Electronics in Buenos Aires

Geek Chic

Some use it as an insult, others a term of endearment. What it means to be a geek has certainly transformed throughout this epoch of information technology and the omnipresent internet. What is certain is that in a city as vast, and as wired as Buenos Aires, only the most technophobic of Luddites could avoid the practicalities of computers, cell phones and miscellaneous gadgetry.

So come with me, dear reader. Hold my metaphorical hand as we journey through the often frustrating and always mundane minutiae of getting yourself connected, online and logged on.

Tip 1: Bring your gadgets with you

The first nugget of knowledge I will share with those that have never been to Buenos Aires is to buy most of what you need electronics-wise in your home country and bring it with you. This certainly includes all computers, game consoles, cell phones and almost every other appliance that you could carry. The reason for this is simple: electronics are expensive in Buenos Aires. Argentina levies massive taxes (50%) on imported goods, an expense that is joylessly passed on to consumers. If you haven’t visited this proverbial gateway to South America before, you really will be amazed at how expensive electronic goods are.

60” plasma screens and other large items are, of course, far too big to be stashed in one’s suitcase. Therefore, you will either need to have purchased these goods upon arrival or have them shipped over. If it is a giant television that you’re after, I suggest sucking it up and buying it here. Although after taking stock of the absurd price differences between Buenos Aires and the rest of the planet, you may think that shipping goods overseas would be the better option. Oh no.

Tip 2: No shipping to Argentina

The practicality of sending goods across the border does not involve an aversion of import taxes. In fact, throughout my time here I’ve heard many a scary tale of hapless gringos getting spare power adapters for digital cameras sent from home and being made to pick up the item from the international airport in person and pay 100% tax for the privilege.

Having purchased a large computer monitor myself, I recommend finding an international company that has an Argentine operation (I chose Dell), ordering online and having the product delivered. You will certainly be dismayed when you use your newly purchased monster screen to simultaneously pull up the “.com” and “.com.ar” versions of the site to compare the price, but there is little that can be done to avoid this price difference. On the bright side, the additional luxury of delivery service will save you both time and hassle.

In Buenos Aires, there are many smaller companies selling items on eBay.com (Mercadolibre.com.ar), but they would have had to pay the same import taxes, and therefore are rarely any cheaper. The best advice remains to order online from a reputable company that can deliver and to stomach the price difference.