Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina

All Topics about Mar del Plata All Cities in Argentina

1. Beach Vendors Scam

Some beach vendors may overprice or sell counterfeit goods. Be wary and negotiate prices before purchasing.

Price Negotiation: Negotiating the price can help you get a fair deal.
Counterfeit Goods: Be cautious when buying goods from unofficial vendors to avoid purchasing counterfeit items.
Awareness: Knowing about this scam can help you stay vigilant and make informed decisions.

Some taxis may overcharge or take a longer route. Use official taxi services or apps for safer journeys.

Official Taxi Services: Official taxis have identifiable features, such as a meter and official signage.
Taxi Apps: Using taxi apps can help ensure fair prices and provide real-time tracking of your ride.
Avoid Long Routes: Pay attention to the route taken to avoid being charged for unnecessary detours.

Some food stalls may use low-quality ingredients or overprice their offerings. Stick to well-known establishments.

Well-Known Establishments: Choose established restaurants and food stalls with good reviews.
Ingredients Quality: Fresh ingredients can help ensure a better dining experience.
Price Check: Check prices before ordering to avoid unexpectedly high bills.

Some ATMs may skim cards or charge excessive fees. Use ATMs in well-lit and secure locations.

Well-Lit and Secure Locations: ATMs in banks, hotels, or shopping malls are generally safer.
Card Skimming Prevention: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers.
Fee Awareness: Check with your bank about any foreign transaction fees before traveling.

Some street performers may pressure you into giving more money than expected. Observe performances from a distance.

Observe From Distance: Watching performances from a distance can help avoid confrontations.
Fair Payment: Offer a fair payment based on the performance and your budget.
Avoid Pressure Tactics: Do not let performers pressure you into giving more money than you're comfortable with.

Some exchange houses may give less currency than agreed upon. Use reputable exchange services or banks.

Reputable Exchange Services: Choose well-established and recognized exchange providers.
Check Rates: Compare exchange rates before committing to a service.
Secure Transactions: Ensure that the exchange is conducted in a secure and confidential manner.

Some tour guides may oversell or mislead you about attractions. Research tours and guides beforehand.

Research Tours: Check reviews, ratings, and recommendations for tours and guides.
Avoid Misleading Information: Make sure the tour includes all promised attractions and activities.
Trustworthy Guides: Choose guides with good reputation, certifications, or affiliations with trustworthy organizations.

Some vendors at markets may use lower-quality items or overcharge. Bargain and be aware of common scams.

Bargaining: Negotiating the price can help you get a fair deal.
Avoid Overcharging: Research prices for common items before shopping to avoid overpaying.
Be Aware of Scams: Know about common scams in markets to stay vigilant and make informed decisions.

Some internet cafés may install keyloggers or spyware. Use trusted Wi-Fi networks instead.

Trusted Wi-Fi Networks: Use hotel, airport, or mobile data for internet access.
Antivirus Software: Install antivirus software on your devices to protect against malware.
Secure Passwords: Use strong and unique passwords for your accounts.

Some hotels may overcharge or provide lower-quality rooms. Research hotels before booking.

Research Hotels: Check reviews, ratings, and prices for various hotels.
Room Quality: Ensure the hotel provides clean, comfortable, and functional rooms.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other hotels to avoid overpaying.

Some street artists may pressure you into buying their art. View artwork from a distance.

View From Distance: Watching the artist from a distance can help avoid confrontations.
Avoid Pressure Tactics: Do not let artists pressure you into giving more money than you're comfortable with.
Fair Payment: Offer a fair payment based on the quality and effort of the artwork.

Some bars may overcharge drinks or use watered-down alcohol. Stick to well-known establishments.

Well-Known Establishments: Choose established bars and restaurants with good reviews.
Avoid Watered Down Drinks: Check for signs of diluted drinks or ask for a taste before ordering.
Fair Pricing: Compare prices with other bars to ensure fair pricing.

Some bus drivers may overcharge or try to swindle extra money. Use official bus services.

Official Bus Services: Choose buses with identifiable features, such as official signage and routes.
Avoid Overcharging: Pay attention to the fare before boarding the bus.
Stay Aware: Keep your belongings close and be cautious of pickpockets.

Some vendors at festivals may overcharge or sell counterfeit goods. Research the festival and its offerings beforehand.

Research Festivals: Check reviews, schedules, and maps for the festival.
Avoid Overpriced Items: Compare prices with other vendors to avoid overpaying.
Beware of Counterfeit Goods: Be cautious when buying goods from unofficial vendors to avoid purchasing counterfeit items.

Some ticket scalpers may sell fake or overpriced tickets. Purchase tickets from official sources.

Official Ticket Sources: Choose reputable ticket vendors, such as the venue box office or authorized resellers.
Avoid Overpriced Tickets: Compare prices with other ticket sources to ensure you're getting a fair deal.
Verify Ticket Authenticity: Check for holograms, security features, or other indicators of authenticity on your tickets.