Around 5 thousand Chileans visit Mendoza to make purchases in supermarkets and food and beverage wholesalers. It is worth mentioning that the large influx generally occurs practically every day of the week, not only on weekends. This is due to the exchange rate and the value of the dollar, which favors the weight of Chiliwhich invites thousands of tourists to cross the border that connects the Chilean capital with the province to go on a shopping tour.
It is a common postcard to see in the city of Mendoza, thousands of cars with Chilean patent in the different hypermarkets, supermarkets and other businesses in the Argentine province. In this sense, due to the large number of Chileans trying to enter the premises, the shopping centers established specific hours for tourists and another for Argentines. In any case, there is no shortage, as indicated by the owners.
One of the owners of the wholesaler Oscar David, in Mendoza explained the measure. “What we have decided is that, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., they can sell to them (foreigners). To the rest of the Mendoza consumers, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. as usual. In this way we can serve local merchants in the afternoon, who are not being able to buy the amount of products to take to the neighborhoods”.
Many of the visitors highlight the difference in prices for food and personal hygiene in Mendoza. “Chili It is expensive, especially in the food sector, it is convenient to come to Argentina”, recounted one of the Chilean tourists before entering a wholesaler. Approximately 300 dollars is the amount allowed per person that can pass merchandise to Chile.
Another noteworthy fact is that foreigners do not come only on weekends to Mendoza. “Every day we have customers from Chili and groups on a shopping tour,” said David, who explained that since March there has been a flood of Chileans, who mostly buy yerba, which is more expensive there, olive oil, dulce de leche and alfajores, among others. They also stock up on medicines and perfumery and cleaning products, such as shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste and soaps.
