Buenos Aires Emergency Card

Tourist Police / Authorities

• Comisaría del Turista
  +54 11 4346 5748
  Av. Corrientes 436, Microcentro — 24/7, English
• Consumer Defence (Defensa del Consumidor)
  0800 666 1518
  argentina.gob.ar/defensadelconsumidor

First 10 minutes if something happens

1. 1.Get to a safe, public spot (café, hotel lobby, shop) and call All emergencies on 911 if anyone is hurt or in immediate danger.
2. 2.Freeze cards immediately in your bank app (do this before calling the bank — it's faster). Revoke Apple Pay / Google Pay from a trusted device if your phone was taken.
3. 3.Change the password on your primary email from a trusted device, then sign out of every other session. Email is the master key to everything else.
4. 4.Contact Comisaría del Turista on +54 11 4346 5748 to file a report — you'll need the reference number for insurance, banks, and your embassy.

Full 8-step checklist at gacs.app/safe-traveller/buenos-aires

Top 5 scams to watch for

1. 1. Mustard / bird-poop distraction
   Someone 'accidentally' sprays you with liquid, offers to help clean — and lifts your bag.
   Avoid: If you feel anything hit you from behind, DO NOT stop — walk directly into a shop or café.
   If it happens: Keep bag on and walk away — reject any 'help.'
2. 2. Counterfeit peso bills as change
   Shops and taxis pass fake $1,000 / $2,000 pesos bills as change.
   Avoid: Check every bill received as change: hold to light for watermark; feel the intaglio texture.
   If it happens: Refuse fake bills at point of transaction; ask for replacement.
3. 3. Taxi from EZE airport meter switch
   Driver switches to Tariff 2 or claims 'toll surcharge' — trip doubles.
   Avoid: Book Manuel Tienda León shuttle ($6,000–$10,000 ARS) or Taxi Ezeiza (official rank, fixed rate) at the airport counter INSIDE arrivals.
   If it happens: Refuse to pay above the fixed rate you agreed at the counter.
4. 4. 'Blue dollar' street cambio short-change
   Street 'cambio' offers great rate; you get fewer pesos or counterfeit bills.
   Avoid: Count every bill in front of the seller — fully unfolded.
   If it happens: Refuse the trade if bills seem off; walk away.
5. 5. ATM skimming at standalone Link/Banelco
   Skimmer overlays on non-bank ATMs clone cards for later withdrawal.
   Avoid: Use ATMs inside bank branches (Banco Nación, Santander, Galicia, BBVA).
   If it happens: Freeze card immediately in your banking app.