Buying electronics in Buenos Aires can be a challenge if you don’t know where to go. No matter what you do professionally, we are all exposed to a battery or electronic device starting to fail from one day to the next. And what to do in those cases?
In Buenos Aires, technology is the order of the day. On that side, you will have no problems finding the input, spare part or technological product you need. Now, what is the most convenient? Buy online or do it in person? Go to an appliance chain or go to a smaller, specialized store?
In this article, you will see the different options that are at your fingertips when purchasing electronics items. From now on we clarify that you will always find what you are looking for. What we will do, however, is save you time and guide you to the best place to buy specifically what you need.
Because we know that for a digital nomad or expat, time is of the essence and it should not be wasted.
The Best Places to Buy Electronics Items in Buenos Aires
1. Appliance Chains
Buenos Aires has several appliance chains with branches located in the main commercial areas of the city and shopping centers. These stores offer a wide range of products including technology, kitchen appliances, phones, climate control devices, personal care items, and much more. They also feature online stores, promotions, benefits, and well-trained sales staff.
The advantage of these stores is that you can find a variety of products in one place. However, they do not specialize in specific items within the computing, phone, or photography realms. Some of the main appliance chains in Buenos Aires are:
2. Electronics Stores
Electronics stores are smaller and more specific compared to appliance stores. Although their catalog can be large or small depending on the store, they offer a more focused range of products related to electronics: phones, computers, gaming, and photography.
These stores can be found on various streets and avenues throughout the city, not necessarily in shopping centers. They are very convenient when you need to compare items within a more specialized universe like cell phones, cameras, or computers. The downside is that these stores do not always offer product warranties. Additionally, alongside high-quality and legitimate stores, you may find others that lack customer service and transparency, especially in areas like Florida Street or the Once neighborhood.
3. Computer Shops
If you need a peripheral for your computer, technical service, or a specific component, computer shops are your best option. It’s worth noting that not all of them offer technical service and product sales in the same location. Typically, they are either dedicated to repairs or selling items.
In both cases, the attention to detail by the shop owners makes them a more reliable choice when it comes to addressing issues or needs related to your computer. Some shops may also offer the sale and installation of a product you wish to purchase (such as a video card), buying and installing it for you. This can result in significant discounts compared to handling the process on your own.
The logical disadvantage of computer shops is that not all of them deliver good results. Therefore, you should pay close attention to the reputation of these stores.
There are a lot of computer shops in each Buenos Aires neighborhood. We recommend that you go to a nearby store for repairs or to trusted areas if you need a product.
4. Cell Phone Stores
With the rise of content creators and social media, cell phones now have their own accessory stores. In Buenos Aires, these stores are generally not associated with any major brand or company (except for Apple and Samsung stores) and can be found on streets, avenues, and in shopping centers.
Don’t hesitate to visit these stores when looking for accessories or gadgets for your mobile phone: tripods, selfie sticks, protective cases, replacements, and even more sophisticated items like headphones.
As with electronics stores, make sure the reputation is as high as possible and doesn’t have reviews indicating a lack of transparency.
5. Photo Shops
Although not as common in Buenos Aires, stores specializing in photography and video still stand the test of time. Any content creator will always need accessories for their captures or a replacement for their camera, whether due to damage or obsolescence.
In these stores, you will find accessories, photography services, and equipment to choose and compare. If you are in Buenos Aires as a content creator, these shops can be a potential lifesaver for your work.
6. Mercado Libre
Mentioning Mercado Libre in various articles about buying goods in Argentina may seem repetitive, but without exaggeration, more and more buying and selling transactions are carried out entirely through the country’s leading e-commerce platform.
While Mercado Libre started as a marketplace for individual buyers and sellers, it has now become the largest shopping center if we count malls. Cameras, cell phones, accessories, audio equipment, and much more can be found, compared, and purchased on Mercado Libre.
Of course, you will need to create an account, register a payment method, verify your data, and then search patiently. However, having an extensive catalog of electronic products at your fingertips is undoubtedly great news. On Mercado Libre, purchases are not made blindly. Your money is protected by the platform until you confirm that you have received the product and are satisfied. Users can also check the reputation of sellers and the items they sell.
More and more electronics, computer, photography, and phone stores are abandoning physical stores to focus solely on Mercado Libre. So, don’t be surprised when you find various products and brands in your search. The task is to identify which one is most suitable for you in terms of features and price.
(Featured Image Source: ASphotofamily/freepik.com)
