Question 1

What is the "Unofficial Currency Exchange (Arbolito)" scam in Buenos Aires?

Accepted Answer

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. 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.

Question 2

What is the "ATM Card Trapping in Microcentro" scam in Buenos Aires?

Accepted Answer

Criminals install card-trapping devices inside ATM card slots at machines concentrated in the Microcentro financial district, particularly along Reconquista, San Martín, and the Florida Street bank corridor. When the card gets stuck, a nearby "helpful" stranger advises you to re-enter your PIN multiple times to dislodge it — capturing the PIN visually or via a hidden camera — before suggesting you contact your bank. The card is retrieved by the criminal after you leave. Use ATMs inside bank branches during business hours rather than street-facing machines. Shield the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN. If your card is retained by a machine, call your bank immediately to cancel it and do not accept PIN advice from strangers. Prefer ATMs at recognized international banks such as HSBC, Santander, or BBVA on Florida Street.

Money & ATM Scams in Buenos Aires

Unofficial Currency Exchange (Arbolito)

ATM Card Trapping in Microcentro

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