Money & ATM Scams in Mendoza, Argentina
Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons. Below are the money & atm scams scams reported in Mendoza — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Valparaíso, Salvador, and Buenos Aires.
Last updated: April 4, 2026
3
Money & ATM Scams Scams
16
Total in Mendoza
How it works
During periods of Argentine economic instability, informal money changers and some businesses exploit the gap between official and parallel exchange rates. Tourists are shown a favourable "blue rate" but receive short-changed amounts, counterfeit bills, or have pesos palmed during counting. Some exchanges involve sleight-of-hand at the point of transaction.
How it works
Street-level arbolitos (informal money changers) approach tourists in Mendoza's central pedestrian zone offering parallel exchange rates. While some transactions are straightforward, many involve counterfeit notes mixed into bundles, short-counts, or rates that appear favourable but are below the actual blue rate. The practice is illegal and leaves tourists with no recourse.
How it works
Credit card fraud is a documented risk in Mendoza, with multiple TripAdvisor forum reports specifically naming the city alongside Patagonian tourist areas. The most common method involves restaurant or bar staff taking the payment card away from the table for processing — during which details can be skimmed or additional charges added. A separate method involves ATM card skimming devices placed on machines in shopping centres. Fraudulent charges typically appear days or weeks after the transaction.
See all scams in Mendoza
16 total warnings across all categories