Money issues
Currency
The peso is the Argentine official currency. There are circulating notes of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pesos, 1-peso coins and coins being worth 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents.
Purchases–VAT (IVA) Return
In Argentina you will find thousands of stores selling a wide variety of products, ranging from the most traditional ones to the most famous international brands.
The value added tax (VAT) rate is 21%. For a non-Argentine citizen the requirement to be met for the VAT return to be obtained is buying country-manufactured products for a total amount higher than $70, in stores offering this system, being identified with the Tax- Free logo.
For every purchase made, you will be given a Global Refund check stating the amount to be returned according to your purchase. Such checks are the only legal mean required to obtain the return. Do not get taken in by stores promising that your purchase receipt is the only condition required. Without the above mentioned check, you will not be granted any return whatsoever.
Reminder: For the VAT return amount to be collected Global Refund checks must be sealed by the Customs Officer upon leaving the country. You may cash your Global Refund check in Argentina at the local return offices, at the airport, or even abroad in more than 200 cash return offices at an international level.
Exchange - Credit Cards
Even though the dollar is widely accepted, currencies are exchanged into local currency in banks and exchange bureaus authorized to that effect. This policy also holds true for the euro which is developing an increasingly growing acceptance. The most frequently accepted credit cards are American Express, VISA, Diners and Master Card.
You may find it difficult to exchange traveller cheques outside Buenos Aires.
Business Hours
Banks and exchange bureaus: they are open from Monday through Friday 10 am-3 pm.
Business Offices: they are generally open 9 am-12 noon, and 2pm-7 pm.
Stores and Outlets: they are open 9am-8 pm in big cities, though they usually close at noon in the inland territory.
On Saturdays, stores are open 9 am-1 pm.
Cafés, cafeterias and pizza bars: they are almost always open, though they take a break between two and six o´clock in the morning.
Restaurants: lunch is served as from 12.30 noon and dinner as from 8.30 pm.
A large number of restaurants offer fast-food service at any time.
Tipping
It is customary to set aside 10% of the service amount charged in cafeterias and restaurants and to tip doormen, bellboys and cinema and theater ushers.
