Question 1

What is the "Airport Taxi Overcharging" scam in Mendoza?

Accepted Answer

Taxi drivers at Mendoza's El Plumerillo Airport frequently quote inflated flat rates to tourists unfamiliar with local fares. Drivers may claim the meter is broken or insist on a fixed price that is two to three times the standard rate. The airport exit area has unofficial drivers posing alongside licensed taxis making it difficult to distinguish legitimate services. Use the official remis (private car) kiosks inside the terminal where fixed-rate prices are displayed. Agree on the fare before entering any vehicle and confirm the driver has an official license plate and ID.

Question 2

What is the "Taxi Counterfeit Bill Switch" scam in Mendoza?

Accepted Answer

A documented scam in Mendoza and throughout Argentina involves taxi drivers switching a tourist's legitimate large-denomination peso note for a counterfeit one. The driver takes the note, inspects it, and then hands it back claiming it is fake or that he has no change. In fact, the original note has been palmed and replaced with a counterfeit. The tourist does not discover the swap until trying to spend the note elsewhere. The technique exploits the passenger's unfamiliarity with Argentine peso security features and the confined, low-light environment of a taxi. Travel safety resources including LandingPad BA and Vamos Academy specifically document this technique as active in Mendoza. Pay taxi fares with the smallest bills possible to avoid needing change. Before handing over any large note, hold it up to the light in front of the driver and verbally note the last four digits of the serial number so it cannot be switched. Use Uber or Cabify where payment is app-based and eliminates cash handling entirely.

Taxi & Transport Scams in Mendoza

Airport Taxi Overcharging

Taxi Counterfeit Bill Switch

Experienced a scam here?