Buying cell phones in Argentina or importing them from abroad: how prices were after the tariff reduction and what is the best option?

The import tariff cuts announced three months ago have reshaped the decision-making process when purchasing a cell phone . The comparison between purchasing one in Argentina or importing one from abroad is no longer limited to price : factors such as warranty, financing , and delivery times also come into play.

In this article, we evaluate the advantages and disadvantages to understand which option represents a better technological investment today.

Tax reductions for technology products were announced in early 2025. The 16% import tariff began to be phased out in two stages, but it wasn't the only tax: the 10.5% VAT, the 10% additional VAT, a 6% withholding tax on profits, and a 2.5% withholding tax on gross income were also added.

According to a private report this year, the total burden reached 66%, including the PAIS tax, which was eliminated at the end of last year. The reduction changes the situation, but it doesn't simplify it.

Technology is no exception to a rule that has been repeated for years: almost everything costs less abroad . Cell phones, sneakers, household appliances, and high-end vehicles are among the products that, due to their much lower tax burden, can be found between 35% and 50% cheaper.

Although the tax burden has been reduced, the historic price gap between Argentina and the United States remains . To take advantage of this, the only requirement is travel: the buyer—or a family member—must travel abroad, making the savings a conditional opportunity.

An intermediate option is to target platforms that ship products to Argentina . Amazon often includes special offers and discounts that reduce costs while simplifying the shipping process. These types of promotions expand access possibilities without relying solely on the local market or traveling abroad.

While prices may be lower than local prices, taxes and shipping costs reduce the savings . For example, the Google Pixel 9 costs $1,181,000 with all charges included, compared to the 1,500,000 pesos charged in the country.

And while the difference exists, it is not decisive . In this scenario, each buyer must evaluate how much risk they are willing to take in pursuit of moderate savings .

Delivery time is another factor that can tip the balance. Buying from abroad means waiting at least a month to receive the equipment in person.

If the purchase is planned, replacing an old model isn't a major problem. But if the phone is needed urgently—due to breakage or malfunction—the delay can turn the savings into an unexpected complication.

In the case of the Galaxy S25 family, the price difference is around 35% . But beyond the savings, there's another key factor: the outlay. While abroad, payment in full is required in dollars—whether by card or cash—in Argentina, you can access plans with up to 18 interest-free installments .

This financial convenience can tip the balance. In the end, each consumer will have to do the math and decide what's best for them: paying less or paying more, but in convenient installments .

One of the biggest risks when purchasing a cell phone on the gray market is the lack of an official warranty, since you don't know who you're buying it from. Brands operating in Argentina offer 12 months of coverage, which covers manufacturing defects and assembly errors.

This protection is activated upon purchase through authorized channels and can be extended for another year for an additional fee. Without it, any damage is the user's responsibility, with no technical or legal support. In this context, the decision isn't just about price, but about the support you're willing to lose.

The Argentine government's measure undoubtedly seeks to reduce the price gap and curb "tech tourism" to neighboring countries. However, the magnitude of the current difference suggests that additional measures or a favorable exchange rate would be needed for local prices to reach or exceed the competitiveness of markets like Chile.

The price gap between Argentina and the Andean country in terms of technology is so marked that, in some cases, it justifies crossing the Andes. An iPhone 16 Pro, for example, costs the equivalent of 1,305,064 pesos in Chile, while in Argentina it costs 2,530,000 pesos .

The difference is around 100% , leading many users to consider traveling, spending a night, and returning with their equipment in hand. Despite the expense of airfare and accommodation, the deal can still be more convenient than buying locally.