Police
911
Ambulance
107
Tourist Police
0800-999-5000
Risk Map & Attractions
Common Scams
The Counterfeit Change-Up
Scammers, often taxi drivers or small shop vendors, will swap a genuine large bill (e.g., $1000 peso note) given by the tourist with a counterfeit one, then claim the tourist's bill is fake and demand a new one, effectively stealing the value of the original bill.
Always pay with small bills or exact change. Inspect bills carefully, especially in dimly lit taxis or shops. Use a money exchange app to verify current exchange rates and avoid street exchangers.
The Turbo-Meter Ride
Taxi drivers use a rigged meter that runs faster than normal or take unnecessarily long routes to inflate the fare. This is often combined with the counterfeit change scam.
Use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Cabify for fixed prices. If using a taxi, look for 'Radio Taxi' cars, note the route on a GPS app, and be ready to challenge the driver.
The Sticky Distraction (Mustard/Bird Poop Scam)
A scammer splatters a substance (mustard, paint, or fake bird droppings) on the victim. An accomplice then rushes to 'help' clean it up, using the distraction to pickpocket or steal bags.
Immediately move away from the 'helper' and into a secure location (shop, cafe) to clean yourself. Keep all belongings secured and in front of you.
The Motorcycle Snatch-and-Grab (Motochorros)
A team of two on a motorcycle (motochorros) drives close to the sidewalk, and the passenger snatches phones, purses, or bags from unsuspecting pedestrians before speeding away.
Do not walk near the curb with your phone out. Keep bags securely across your body, away from the street. Be especially vigilant in wealthier neighborhoods with good escape routes.
The Subway Squeeze (Pick-pocketing Groups)
A group of pickpockets creates a sudden commotion or intentionally bumps and crowds the victim, often near subway or bus doors, using the confusion to steal wallets or phones.
Wear backpacks on your chest in crowded public transport (subte/colectivo). Keep valuables in zippered, internal pockets. Be wary of sudden pushing or crowding.
The Fake Police Stop
Scammers posing as plainclothes police officers approach tourists, flash a fake badge, and claim they are checking for counterfeit money or drugs, using the opportunity to steal cash from the victim's wallet.
Politely refuse to show your wallet. Ask to see their ID and demand to go to the nearest police station (Comisaría) to resolve the issue. Real police will not conduct street searches of this nature.
The Honeypot Bar Tab
An attractive person invites a tourist to a bar or 'cabaret' for a drink. The tourist is then presented with an exorbitant bill for drinks and services they may not have consumed, with aggressive staff ensuring payment.
Be cautious of unsolicited invitations from strangers to secluded or non-standard bars. Always check prices before ordering and pay for each drink as you go.
ATM Skimming and Shoulder Surfing
Scammers install skimming devices on ATMs to steal card data and use hidden cameras or 'shoulder surf' to capture the PIN. They often target tourists at standalone ATMs.
Use ATMs inside banks or well-lit, busy areas. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN. Check the card slot for any loose or suspicious attachments before use.
The Rental Car Damage Claim
Upon returning a rental car, the agency (or a corrupt employee) attempts to charge the tourist for pre-existing damage, often minor scratches, that were not noted during the initial inspection.
Thoroughly photograph and video the entire car, inside and out, before and after rental. Insist on a detailed, signed document noting all existing damage before driving away.
The Fake Tourist Information/Petition
A person approaches the tourist, often with a clipboard, asking for a signature on a petition or offering 'free' tourist information. This is a distraction for an accomplice to pickpocket the victim.
Politely but firmly ignore anyone approaching you with a clipboard or petition. Do not stop to engage with them and keep a firm grip on your belongings.
The Taxi Trunk Switch
When a tourist is loading or unloading luggage from the taxi trunk, the driver quickly drives off with the bags still inside, or a scammer opens the passenger door to steal a bag while the tourist is distracted with the trunk.
Keep your most valuable belongings (passport, money) with you in the back seat. Never let the driver out of your sight while handling luggage. Use a reputable radio taxi or ride-share service.
Safe Attractions
Obelisco
National historic monument and icon of Buenos Aires.
Teatro Colón
Main opera house.
La Boca (Caminito)
Colorful street museum.
Recoleta Cemetery
Cemetery containing graves of notable people.
Plaza de Mayo
Main square and political hub.