Argentina – Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services

How taxis work in Argentina, and whether they are safe and reliable for expats

Buenos Aires operates two distinct categories of paid ride service: conventional metered taxis and remises — privately owned vehicles that carry passengers at rates agreed in advance. Grasping this distinction is one of the first practical things any newcomer to Argentina needs to understand.

With over 38,000 licensed taxis circulating throughout the city, waiting more than five minutes for one is unusual. Every official cab is painted in the distinctive black-and-yellow livery. A lit “libre” sign tells you the vehicle is free to take passengers. Unlike some cities where taxis cluster at designated ranks, Buenos Aires drivers are routinely flagged down directly from the pavement.

Taxi tariffs in Argentina are set at city or district level. Buenos Aires published its most recent official tariff ordinance in January 2025, and it applies to all taxis operating within the compulsory driving zone — no driver may legally charge more or less than the scheduled rate. As in Paris or Sydney, where government-mandated rate schedules govern metered cabs, every Buenos Aires taxi must carry a functioning taximeter to enforce compliance.

Remises also serve Buenos Aires. A remis is a private vehicle that takes customers to whatever destination they choose. Rather than using a meter, remis operators quote a set fare based on the distance between pickup and drop-off. Payment for remis services must be made in advance, either online or at an official company desk.

Taxis in Argentina are broadly safe, especially when passengers choose licensed companies or book through apps. A cab displaying a “Radio taxi” rooftop sign or sticker is a reassuring indicator — complaints about these drivers can be directed to the company itself, and drivers are bound by company standards and policies.

Flagging a taxi in Argentina is straightforward, though expats benefit from a working knowledge of basic Spanish when dealing with drivers. In Buenos Aires, the clearest way to give a destination is to name the street and the nearest cross street. For instance, if you are heading to Avenida de Mayo near Piedras, simply say “Avenida de Mayo y Piedras.”

Which ride-hailing apps work in Argentina, and how to use them

Ride-hailing platforms including Uber, Cabify, DiDi, and inDrive are well established in Buenos Aires and across Argentina’s other large urban centres. They frequently offer better value than a metered street taxi and spare passengers the communication difficulties that can arise from a language barrier.

These apps are primarily active in major cities such as Buenos Aires, Rosario, and Córdoba, though the density of available drivers varies from one city to another.

Uber — Uber is among the most heavily used ride-hailing apps in the country. It accepts credit and debit cards, cash, and digital wallets, and its broad coverage combined with competitive fares makes it a default choice for many travellers. That said, Uber has not been fully legalised in Buenos Aires and continues to occupy a regulatory grey area. The notable exception is Mendoza, where a legal challenge that ultimately reached the provincial Supreme Court resulted in Uber being granted full legal status. In spite of the regulatory uncertainty in Buenos Aires, the app functions actively there and attracts a large user base.

Cabify — Cabify is fully legal throughout Argentina. It exclusively accepts card or in-app payments and distinguishes itself through its vetted driver network and a corporate travel product, making it a natural fit for business trips or work-related journeys. Its regulatory compliance and consistent service quality make it a favourite among expats.

DiDi — DiDi accepts both card and cash and has built a following through regular promotions and an “Express Ride” option suited to shorter, faster trips. Originally a Chinese ride-sharing company, DiDi has carved out a loyal local user base thanks to its pricing.

BA Taxi — BA Taxi is an app created by the Buenos Aires city government as a direct response to the rise of Uber. Available on Google Play and Apple’s App Store, it enables users to summon a licensed city taxi from their smartphone. Unlike Uber, it is exclusively for registered Buenos Aires taxis. The app supports credit card payments, though options for visitors without an Argentine national ID may be more limited. Full details are available through the Buenos Aires city government at buenosaires.gob.ar/taxis.

inDrive — inDrive is another widely used option in Buenos Aires and elsewhere in Argentina. Its model differs from Uber and Cabify in that passengers propose a fare, which drivers can accept or negotiate, rather than having a price set by dynamic algorithm.

All four major apps — Uber, Cabify, DiDi, and inDrive — are available through standard app stores and can be set up using a foreign phone number and an international credit card. Uber in particular accepts non-Argentine cards and shows an estimated fare before the trip begins, alongside details about the assigned driver.

Where to find taxis and book rides in the capital and major expat areas of Argentina

Buenos Aires — Taxis are a constant presence on Buenos Aires streets. The city has no shortage of licensed black-and-yellow cabs, and they offer a comfortable way to travel across the city. You can wave one down on any main road when its “libre” light is on, but given the risk of scams, booking through the BA Taxi app is advisable. Many expats default to Cabify or DiDi for reliability and predictability.

For airport journeys, Buenos Aires has two principal airports. At Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), touchscreens in the arrivals hall let you arrange your taxi; you receive a printed ticket showing your pre-calculated fare, proceed to the taxi lane, and hand the ticket to the driver when you reach the front of the queue. At Jorge Newbery Domestic Airport (Aeroparque, AEP), head to the official taxi desk and use the QR code ticket system to receive a fixed, regulated fare.

For app-based pickups at Aeroparque, Uber and Cabify now operate with dedicated, signposted collection points. Once you have booked your ride, exit the arrivals building and follow the external signage to the designated area.

Established radio taxi companies in Buenos Aires include Taxi Premium (bookable by app and phone) and On Baires Transfer, reachable at +54 11 5480-1215 or +54 11 2338-6874. For passengers with mobility requirements, providers such as Exit-Traslados (+54 (11) 3258 7389) and OK Traslados (+54 (11) 6154 2986) maintain vehicles equipped with ramps, restraints, and ample space. The BA Taxi helpline for lost items or complaints can be reached on +54 9 11 2380-5440 or +54 9 11 2739-5635.

Córdoba and Rosario — Argentina’s larger cities outside the capital — including Córdoba and Rosario — are seeing growing demand for technology-enabled transport. Uber, Cabify, and DiDi all operate in both cities, though the pool of available drivers is thinner than in Buenos Aires. Street hailing remains practical in central areas.

Mendoza — Mendoza stands out as the one major Argentine city where Uber enjoys full legal recognition, following a legal dispute that was ultimately resolved by the provincial Supreme Court. Cabify and DiDi are also active there. Licensed taxis are readily available throughout the city centre and at Mendoza Airport.

Patagonia (Bariloche, El Calafate, El Chaltén) — Transport infrastructure in parts of Patagonia is considerably more limited. Ride-hailing app coverage is sparse in smaller Patagonian towns, and self-driving is often a more practical solution. Local remise companies and transfers arranged through accommodation are generally the most dependable options. Always check availability with your hotel or rental before arriving.

How much a taxi or ride-hailing journey costs in Argentina

Persistent inflation in Argentina means that peso-denominated fares shift regularly. Always consult the current official tariff ordinance or in-app fare estimates before travelling. The figures below reflect conditions in 2024–2025 and should be treated as approximate guides only.

Buenos Aires taxi fares are governed by city-set regulations, and what you pay depends on the distance covered and time spent in traffic. Taximeters are compulsory across the entire taxi fleet. Day and night tariffs differ, and additional charges apply for excess luggage and tolls.

A flag-fall charge applies when the meter starts, followed by incremental charges per unit of distance or time. Under the 2025 published rates, the meter advances approximately every 200 metres or 40 seconds in congested traffic. Between 22:00 and 06:00, a 20% night supplement is added to the fare.

For trips within the city centre, fares in Buenos Aires typically range from around €5 to €10 (approximately ARS 5,500–11,000) based on early 2025 exchange rates — always verify current figures before travelling. As a practical illustration, a taxi from Plaza de Mayo to Recoleta cemetery — roughly 4.7 km and about 15 minutes in normal traffic — costs in the region of ARS 1,933 under the 2025 tariff, though the US dollar equivalent fluctuates with the exchange rate.

Airport transfers from Ezeiza International Airport to the city centre typically cost around ARS 38,000 for the roughly 40-minute journey as of 2024–2025. Given the pace of Argentine inflation, this figure can change quickly; always confirm the current rate at the official airport taxi desk before setting off.

Ride-hailing apps can see fares climb to double the base rate when surge pricing is in effect — typically on Friday and Saturday evenings or during major public events. In off-peak conditions, traditional metered taxis are often marginally cheaper than UberX, though the two converge under normal demand. Premium Uber tiers and Uber during surge periods can be the priciest option overall; however, for airport runs and longer journeys, Uber can sometimes undercut official taxi and remis prices depending on demand and toll charges.

Given Argentina’s inflationary environment, it is worth checking in-app estimates frequently and consulting the official Buenos Aires taxi tariff at buenosaires.gob.ar/taxis for the latest figures before any journey.

Common scams and safety issues with taxis in Argentina that expats should know about

Taxis in Argentina are generally safe, particularly when passengers use licensed operators or app-based services. Nevertheless, certain well-documented scams target tourists and expats, especially near airports and in high-traffic visitor areas.

Route inflation (“The Gringo Tour”) — Some drivers who detect a foreign accent will deliberately take a longer route to run up the fare. The best defence is to hail a cab heading broadly in your direction and use a navigation app such as Google Maps to follow the route in real time throughout the journey.

Banknote switching — A well-known trick involves the driver stopping the meter, accepting your payment, and then swapping the note you handed over for a counterfeit while appearing to look for change. Keeping a supply of smaller denomination peso notes and paying the exact fare wherever possible removes this risk almost entirely.

Rigged meters — Though not widespread, tampered meters do exist. Once you have stated your destination, confirm the driver has turned the meter on and observe that it only advances every 200 metres or 40 seconds in traffic. If the numbers are climbing suspiciously fast, the safest course is to pay what is showing and get out rather than confront the driver.

Airport touts — On exiting the terminal building you may be approached by drivers pushing their services aggressively. The rule is simple: ignore them entirely. Walk directly to the official QR taxi desk or to the designated app pickup area. Do not stop to engage in any conversation.

Identifying a legitimate taxi — Official Buenos Aires taxis are black and yellow. Check for the licence code sticker on the front doors and a visible card inside the vehicle showing the driver’s credentials and vehicle details. Never accept a ride in an unlicensed vehicle under any circumstances.

Always ask for a receipt at the end of each trip — you will need it if you have left something in the cab or wish to file a complaint. Make sure the taximeter has been reset to zero before each new journey so you are not charged for the previous passenger’s distance.

One drawback particular to app-based services is that booking requires you to have your phone out on the street, making you a potential target for grab-and-run theft. Whenever possible, complete your booking from inside a building and step out only once the car is arriving.

How to pay for taxis and ride-hailing services in Argentina — cash, card, or app

The majority of Buenos Aires taxis operate on a cash-only basis, making pesos your most dependable payment option. If you want to pay by card in a regular taxi, ask the driver before the trip begins, as many cabs simply do not accept card payments.

The government-backed BA Taxi app does support bank card payments, which makes it a convenient choice for anyone who prefers to travel without cash. Remises also accept credit card payment, which is one of the practical advantages of booking a private hire car rather than hailing a metered taxi off the street.

Payment through ride-hailing apps is considerably more flexible. Uber takes credit and debit cards, cash, and digital wallets. Cabify processes only card or in-app payments. DiDi accepts both card and cash.

Foreign cards work with ride-hailing apps in Argentina. Uber in particular accepts non-Argentine credit cards, sparing users the need to handle cash or worry about having exact change. However, be aware that payments processed via a foreign card go through at the official exchange rate, which may not match local informal rates — check your bank’s current policy on international transactions before relying on this method.

Given the volatility of the Argentine peso, monitoring the exchange rate during your stay is sensible. Keeping a reserve of local currency in low denominations is strongly recommended for street taxi journeys regardless of your preferred payment method, as drivers often struggle to provide change.

Tipping is not expected and never obligatory. That said, the common local custom is to round the fare up to a convenient amount — a small gesture that is appreciated but never demanded.

Alternatives to taxis and ride-hailing for getting around Argentina as an expat

Taxis and ride-hailing apps are far from the only ways to travel in Argentina. For everyday commuting or budget-conscious movement, a range of other options is available.

Subte (Metro) — Buenos Aires — The Subte is Buenos Aires’s underground rail network, running six lines (A, B, C, D, E, and H). It is fast, reliable, and comfortable. Since December 2024, updated turnstiles at Subte stations accept Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards as well as digital wallets including Google Pay and Apple Pay. For journeys within central Buenos Aires, it is hard to beat.

Colectivos (city buses) — Urban buses, known locally as colectivos, are the backbone of public transport across Argentina. They cover an extensive network of routes in all major cities. The SUBE card is still required for colectivos until a comprehensive contactless payment rollout is complete. The SUBE card is affordable and can be purchased at subway station booths and neighbourhood kioscos throughout the city.

SUBE card — The SUBE is a rechargeable smartcard used to pay for bus, metro, and train journeys in Buenos Aires and other large Argentine cities. Any expat who makes regular use of public transport will find it essential. Cards can be obtained at Subte stations and authorised kioscos.

Trains — Argentina’s main rail network consists largely of suburban commuter lines connecting Buenos Aires with surrounding areas. These are particularly useful for anyone living or working outside the immediate city centre. Day-trip routes, such as the train from central Buenos Aires to Tigre, are popular and practical.

Long-distance coaches — Travel between provinces is well served by long-distance coach services, which offer extensive coverage and a range of comfort classes, complemented by a growing network of domestic flights. Buenos Aires’s main coach terminal is at Retiro, and tickets can be booked through platforms such as Plataforma10 or Central de Pasajes.

Ecobici (public bicycle scheme) — The City of Buenos Aires runs Ecobici, a public bike-share scheme available to both residents and visitors at no charge. Automated docking stations are spread throughout the city and operate around the clock, seven days a week. Registration in advance through the BA Ecobici app or the MiBA app is required. Users are permitted up to four free rides daily, with each ride capped at 30 minutes on weekdays and 60 minutes on weekends and public holidays.

Rental cars — In regions such as Patagonia where public transport networks are sparse, renting a car is often the most practical choice. All major international car hire firms have desks at Buenos Aires airports. A valid driving licence from your home country is typically accepted for short-term rentals; confirm requirements directly with the rental company.

What expats say about using taxis and ride-hailing services day-to-day in Argentina

Taxi and ride-hailing fares are so low by the standards of Western Europe or major North American cities that many Buenos Aires residents use these services as a routine part of daily life — sometimes as their primary way of getting around. Expats accustomed to the cost of taxis elsewhere frequently find the pricing in Argentina a welcome change.

App-based services regularly prove more cost-effective than metered taxis and spare passengers the confusion that can result from a language barrier. In Buenos Aires especially, using a ride service is far less stressful than renting a car, and often quicker than waiting for a bus or navigating the subway.

For airport transfers, seasoned expats consistently recommend using the official airport taxi desk or a pre-arranged remise rather than accepting any offer from an unsolicited driver. The higher concentration of operators around airports creates more opportunities for scams; using the in-terminal QR ticket system or booking via Cabify ahead of time eliminates the vast majority of these risks.

A recurring observation in expat accounts is that most taxi drivers speak only Spanish. Even knowing how to state a street intersection in Spanish makes a significant difference to the experience. App-based platforms sidestep this entirely, since the destination is entered directly on a map interface.

The main trade-off with ride-hailing apps is wait time. An app-booked car typically arrives within five to ten minutes, whereas hailing a Buenos Aires taxi from the street was once almost immediate — though the taxi fleet has contracted somewhat as ride-hailing has expanded.

Expats based in cities beyond Buenos Aires — particularly in Córdoba and Rosario — find the app ecosystems work adequately in central areas, but driver availability can become patchy late at night or in outer neighbourhoods. In Patagonian towns, most long-term expats rely on a small circle of trusted local remise operators booked by phone, supplemented by rental vehicles for longer excursions.

The general consensus among expats in Argentina’s larger cities, and particularly in Buenos Aires, is that getting around is refreshingly straightforward. Most settle into a rhythm of using ride-hailing apps for convenience, the Subte for central-city commutes, and colectivos for budget travel — reserving remises or pre-booked transfers for airport runs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Uber legal in Argentina?

Uber has not been fully legalised in Buenos Aires and continues to occupy a regulatory grey zone. The clear exception is Mendoza, where full legalisation was achieved following a case that went all the way to the provincial Supreme Court. Despite the ambiguity surrounding Buenos Aires, Uber remains very active there and is used by both locals and expats on a daily basis. If legal clarity is a priority, Cabify is the straightforward alternative, as it operates with full legal status across Argentina.

How do I get from Ezeiza Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires city centre safely?

At Ezeiza, touchscreens located in the arrivals hall allow you to arrange your taxi. The system issues a printed ticket showing your calculated fare; you then join the taxi queue and pass the ticket to your driver when you reach the front. If you prefer Uber or Cabify, pay no attention to any approaches from informal drivers and proceed directly to the official app pickup points outside the terminal, following the posted signage.

Is it safe to take a taxi alone at night in Buenos Aires?

The official black-and-yellow radio taxis are a safe choice at any hour. A 20% surcharge is added to the meter between 22:00 and 06:00. Booking through an app rather than hailing from the street at night provides additional reassurance, as there is a logged record of the driver and vehicle. Try to complete your booking while still inside a building before stepping out to wait, since using your phone on the street at night can attract theft.

How do I avoid being overcharged by a taxi driver?

All Buenos Aires taxis are legally required to use the meter — verify that the driver activates it when the trip begins and that it only advances every 200 metres or 40 seconds in traffic. Carrying smaller peso notes and tendering the exact amount guards against the note-switching scam. Opting for Cabify or DiDi with a pre-confirmed fare removes the overcharging risk altogether.

What should I do if a driver refuses to use the meter?

The official Buenos Aires tariff ordinance makes the metered fare mandatory and legally binding for all taxis — no driver may charge more or less. If a driver declines to turn on the meter or insists on a fixed price without using the taximeter, you are fully entitled to leave the vehicle. Rather than arguing, simply exit and flag down another cab. Complaints can be submitted via the BA Taxi support line at +54 9 11 2380-5440 or by emailing [email protected].

Do I need a local Argentine SIM card to use ride-hailing apps?

A local SIM is not required to register with Uber, Cabify, or DiDi — all three platforms can be set up using a foreign phone number and an international credit or debit card. What you do need is a working data connection to actually make bookings, so a local SIM is a worthwhile purchase for expats, as mobile data coverage can be inconsistent in some areas without one.

Are ride-hailing apps available in smaller cities and towns outside Buenos Aires?

Uber, Cabify, and DiDi are primarily active in the major urban centres — Buenos Aires, Rosario, and Córdoba — and coverage differs depending on the city. In smaller towns and rural areas, particularly across Patagonia, the driver networks are thin and availability is limited. In those regions, pre-arranged remises or rental cars are a more reliable transport solution.

Can I pay for taxis in Argentina with a foreign credit card?

Most metered taxis in Buenos Aires do not accept credit cards; cash remains the standard. Remises, however, can be paid by card. Uber accepts non-Argentine credit cards, and Cabify processes all payments by card or in-app. For conventional street taxis, keeping Argentine pesos in small denominations on hand is still the safest payment strategy.