I was going to bring a couple of slightly negative things about Argentina into last post but thought I’d save them for a separate post which might be helpful for visitors.
Bus Station Scam
The first of these is a long running Buenos Aires scam, commonly found near the main Retiro bus station, typically situated in a rather downtrodden area.
Backpackers are often targeted by people who will squirt a foul smelling liquid on them and their belongings. This is rumoured to include sewage, vinegar, chemicals, rotten eggs and other nasty delights. Once hit, people will offer to clean you and your bags and while distracted these will be stolen.
This happened to us but we ignored some shouting outside the bus station only to notice the foul smell inside. This was probably for the best. Though sitting next to Katrina’s hair for the next 6 hours wasn’t pleasant.
Since this happened to us, I’ve heard stories of tourists being mugged and even a rumour of a French tourist being killed. I’m not sure it’s true but given the police aren’t prepared to stop this scam in the area I don’t recommend fighting back.
If it happens to you, just keep walking and clean up later.
Where are you from?
This is more of an irritation to British tourists in Argentina. The Falkland Islands or to the locals, Las Malvinas.
These islands have become a bigger issue in the last year or so due to the 30th anniversary of the conflict and the desire of President Cristina to distract attention away from some of the national economic problems.
Personally, it’s an issue for the islands residents, not centralised governments of whom one has little in common while another is located thousands of miles away. Oh well.
Many curious Argentinians, like most Latin American people, will ask where you are from. Upon saying “Inglaterra” or “Reino Unido” we would be met with the response of “Las Malvinas son de Argentina”. Despite a friendly smile back trying to deflect the issue the conversation would end or be elaborated on the issue.
This happened more than we expected and was a little unfortunate. In the end, we discovered it pretty useful to say we were Scottish. Seemingly Scotland isn’t associated with the conflict!
So there we are, that’s my little warning done. I’ll finish with some nicer stuff about Argentina and Iguazu Falls later.
Happy travels!
It's all Michael Palin's fault 
Nice to make this a separate post from others keeping the negative aspects away. I was sprayed with something in BA and managed to kick the guy pretty hard. It is not like me to lash out but I did and no one touched me. Your advice to keep going is solid. As far as Las Malvinas goes, just ell them you are from Alaska and you will have no problems. Peace.
Yeah.quite annoying. Same thing happens when I go to uk which is often. I just quote Borges
It’s like two bold men fighting for a comb.