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Common in Argentina

Scam in ArgentinaTheft

Pickpocketing in Argentina

Crowded city streets, the subway, public transport and busy markets.

How it works

Someone takes your wallet or other valuables from a pocket or bag. You may not notice until much later.

Warning signs

  • People are pressed closely around you.
  • Your bag is open or behind you.

How to avoid it

  1. Carry your bag in front of you in crowds.
  2. Keep valuables in a secure front pocket or closed bag.
  3. Carry only the cash and valuables you need.

If it happens to you

Move somewhere safe, freeze missing cards and report the theft.

  1. Get somewhere safe. If threatened, hand over valuables and avoid resistance.
  2. Check for injuries. Call police for immediate danger or an ambulance if medical help is needed.
  3. Freeze missing cards and contact your bank. Secure accounts linked to a stolen phone.
  4. Save evidence, including receipts, messages, vehicle details and the time and place. Do not confront or chase anyone.
  5. Report the incident to police or Tourist Police. Request a written report or reference number.
  6. Contact your insurer. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about replacement documents.
Where it happensCrowded city streets, the subway, public transport and busy markets.

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in ArgentinaDistraction theft: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the pickpocketing scam in Argentina?

Someone takes your wallet or other valuables from a pocket or bag. You may not notice until much later.

How can I spot it early?

People are pressed closely around you. Your bag is open or behind you.

How do I avoid pickpocketing in Argentina?

Carry your bag in front of you in crowds. Keep valuables in a secure front pocket or closed bag. Carry only the cash and valuables you need.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Move somewhere safe, freeze missing cards and report the theft.

Where in Argentina does this happen?

Crowded city streets, the subway, public transport and busy markets.

How common is this scam in Argentina?

Common. 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.

Are there similar scams in Argentina?

Yes: distraction theft, mustard or cream distraction, bag snatching.

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.

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