looking for a great shopping expedition and want to save a lot on your fabulous purchases, then Buenos Aires is the place to visit.
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