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Argentina · Moderate Risk

Argentina Tourist Scams to Avoid

Argentina: Moderate Risk — watch out for counterfeit currency & street exchange scams.

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Argentina at a glance

Moderate Risk: Counterfeit currency & street exchange scams. Street money changers offering rates better than banks sometimes hand back counterfeit bills or short-change tourists in the confusion of counting cash. Exchange only at reputable exchange houses or banks, and check any large bills you receive.

Frequently asked questions

What's the most common tourist scam in Argentina?

Argentina: Moderate Risk — watch out for counterfeit currency & street exchange scams. Street money changers offering rates better than banks sometimes hand back counterfeit bills or short-change tourists in the confusion of counting cash. Exchange only at reputable exchange houses or banks, and check any large bills you receive.

What does "Moderate Risk" mean?

A real, somewhat common scam pattern exists here — check the note above so you can recognize it before it happens to you.

How do I avoid getting scammed in Argentina?

Agree on prices before getting into a taxi, be skeptical of unusually friendly strangers steering you somewhere specific, and never sign anything or accept food/drinks from someone you just met. The single biggest risk for this destination is noted above — general street-smarts cover the rest.

Does this mean Argentina isn't safe to visit?

Not at all — millions of tourists visit safely every year. Knowing the one scam pattern that catches people most often is simply the best, cheapest defense there is, since it's designed specifically to look harmless until it's too late.

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