Nine percent refund on VAT in tourist purchases

By Pittaluga Abogados

Starting on Tuesday, May 1, residents and non-residents will receive the same 9 percent VAT refund on tourism-related purchases. This benefit consists of a value added tax reduction for tourism services provided to non-resident individuals and paid for with debit or credit cards issued abroad.

It also applies to domestic tourism for residents, who already received a similar VAT discount, through the refund available for end consumers who pay with credit or debit cards or electronic money for services in restaurants, parties and events, and car rentals. This is complemented with the tax free benefit for products purchased in stores that participate in the system and a zero VAT benefit in hotels.