Common Tourist Scams in Buenos Aires (and How to Avoid Them)
Calle Florida and Centro scams
- "Mustard / coffee on your shirt": someone sprays you, then a "kind stranger" helps clean it. Their accomplice has your wallet. Same scam as Rome. Most concentrated on Calle Florida pedestrian street.
- "Cambio cambio cambio" shouts on Florida — informal money-changers. Not all are scams but rates vary widely; check before exchanging. Carry small bills; large notes get "switched" for fake.
- Distraction theft on the Subte: pickpocket teams work line A and B at peak hours. Phone in front pocket.
- Tango shows: legitimate venues (Café de los Angelitos, Esquina Carlos Gardel, Rojo Tango) are genuine. Touts pulling you into "free" tango shows on Florida lead to high-pressure rip-offs.
- Restaurant cubierto charges: most BA restaurants add a small "cubierto" cover charge for bread/table service. Legitimate; not a scam.
FAQ
- What's the biggest scam to avoid in Buenos Aires?
- The 'mustard or coffee on your shirt' distraction-theft pattern — someone (often dressed as a tourist or office worker) sprays a substance on you, a 'kind stranger' helps clean it up, and their accomplice lifts your wallet. Most concentrated on Calle Florida pedestrian street and around Plaza de Mayo. The other big one: 'cambio cambio cambio' street money-changers offering 'blue dollar' rates that involve switching your large bills for fakes — use Western Union or licensed cuevas with posted rates. Also avoid 'free tango show' touts on Florida (high-pressure rip-offs at the venue) and unmarked street taxis (use Cabify or Uber for the 'express kidnapping' protection).
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