Buenos Aires
Customs and import to Buenos Aires
Visitors are not allowed to enter Argentina with plants, vegetables, fruits and perishable food. Domestic animals are allowed, with valid proof of ownership and certificate of vaccination.
Visitors are allowed to enter Argentina with 2 liters of alcoholic drinks, 400 cigarettes and 50 cigars.
An International Driving Permit is required to bring a car into the country, or to rent a car while visiting. Obtain one in your home country, or through the Dirección Nacional de Tránsito, Av. Coronel Roca 5252, office hours between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. local time. The following documents are necessary: proper identification and a certificate of transitory domicile in the Federal Capital.
The following products can be imported to Argentina duty free without having to pass through customs:
- Passengers above 18 years of age, who are citizens of the following countries: Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay or Uruguay, or residents who return to Argentina after having spent less than one year in those countries: 200 cigarettes and 25 cigars; 1 liter of 2 kg of perishable foods for a value of up to USD 150 (if they arrive by land) and for a value of USD 200 (if they arrive by air or sea).
- Passengers above 18 years of age who are citizens of countries not listed above or residents who return to Argentina after having stayed less than one year in countries other than those listed above: 400 cigarettes and 50 cigars; 2 liters of alcohol; 5 kg of perishable foods with a total value of up to USD 300.
Animals and birds from Africa or Asia (except Japan) are prohibited without previous authorization. Also prohibited: fresh food, especially meats, milk products and fruits. Explosives, flammable products, narcotics articles and pornographic materials are strictly prohibited. Any gold must be declared. It is highly recommended to have the needed declarations and documents readily available for any items of value, such as cameras, computers, etc to avoid any problems with customs.
Visitors from non-neighbouring countries are exempt from any tax on travel items and new articles of a value not in excess of USD 300 in value, with an additional allowance of USD 300 when purchased in duty or tax free shops.
Be sure to apply at the airport for the refund of 21 % value added tax (VAT) of the the total amount paid while visiting Argentina, for goods in excess of USD 70 (with invoice) purchased in shops participating in the refund programs (signs displayed in shop windows). Global Refund manages the service. Be sure to ask for a receipt with every qualifying purchase, and have customs validate the seal before leaving the country. It is possible to receive the refund in cash, as a credit on a credit card, by mailed check or in person at any Global Refund shop worldwide.
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Update 29/05/2009
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