Argentina » Shopping in Buenos Aires

Hundreds of small boutiques line downtown Avenida Santa Fe. Some of these are chains, which can be found in the shopping malls as well, but many of the shops sell unique, nonbrand merchandise, including clothing.

Superb antiques and haute-couture shops including Kenzo, Erminildo Zegna, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Escada, Christian Dior, and Versace are concentrated on Avenida Alvear and Calle Quintana. The traditional Feria Artesanal de Recoleta, the largest open-air market for arts and crafts in the city, takes place weekends from 10 to 5 near the Centro Cultural Recoleta, at Junin and Libertador.

When shopping in Buenos Aires, keep your receipts: the 21% VAT tax, included in the sales price, is completely refundable for purchases exceeding $200 at stores displaying a duty-free sign. When you leave, plan enough time to visit the return desk at the airport to get your repayment.