Finding the perfect gift in Argentina used to mean a frantic trip to a local shop or a specialized boutique. But times are changing. Whether you want to treat someone in Buenos Aires to dinner, help with groceries, or top up a gamer's wallet, you might be wondering:
Does Argentina have gift cards?
The answer is yes. You can find a variety of gift cards in Argentina, locally known as tarjetas de regalo. However, there is a unique Argentine twist. Because of local currency regulations and the way international services operate, buying and using gift cards isn't always as simple as it is in the US or Europe.
In this post, we're going to break down which gift cards are commonly available, where to find them, and the insider tips you need to know about currency and region-locking, so your gift doesn't go to waste.
6 Best Gift Cards Available in Argentina
If you are looking for some reliable gift cards in Argentina, here are the heavy hitters:
Steam Gift Cards in Argentina
Gaming is massive in Argentina. While Steam recently converted its store from Pesos to USD, it remains the #1 gift for young Argentines. However, the rules for gifting have become much stricter to prevent “region hopping.”
Physical cards are often restricted, but digital Steam gift cards sent directly through the Steam platform are the safest bet.
Before You Buy...
- Keep in mind that Steam will only allow you to send gift cards if you have been “Steam friends" with the recipient for at least three days.
- Make sure the gift card matches the specific region of the recipient's account. Even though the Argentine Steam store now displays prices in US Dollars, it is still a restricted geographical zone.
- Buying a “Global” or “USA” code from a third-party website is risky. Steam often blocks these codes from being redeemed on Argentine accounts. To be safe, always buy through the official Steam interface or a verified local reseller.
Mercado Libre Gift Card in Argentina
Mercado Libre is the largest e-commerce site in Argentina. It is the primary way people shop for everything from tech to clothing. Because their payment arm, Mercado Pago, is used in almost every physical store via QR codes, a gift card here is incredibly flexible.
Before You Buy...
- You should know that the balance from these gift cards is usually added directly to the user's Mercado Pago wallet. This is important because it means the recipient can use the money for more than just online shopping. They can use it to pay for gas, groceries, or even dinner at a restaurant by scanning a QR code.
- Ensure that you are buying a card specifically for the Argentine region. A card for Mercado Libre Mexico or Brazil will not work in Argentina.
Netflix Gift Cards in Argentina
Netflix remains the go-to streaming service for Argentine families. A Netflix gift card is a popular way to pay for a subscription upfront without surprises.
Before You Buy...
Understand that Netflix gift cards are strictly currency-locked. If the recipient has an account created in Argentina, which bills in Pesos, you must provide them with a card that is valid for the Argentine store. A card purchased in USD or Euros will generally result in an error message when the recipient tries to redeem it.
Oh! Gift Card in Argentina
Oh! gift card is the “gold standard” for retail gifting in Argentina. It is a multi-brand card that works at hundreds of famous stores across the country.
Before You Buy…
- The best part about this card is its flexibility. You can buy a “multi-brand” version that allows the recipient to choose where to spend it. It is accepted at major names like 47 Street, Arredo, Cheeky, Juleriaque, and many more.
- These cards are usually valid for 90 days after activation, so the recipient should plan to use them relatively quickly.
Sony PlayStation (PSN) Gift Card in Argentina
PlayStation is by far the most used console in Argentina. Because digital games are quite expensive due to local taxes, a gift card is the most requested gift for any gamer.
Before You Buy…
This is the most important rule: The card must match the account region. Many Argentines use a US-region account because the US store often has better sales. Before buying, you must confirm if their account is set to “Argentina” or “United States.” A card bought in Pesos will not work on a US-region account.
BigBox Gift Card in Argentina
In Argentina, experience-based gifts are very trendy. Bigbox allows you to gift a specific activity, like a three-course dinner, a spa day, or a weekend hotel stay, rather than a physical object.
Before You Buy…
You don't choose the specific restaurant. Instead, you choose a “collection” such as gourmet or relajacion. The recipient then gets a list of dozens of places where they can use the gift. It is perfect for weddings or big birthdays.
How to Buy Gift Cards in Argentina
Read the steps below to purchase a gift card in Argentina:
Step 1: Confirm the Account Region
This is the most important step for digital services like gaming, streaming, and app stores. Many platforms, such as Steam, PlayStation, and Netflix, are strictly region-locked.
Before you buy a gift card, ask the recipient which country their account is set to. Don't assume “Argentina.” Many users intentionally use U.S. region accounts.
Step 2: Buy From Official or Verified Sources
To avoid scams or invalid codes:
- Purchase directly from the brand's official Argentina website.
- Use trusted local retailers or kiosks.
- If buying online, check to see if the seller is verified and has strong ratings.
- Avoid random “global” codes from unknown third-party sites. Argentina is a restricted pricing region for many services, and mismatched codes are often blocked.
Step 3: Choose Between Physical and Digital
Most gift cards in Argentina are available in two formats:
- Physical cards are available in supermarkets, malls, kiosks, and brand stores. They are ideal if you want something tangible to gift.
- Digital codes are delivered immediately via email or platform message. They are best for last-minute gifts or sending from abroad.
Step 4: Pay in Pesos Whenever Possible
To avoid any surprises, purchase cards priced in Argentine Pesos whenever possible.
Step 5: Keep the Receipt Until Redemption
Once you have made the purchase, keep the receipt until the gift card is redeemed. It is useful in case something goes wrong. Many retailers will not assist without proof of purchase.
Following the steps mentioned above helps your gift card work smoothly and deliver full value.
Insider Tips for Gift Cards Available in Argentina
While going through the local market, you might find yourself asking: Do they sell gift cards in Argentina that actually hold their value? The answer is yes, but buying them effectively in 2026 requires a bit of local “know-how” to beat inflation and avoid hidden fees.
Here are some helpful tips:
- Spend Pesos immediately. Because of local inflation, store-based cards lose purchasing power every week. Don't let them sit. Redeem your gift cards as soon as possible to get the best value.
- Buying gift cards with cash or through local wallets often helps you avoid the 30%-100% Digital Services Tax.
- Always check the expiration date, vencimiento, before buying.
- Verify account regions beforehand. This is the most common mistake. Always ask the recipient if their account is set to Argentina or the USA. If the regions don't match, the code will not work.
- Before paying full price, check apps like Modo or Personal Pay. Local banks often have specific days where you can buy gift cards at up to 30% discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to send a gift card to Argentina from abroad?
The safest way is to buy directly from the brand's official Argentina website or platform. For example, purchase digital cards through Mercado Libre Argentina, send a digital gift via Steam, or use an experience platform like Bigbox. Always make sure the gift card matches the recipient's account region.
Why do some people use gift cards to avoid digital taxes in Argentina?
In Argentina, foreign transactions on credit cards often trigger additional taxes (like the PAIS tax). By purchasing a gift card in Pesos from a local retailer or kiosk, you are making a local purchase. This often helps you pay the sticker price without the surprise 30% to 100% tax increase that usually hits international digital subscriptions.
Do gift cards work for both online and in-store shopping in Argentina?
Not always. This is a common trap! For example, some Carrefour gift cards are "Store Only" and cannot be used for their online delivery app. Conversely, Mercado Libre cards are 100% digital. Always check the terms before buying to confirm where the card can be used.
What if I accidentally bought an Argentina gift card while in Nigeria?
Most gift cards are region-locked, so an Argentina gift card may not work on a Nigeria-based account.
If you bought the wrong region while in Nigeria, you can resell the unused card on the best gift card trading app, like Tbay, and receive payment in Naira. Just make sure the code hasn't been redeemed and that it follows the platform's resale guidelines.
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