The 2025-2026 season once again places Chile as one of the favorite destinations for those who cross the mountain range from Argentina. But this time, the Coquimbo region, with its beautiful beaches and growing infrastructure, is gaining prominence as the epicenter of the “shopping trip” phenomenon.
What is the Chilean city that combines beach and malls?
The economic attractiveness is undeniable and adds to the possibility of enjoying the activities in the beach. With the Chilean dollar at $940 pesos and the official Argentine exchange rate around $1,445, the final values of many products are considerably lower. To measure the difference: an item for 10,000 Chilean pesos ends up costing around $15,372 Argentine pesos when paying by card, well below Buenos Aires retail prices.
Faced with this opportunity, shops, outlets and shopping centers in Coquimbo and La Serena, neighboring cities that share the same strip of beachlaunched their “Valija Llena” campaign. This strategy is designed specifically for the Argentine public, which is key for local consumption. It includes discounts of up to 45%, special coupon books and promotions that make the visit irresistible.
The Argentines seek to take advantage of the proximity of the beaches of Chili to combine rest and shopping. The most chosen items are repeated every summer: technology, sports clothing and international brands. To make your trip planning easier, here are some of the most sought-after products and offers:
- Cell phones and electronics
- Sports clothing
- Footwear and accessories
- Perfumery and cosmetics
A clear example of the difference is seen in technology, even when considering the afternoon of relaxation in the beach to justify the trip. In the region’s Mall Vivo, a Samsung Galaxy A36 5G, one of the most sought-after, costs around $430,000 Argentines at the card exchange rate. This value represents a significant difference compared to what is achieved in Buenos Aires.
