Is Chile becoming Argentina's shopping centre?

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Argentines cross the Andes looking for bargains. With a favourable exchange rate, it can be considerably cheaper to buy well-known clothes and electronics brands in Chile. President Javier Milei's economic reforms have helped ease inflation so some people in Argentina have more money to spend. Jane Chambers has been to meet bargain hunters from Argentina and the retailers looking for their business.

(Photo: Argentine President Javier Milei reacts in the Chamber of Deputies during Chief of Staff Manuel Adorni's annual report in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 29 April 2026. Credit: Matias Martin Campaya/EPA/Shutterstock)