Buenos Aires has often been compared to New York when it comes to shopping and it’s true that people travel across South America for a weekend blitz in the Argentine capital. Portenos are notoriously well dressed which is not surprising given the number of fashionable boutiques throughout the city. And, needless to say, Buenos Aires is now a UNESCO-designated design city. Argentines are particularly fond of leather and there are countless shops selling jackets, shoes and bags in traditional style or trendy and elegant, particularly on Avenida Murillo as well as Plaza San Martin in Retiro. For fashion and leather it’s best to avoid Calle Florida, which in parts is a little tacky and touristy, when there is so much more superior on offer. Palermo Viejo and San Telmo are packed with original designer-type fashion boutiques. International names and the more well-known Argentine names are more likely to be found in shopping malls. For more details on Argentine fashion, go to www.bue.gov.ar.

Claiming Tax Back
In order to claim back the VAT, which is 21 per cent in Argentina, all you need to do is to buy nationally manufactured products at affiliated retailers, identified with the Tax Free Shopping logo. You will need to spend at least 70 Argentine Pesos to be entitled to tax back. For each purchase you should receive a Global Refund cheque, with the refund amount indicated - the VAT minus a small administration fee. Without a valid Global Refund cheque you will be unable to obtain a refund. Global Refund cheques have to be stamped by Customs before leaving Argentina.

It’s a relatively simple procedure to have the tax returned to you at the airport. The Global Refund cheque should be presented with the receipt at the Tax Free kiosk. This will be after the security check and before passport control. At the Tax Free kiosk your forms will be stamped. Once you’ve gone through passport control, look out for the Tax Free Refund desk which will refund you the 21 per cent sales tax. For more detailed information, go to www.globalrefund.com or tel +54 (0) 11 5238 1970.