Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Taxes & Refunds
One of Argentina's primary state revenue-earners is the 21% value-added tax known as
the Impuesto de Valor Agregado (IVA). Under limited circumstances, foreign visitors may
obtain IVA refunds on purchases of Argentine products upon departing the country. A 'Tax
Free' window decal (in English) identifies participants in this program, but always check
that the shop is part of the tax-free program before making your purchase.
You can obtain tax refunds on purchases of AR$70 or more made at one of these parti-
cipating stores. To do so, present your passport to the merchant, who will make out an in-
voice for you. On leaving the country keep the purchased items in your carry-on baggage.
A customs official will check them and stamp your paperwork, then tell you where to ob-
tain your refund. Be sure to leave yourself a bit of extra time at the airport to get this done.
Tipping & Bargaining
In restaurants and cafes it's customary to tip about 10% of the bill for decent service. An
interesting note: when your server is taking your bill with payment away, you saying
'gra-
cias'
usually implies that the server should keep the change as a tip. If you want change
back, don't say
'gracias'
- say
'cambio, por favor'
instead.
Note that tips can't be added to credit-card bills, so carry cash for this purpose. Also
note that the
cubierto
that some restaurants charge is not a tip; it's a 'cover charge' for the
use of utensils and bread.
Bartenders
They don't expect a tip, but it's fine to leave a small bill for a drink or particu-
larly good cocktail.
Bus porters
A small bill
Delivery persons
A small bill
Hotel cleaning staff
AR$10 per day (only at fine, upscale hotels)
Hotel porter
a small bill
Restaurant servers
10%; 15% for fine restaurants with great service
Spas
15%
Taxi drivers
no tip unless they help with luggage; many people round the fare up to
nearest peso
Tour guides
10% to 15%
Unlike many other South American countries, bargaining is generally not the norm in Ar-
gentina.
