---
title: Do foreigners get VAT refunds?
description: "[Home](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com) | [Docs](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/) | [Money and Payments](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs-category/money-and-payments/) Foreigners can get **VAT ([IVA in Spanish](https://www.rydoo.com/compliance/argentina/argentine-vat-rates/#:~:text=Turnover%20Tax%20(IIBB)-,Introduction,%2C%20and%20zero%2Drated%20categories.))** refunds in Argentina, but only under certain conditions. Here’s how it works: ## 💰 VAT Refund for Foreigners in Argentina ### 1. Hotel Stays - **100%…"
url: "https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/do-foreigners-get-vat-refunds/"
updated: "2025-09-08"
category: Money and Payments
tags:
  - Shopping
---

# Do foreigners get VAT refunds?

[Home](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com) | [Docs](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/) | [Money and Payments](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs-category/money-and-payments/)

Foreigners can get **VAT ([IVA in Spanish](https://www.rydoo.com/compliance/argentina/argentine-vat-rates/#:~:text=Turnover%20Tax%20(IIBB)-,Introduction,%2C%20and%20zero%2Drated%20categories.))** refunds in Argentina, but only under certain conditions. Here’s how it works:

## 💰 VAT Refund for Foreigners in Argentina

### 1. Hotel Stays

- **100% VAT refund (21%)** on hotel and lodging costs.
- Applies whether you pay directly to the hotel or via a booking platform (as long as the property participates).
- **Requirements:**

  - Must be a **foreign tourist** (non-resident).
  - Show your **passport** and pay with a [**foreign debit/credit card**](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/do-i-need-cash-or-can-i-pay-by-card/) or via bank transfer from abroad.
- 👉 This refund is applied **automatically** at payment — you’ll see the price without VAT on your bill.

### 2. Shopping (Global Blue / Tax-Free Program)

- Refund applies to purchases of **goods manufactured in Argentina** (not services).
- You need to spend a **minimum amount (currently ARS 70,000+ in one store, roughly $70–80 USD equivalent)**.
- Shop must display the **“Tax Free” / Global Blue sign**.
- **Process:**

  1. Ask for the **tax-free form** when you buy.
  2. Show goods + receipts at **Ezeiza or Aeroparque Airport** before departure.
  3. Get refund in cash (USD, EUR, ARS) or to your card.
- 👉 Refund usually covers the **21% VAT**, but fees may reduce it slightly.

### 3. Not Covered

- Restaurants, transport, excursions, and most everyday purchases are **not eligible**.
- Only hotels and certain goods (tax-free shops) qualify.

## ✅ Quick Takeaway

- **Hotels:** automatic 21% VAT exemption for foreigners.
- **Shopping:** yes, but only at “tax-free” stores with minimum spend, and refund processed at the airport.
- **Everyday spending (food, taxis, tours):** no refund.