Taxi & Transport Scams in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists. Below are the taxi & transport scams reported in Buenos Aires — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Medellín, Lima, and Bogotá.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
2
Taxi & Transport Scams
12
Total in Buenos Aires
How it works
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 it works
Drivers posing as legitimate remis (private car) operators offer rides near Retiro Bus Terminal, Ezeiza International Airport, and late-night bar districts in Palermo. Once the tourist is inside, accomplices may enter the vehicle and the victim is driven to multiple ATMs and forced to withdraw cash at each one before being released. This crime, known locally as "secuestro express," specifically targets travelers unfamiliar with the city.
See all scams in Buenos Aires
12 total warnings across all categories