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Occasional in Argentina

Scam in ArgentinaChanging money

Street currency exchange rip-offs in Argentina

Street exchanges, especially Florida Street in Buenos Aires.

How it works

Street currency dealers offer informal exchanges where you risk receiving the wrong value or questionable notes. Dealers are called arbolitos and may operate from cuevas. The guide also warns that money can be confiscated during police action.

Warning signs

  • Someone calls out "Cambio" on the street.
  • The exchange takes place through a street dealer.
  • You cannot clearly check the rate and notes before agreeing.

How to avoid it

  1. Use a bank or official exchange office.
  2. Check the exchange rate before handing over money.
  3. Count and inspect every note received.
  4. Avoid displaying a large amount of cash.

If it happens to you

Leave safely, keep any transaction details and report the loss. Do not follow a dealer elsewhere to try to recover your money.

  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 happensStreet exchanges, especially Florida Street in Buenos Aires.

What travellers report

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

More scams in ArgentinaUnasked-for cards followed by a payment demand: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the street currency exchange rip-offs scam in Argentina?

Street currency dealers offer informal exchanges where you risk receiving the wrong value or questionable notes. Dealers are called arbolitos and may operate from cuevas. The guide also warns that money can be confiscated during police action.

How can I spot it early?

Someone calls out "Cambio" on the street. The exchange takes place through a street dealer. You cannot clearly check the rate and notes before agreeing.

How do I avoid street currency exchange rip-offs in Argentina?

Use a bank or official exchange office. Check the exchange rate before handing over money. Count and inspect every note received. Avoid displaying a large amount of cash.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Leave safely, keep any transaction details and report the loss. Do not follow a dealer elsewhere to try to recover your money.

Where in Argentina does this happen?

Street exchanges, especially Florida Street in Buenos Aires.

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.

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