Scam in ArgentinaBuses and trains
Bicycle hire overcharging in Argentina
How it works
Hire prices are negotiable, and operators may charge as much as they think you will pay. Some available bikes are old and in poor condition.
Warning signs
- The price is unclear or seems unusually high.
- You are asked to pay before seeing the bike.
How to avoid it
- Agree the full daily price before paying.
- Compare offers.
- Inspect the bike before handing over money.
If it happens to you
Raise any price or condition problem before taking the bike. Keep evidence of the agreed hire terms.
- Get somewhere safe. If threatened, hand over valuables and avoid resistance.
- Check for injuries. Call police for immediate danger or an ambulance if medical help is needed.
- Freeze missing cards and contact your bank. Secure accounts linked to a stolen phone.
- Save evidence, including receipts, messages, vehicle details and the time and place. Do not confront or chase anyone.
- Report the incident to police or Tourist Police. Request a written report or reference number.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about replacement documents.
Questions
What is the bicycle hire overcharging scam in Argentina?
Hire prices are negotiable, and operators may charge as much as they think you will pay. Some available bikes are old and in poor condition.
How can I spot it early?
The price is unclear or seems unusually high. You are asked to pay before seeing the bike.
How do I avoid bicycle hire overcharging in Argentina?
Agree the full daily price before paying. Compare offers. Inspect the bike before handing over money.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Raise any price or condition problem before taking the bike. Keep evidence of the agreed hire terms.
Where in Argentina does this happen?
Bicycle hire businesses. It has been reported in Mendoza.
How much can it cost me?
The guide suggests paying no more than AR$15,000–20,000 per day. This is a hire-price benchmark, not a stated scam loss.
How common is this scam in Argentina?
Occasional. Most visitors travel in Argentina without an incident, but petty theft and tourist scams are worth preparing for. Watch for pickpockets, distraction theft, taxi fare tricks and street money exchanges, especially in Buenos Aires and around busy transport terminals.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 911 for an emergency. In some smaller cities, the police number may be 101. Report theft or robbery and request a written record. Tourist Police in Buenos Aires: visit Corrientes 436. Call 0800 999 5000 within Argentina or +54 11 4346 5748. Email turista@policiafederal.gov.ar. Assistance is available in English, Italian, French, Portuguese and Ukrainian. Tourist Ombudsman in Buenos Aires: call +54 11 4302 7816 or visit Ave. Pedro de Mendoza 1835, at the Benito Quinquela Martin Museum in La Boca. Listed hours are daily, 10:00–18:00. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze cards, report unauthorised transactions and ask about a dispute. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents. Airline and airport staff: report theft from checked luggage promptly. Keep your baggage tags and ask for a written incident record. Travel insurer: follow your policy's claim process. Keep the police report, receipts and evidence of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in Argentina?
Police and general emergencies: 911, Police in some smaller cities: 101, Ambulance; SAME in Buenos Aires: 107, Fire service: 100, Tourist Police: +54 11 4346 5748, Tourist Police, within Argentina: 0800 999 5000.
Reviewed by @snuck