Tourist Scams in Argentina

Argentina's unofficial "blue dollar" (dólar blue) exchange rate significantly exceeds the official bank rate, and foreign tourists commonly seek informal exchange to maximize purchasing power. In Córdoba, informal changers around the Peatonal Rivadavia and Mercado Norte use fast-count and note-substitution techniques to shortchange tourists exchanging USD or euros.

How to avoid: Exchange currency at established casa de cambio (exchange houses) or through the Wise or Prex financial apps that offer near-blue-dollar rates legally. If using informal exchange, count every note yourself, slowly, before handing over your currency — do not allow the exchanger to touch the bundle after you have counted it.

Men offering "cambio cambio" (exchange exchange) on Florida Street offer black-market peso rates above the official rate. They shortchange tourists with sleight of hand or give counterfeit peso notes mixed with genuine ones.

How to avoid: Since Argentina has normalized its currency market, the blue dollar rate advantage is smaller than it once was. If you do exchange informally, count every note yourself in a secure location. Official ATMs and exchanges are significantly safer.

Unlicensed taxis (piratas) operate widely in Buenos Aires. Drivers overcharge tourists, take circuitous routes, or pass counterfeit bills as change. Some tourists have reported robberies in pirate taxis.

How to avoid: Use Cabify or Uber for all rides, or call a licensed remise (minicab) service. Avoid flagging taxis off the street in Buenos Aires.

Pairs of thieves on motorcycles target pedestrians walking with phones, bags, or cameras visible. One rider operates the bike while the passenger snatches the item as they pass — the entire theft takes under two seconds and the bike disappears into traffic before victims can react. The tactic, known locally as motochorros, is specifically warned against by the US State Department, UK FCDO, and Canadian government. It is most common on wider avenues and quieter side streets, particularly after dark.

How to avoid: Keep your phone in your pocket or bag when walking — never hold it visibly while on the street. Carry bags on the side away from the road, or use a crossbody bag worn in front. Avoid walking on the outer edge of the pavement close to moving traffic, especially on wide avenues.

The US Embassy in Buenos Aires issued official security alerts in August 2024 and March 2025 warning of a surge in "Black Widow" incidents — a specific pattern in which women approach men in bars and nightclubs, gain their trust, and then spike their drinks with clonazepam (a powerful sedative). Once the victim is incapacitated, the perpetrator and accomplices steal cash, cards, passport, and electronics. The Buenos Aires Herald reported multiple incidents occurring within single weekends, and the Embassy stated it had seen "a significant increase" requiring mandatory reporting to US citizens. Victims are typically older male tourists who accept drinks or share food with women they have just met in social venues.

How to avoid: Never accept a drink or food from someone you have just met in a bar, even if they seem trustworthy. Order drinks directly from the bar and watch them being prepared. If you feel suddenly and abnormally drowsy after one or two drinks, alert bar staff immediately and call emergency services (911). Do not leave a bar alone with someone you just met. Share your location and plans with a trusted contact before going out.

Mendoza's Terminal del Sol bus station is a documented hotspot for luggage theft, specifically named in US State Department and Canadian government travel advisories. A common technique involves a staged distraction — one person falls or bumps into you while an accomplice removes bags from overhead racks, under seats, or from unattended piles during boarding and alighting. Bags left in overhead compartments on overnight long-distance buses are also targeted while passengers sleep.

How to avoid: Keep bags between your feet or on your lap at all times in the terminal waiting area. Lock luggage to overhead racks on overnight buses using a cable lock. Never accept help from strangers who approach you near your luggage.

Motorcycle-based theft — known locally as motochorro — is documented across Mendoza's urban streets and is specifically flagged in multiple government travel advisories including the US State Department, Canada DFAT, and Australian Smartraveller. Thieves operate in pairs on a motorbike: one drives slowly alongside pedestrians while the other grabs phones, bags, or jewellery and the bike accelerates away. The attack is fast and leaves victims little time to react.

How to avoid: Walk on the inside of the footpath, away from the kerb. Keep phones out of sight and in a pocket rather than in hand. Wear bags across the body with the strap on the traffic-side shoulder to make snatching harder. Avoid wearing visible jewellery or watches in street-level areas.

A substance is squirted on your clothing from behind; a "helpful" bystander immediately moves in to assist with cleaning while an accomplice steals your bag, camera, or phone. This is one of the most reported scams in Buenos Aires.

How to avoid: Immediately grip your bag and step away if anything hits your clothing. Move to a secure area before allowing anyone to touch you or help.