Steam has withdrawn local currency payments for Argentina

[Splinterdog]

Steam introduced local currency payments for Argentina in 2017, in line with localising Steam in numerous territories.
To be honest, I was a little surprised that they took the risk in the first place, due to the volatility of the Argentine economy. Prior to this change, the acceptable payment methods were major international credit cards and PayPal, with prices being quoted in USD.
A few weeks ago the government suffered a disastrous primary election and the following day the Arg peso lost around 33% of its value, which I've no doubt triggered Steam's move to withdraw local payments.
The main advantages of the move to local currency were that one could pay for games with cash using a local payment system over the counter in the high street, with a printout of the Steam docket. This was especially useful for those who don't have bank accounts or credit cards. (not everyone has or wants a credit card)
Today, the only payment available for Steam accounts in Argentina are Visa and MasterCard, yet the prices are still being quoted in AR$ (pesos).
I contacted Steam about this change and as expected I was given the usual robotic reply of my needing to read the detail in the payment section, which I wasn't satisfied with.
Furthermore, they claim that this move was following recent changes in local government law, which is incorrect as there haven't been any changes in government law of this kind whatsoever.
So I pressed them further on this issue and also asked why they were still quoting in AR$ and, notwithstanding that, why have they not reinstated PayPal as a method of payment.
They replied and insisted that the changes were as a result of government changes (of which they could not elucidate) and they were not prepared to comment any further.
Now I can well understand any business pulling out of Argentina for monetary risk reasons, after all, the country is in yet another financial crisis (situation normal), but it's a bit lame to fob customers off with pat replies, without backing up those replies with actual facts about the very government laws they are referring to.
I'm also confused as to why Steam continues to quote prices in the local currency, when we cannot pay in local currency. It doesn't make any sense.
I shall continue to press Steam on this issue of currency, with particular regard to PayPal in USD as it falls outside local currency. I also don't appreciate being fobbed off with standard replies as if reading from a hymn book.
If I make any progress, I'll post it here.

 

[gerardfraser]

Interesting I buy a lot of games on steam with ARS but with International credit card which as I read is not affected.I hope local payments get restored somehow but does not look good.Good luck in making any progress on any information.

 

[Splinterdog]

Well yes, you can pay with Visa or Mastercard even if those cards are local cards, i.e. in AR$.
Although I'm still looking, I don't feel that I'm ever going to get a satisfactory answer from Steam, but there is more information on the Spanish speaking Steam forums.
I have discovered that there are a few options now available fro paying for games in local currency, since Argentines could never be accused of not being imaginative. God knows they've been through much worse over the years!
Apparently Steambuy lets you pay cash through RapiPago and Pago Facil, as well as a prepaid card known as Uala. I've not tried either of these yet, though.
What's interesting though is that my MercadoPago prepaid card wasn't accepted in Steam...scratches head.
Edit
The fact that prices are still quoted in AR$ could have to with the fact that Steam charges 21% VAT (IVA) on game purchases. They don't retain it, the card company does and it was instigated about 12 months ago.
I've discovered that one way around this is to top up your Steam wallet with as hefty amount so that the 21% is only charged once and then pay for the games from the Steam wallet.