Purchases abroad: ARCA will implement these measures for credit cards in July 2025.

The sharp increase in the use of Argentine credit cards for purchases abroad led the government to implement new restrictions. According to official data, the use of credit cards in Chile grew by 541% in January 2025.

Faced with this situation, ARCA confirmed that stricter controls will go into effect starting in July. The goal is to limit the entry of products from abroad and strengthen fiscal control over purchases made outside the country. The measures directly affect those who make purchases abroad using credit, debit, or purchase cards issued in Argentina.

Starting July 1, ARCA will begin implementing a control system for transactions made with credit, debit, and purchase cards abroad . The measure was made official through Decree 5662/2025 , published in the Official Gazette.

Credit Cards

According to regulations, all issuing banks must report to ARCA all purchases made outside the country by Argentine cardholders or additional cardholders. The information they must submit includes:

The main purpose of this mandatory reporting system is to improve the monitoring of foreign consumption and detect tax evasion or avoidance schemes .

Along with the new card controls, ARCA noted that there are restrictions on the products allowed into the country. Starting in July, customs surveillance will also be strengthened to prevent the entry of unauthorized goods from abroad, especially from neighboring countries like Chile .

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Prohibited items include: merchandise for commercial or industrial purposes, weapons not authorized by ANMAC , explosives, narcotics, archaeological and cultural materials, and white goods such as stoves, ranges, or air conditioners. However, small appliances such as blenders and hair dryers are permitted.

ARCA also reiterated the limits on the franchise for importing products without paying taxes:

• $300 for those entering by land
• $500 for those who do so by air

In addition, each person may bring in an undeclared cell phone , notebook or tablet , along with clothing and personal belongings, as long as they are not for resale.

To avoid sanctions, the agency recommends:

1. Correctly declare products
2. Do not exceed the permitted amounts
3. Avoid restricted goods
4. Keep purchase receipts
5. Review current regulations before traveling
6. Package properly for easy inspection

The new controls that ARCA will begin implementing in July will only affect those who make purchases abroad with a credit or debit card . However, Argentines traveling to Chile who choose to bring cash dollars to exchange for Chilean pesos will be able to continue making purchases without their transactions being reported to the agency.

This cash payment method is completely excluded from the monitoring system, as ARCA has no control over transactions that do not go through banks or card issuers . Therefore, many travelers may once again turn to using physical bills as a strategy to avoid controls and restrictions.

Regarding the exchange rate, as of today, the dollar bill in Mendoza is sold at $1,200 , while the Chilean peso is offered at $1,310 , allowing consumers to more accurately calculate how much cash they should carry before crossing the border.