21% VAT Refund on Accommodation for Foreign Tourists in Argentina
If you're planning a trip to Argentina, you have a special savings opportunity! Foreign tourists can access a 21% VAT discount on accommodation, making it easier to enjoy lower rates during their stay. Here are all the details on how to access this benefit and the requirements you’ll need.
What’s Included in the Benefit
The VAT discount applies to accommodation and breakfast, if breakfast is included in the accommodation price.
What’s the VAT in Argentina?
The VAT (Value Added Tax) rate is 21% on the accommodation rate.
How to Access the Benefit?
• Present your passport or foreign identity document along with the entry certificate issued by the National Migration Department, which can be obtained online.
• Payment must be made with a foreign-issued card (credit or debit) or through an international currency transfer.
No additional paperwork or refunds are necessary: the discount is direct and automatic at the time you’re billed and charged for the service.
Who Can Offer the Discount?
Hotels, inns, guesthouses, lodges, motels, campsites, apart-hotels, and similar establishments, provided they are registered as accommodation providers with the AFIP (Federal Administration of Public Revenue).
When the Benefit Doesn’t Apply
• For accommodation services with providers registered as monotributistas or informal providers (such as Airbnb).
• For payments in Argentine pesos or with Argentine-issued cards.
• For other services, goods, or accommodations purchased separately; these will need to be invoiced separately.
• The refund will also not apply if you cancel or do not use the service.
Make the Most of the VAT Refund in Argentina
Taking advantage of the VAT refund in Argentina not only represents significant savings for your travel budget but also gives you the opportunity to enhance your experience in this beautiful country. For example, on a 5-night stay in a hotel in Buenos Aires with a total cost of AR$100,000, you could save up to AR$21,000, which could be reinvested in guided tours, restaurant dinners, or extending your trip to new destinations. It’s an excellent way to stretch your budget and discover more of Argentina!
Additionally, learn about VAT refunds for products made in Argentina and how to request this refund.
The VAT refund on accommodation allows tourists to enjoy the high-quality services that hotels, inns, and apart-hotels offer in Argentina, without the added cost. This benefit makes it easier for travelers to have a more complete and authentic experience, as the savings can be used to enjoy local experiences like wine tastings in Mendoza, glacier tours in Patagonia, or excursions into the Misiones jungle. And since it’s an automatic discount on the bill, the process is simple and convenient.