With variations in the exchange rate and applicable taxes, calculating the final price of buying a game on Steam is quite a challenge for Argentine gamers.

What taxes are there? How much is added to the original price? And what's the best way to pay to optimize your spending? In this article, we answer all these questions and provide a complete guide to better understand purchases on Steam

Steam Taxes: which ones apply today to games

Steam purchases of video games made from Argentina are subject to different taxes and withholdings. As of today, the following charges apply:

• Value Added Tax (VAT): 21% on the price of the digital product or service.

• Withholding on account of Income Tax and Personal Assets Tax: 30% on the total amount of the transaction.

It is important to note that in addition to these national taxes, provincial ones must also be added (such as the Stamp Tax or the Gross Receipts Withholding), which depend on each jurisdiction and the payment method used

These amounts are subject to change and correspond to the publication date of this article.

Steam Taxes: how to calculate the final price of games

To calculate the final price of a video game on Steam from Argentina, it is important to consider: the base price in dollars, local taxes, the current dollar exchange rate, and the selected payment method.

It's not the same to pay with a card as with cryptocurrencies or directly with the dollars you have in your savings account.

To make it simpler, just go to Steamcito, a tool that avoids manual calculations and that shows you the final price of Steam games for each payment method, including current taxes and updating the dollar exchange rate

How to see Steam prices in Argentine pesos?

There are several Steam price calculators that show game prices in Argentine pesos, taking into account taxes and the current dollar exchange rate. Among the best known is Steamcito

Compare taxes for each payment method on SteamTo buy on Steam from Argentina, there are several payment methods that fit different needs and preferences. Below are some of the most common options.1. Credit and debit cards:Steam accepts international credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, as well as some international debit cards. However, it is important to check with the issuing bank whether the card is enabled for international purchases.Taxes applied:30% – Income Tax withholding (RG AFIP 4815/2020)21% – Digital Services VAT (RG AFIP 4240/2018)2. Dollars in a savings account (MEP dollar):This method consists of using dollars deposited in a dollar savings account to make the purchase. To do this, you must configure the debit card associated with that account so that foreign-currency charges are debited directly from the dollar funds.Taxes applied:21% – Digital Services VAT (RG AFIP 4240/2018)3. Steam gift cards:With the belo app you can buy Steam gift cards (Steam Gift Cards) to save even more on the purchase of your favorite video games. Once the card is purchased, it is redeemed in the Steam store (physical or online) to get balance in your account and make purchases.This method offers a more favorable exchange rate and avoids the surcharges associated with international debit or credit card purchases.Want more detail on what gift cards are and how they're redeemed? Go to this article Taxes applied:0%. The taxes and charges mentioned are the ones in effect as of the publication date of this article, and may be subject to changes and/or alterations of any kind, so it is the user's responsibility to understand and know the applicable charges in effect according to the applicable regulations. Belo is not responsible for the costs or charges that transactions made on the platform by users may incur.Paying for Steam games with belo: step by step

At belo, we have a feature called Virtual Stores that gives you access to more than 10,000 gift cards from a wide variety of businesses, including Steam. In just a few clicks, you'll be able to pay for gift cards with your pesos or cryptocurrencies in belo and thus get balance on the gaming platform to buy the titles you want at the best price. The step by step is as follows:Download the belo app and create your account.Deposit Argentine pesos or cryptocurrencies.Visit the “Virtual Stores” section on the app's home screen.Search for “Steam.”Select the amount of your gift card to top up your Steam balance.Press the “Add to cart” > “Checkout” button. At this stage, we'll show you the details of your purchase. Check the information and confirm payment.Once you make the payment, we'll automatically deduct the amount from your belo balance according to your payment currency selection It doesn't matter whether you have a peso or crypto balance; you'll still be able to pay, without needing to make any currency conversion.Finally, you'll receive an email with the code for your gift card, to redeem your purchase in the Steam store