Overview
- From January 2026, card purchases in foreign currency are billed at the official dollar plus a 30% perception, with the change applied automatically on statements.
- Until December 2025, charges included a 30% PAIS tax plus a 30% perception, a structure now replaced by only the perception on the official rate.
- The lower peso cost benefits travelers abroad, subscribers to international digital services, and shoppers on overseas platforms.
- Financial specialists say the shift narrows the gap between the “dólar tarjeta” and market rates like MEP and CCL, making it more competitive.
- Perception refunds are processed online via ARCA and require CUIT, Level 2 or higher Tax Code, a declared CBU, and an electronic tax address, while paying with own dollars from a foreign-currency account avoids perceptions entirely.