VAT hike is another reason to go to Ipiales, according to buyers

The temporary VAT increase from 12% to 14%, in force since last Wednesday, was one of the reasons why Monica Ortiz and Karen Gallardo, native of Quito, go shopping Friday afternoon at the Exito Supermarket, located in the Pan American Highway, in Ipiales, Colombia.

Gallardo said that with the VAT increase, products like detergent, toothpaste, soap, mouthwash or toilet paper are cheaper across the northern border.

Juan Manuel Ochoa, from Ibarra, who last Saturday placed products in the trunk of his car in the parking lot of Gran Plaza Ipiales, said the same. When asked if his presence was because of the tax hike, he replied: “Yes, of course, obviously, because the costs are much more accessible here.”

Source: http://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2016/06/06/nota/5620215/iva-es-otra-razon-ir-ipiales