Buenos Aires "Cambio!" Street Callers + Fake Peso Notes
Argentina's peso crisis (2018-2026) creates dual exchange rates: the official rate (~1 USD = 850 ARS as of mid-2026) and the "blue market" rate (~1 USD = 1,150 ARS). Blue market is where tourists get 30-40% better value. The problem: Florida Street cambio callers offer to trade at blue rate but hand you fake peso notes, use rigged calculators, or short-count. Western Union blue-rate transfer is the legit safe alternative — same rate advantage, no cash swap risk.
How the scam works
- 1You walk down Florida Street (pedestrian shopping street in central BA)
- 2Every 20-40m, a man calls "Cambio! Cambio!" ($USD-ARS exchange)
- 3You approach + ask rate. He quotes 1,100-1,200 pesos per USD (real blue rate)
- 4You agree. He takes you to a hidden storefront or apartment 2-3 blocks away
- 5Inside: calculator shows correct total. He counts out pesos + hands them to you
- 6You leave. Later realize: (a) 20-30% of the peso notes are counterfeit, (b) calculator was rigged to show wrong amount, (c) they short-counted a bundle by 5-10 notes
Red flags — how to spot it early
- ⚠Anyone calling "Cambio!" on Florida Street or Corrientes Ave
- ⚠Being taken to a location 2-3 blocks away from where you first met
- ⚠Rate that's 5-10% higher than legitimate blue rate (bait)
- ⚠Counting cash quickly without letting you verify each bundle
- ⚠Bundle of pesos with older-looking notes (counterfeiting was heaviest in 2020-2023 bills)
How to avoid it
- USE WESTERN UNION for blue rate — legit, safe, +30-40% vs official bank rate. Transfer money to yourself via westernunion.com. Pick up at Western Union branches in Buenos Aires (peso payout).
- Or use Western Union Blue via app — same result
- Or use MEP exchange via crypto (advanced): send USDT to a Buenos Aires-based exchange like Ripio + withdraw as ARS at real blue rate
- AVOID all Florida Street cambio callers — no exceptions
- For emergency small amounts: Cambio Global (Florida 971) is a licensed exchange operating near the tourist zone
If it happens to you
- →Fake notes: immediately return + demand replacement. Threat: "I'm calling police" (though enforcement weak)
- →Small refund success possible at scam cambio; typically none
- →For future trips: pre-arrange Western Union transfers before landing
- →Report to Argentine Consumer Protection (defensadelconsumidor.gob.ar)
- →Post scam location details on r/buenosaires — helps others avoid the specific location
Documented in the wild
- ·Reddit r/argentina + r/buenosaires have 15-25 monthly reports 2020-2026
- ·Argentine Federal Police periodically raid Florida Street cambio operations but new operators emerge
- ·Argentine Foreign Ministry advises tourists to use Western Union in official 2023 travel guidance
Frequently asked
How do I get blue market rate safely in Buenos Aires?
Western Union — legit + safe. Send money to yourself via westernunion.com before travel. Pick up in ARS at Buenos Aires Western Union branches. You get the blue market rate (30-40% better than bank official rate) with zero scam risk. Same principle as sending money to family, just to yourself.
What is the current Argentina blue market rate?
Check bluedollar.net or dolarblue.com for real-time rate. As of mid-2026: approximately 1 USD = 1,150-1,200 ARS blue, vs 850 ARS official rate. Blue rate is legitimate, widely used by Argentines + tourists, but only through legitimate channels like Western Union.
Is Florida Street cambio ever safe?
No — the risk-reward is bad. Even if the specific cambio isn't scamming, you're carrying large USD cash + walking to a hidden location with strangers. Western Union eliminates both risks + gets you the same rate.
Can I use a Revolut/Wise card in Argentina?
Complex — depends on which rate the card processor uses. Revolut/Wise typically use the OFFICIAL rate (worse rate). Some banks pass through the tourist rate (marginally better). Best strategy: Western Union for peso cash + use USD card for expensive restaurants/hotels (which typically bill at official rate anyway).