Originally Posted by
MSPeconomist
I usually keep my passport in hand and showing my nationality until I am through customs, almost regardless of the country where I'm arriving.
The X-ray step for everyone is rather unusual IME. At EZE, it sometimes results in long lines. Plus, it seems a bit ambiguous whether handbags and similar small items are to be sent through the X-ray machine and whether you're supposed to remove jackets and put them through the machine (like at TSA airport security). I tend to observe some people doing this but not everyone, so the rule isn't clear, if there even is a rule.
ADDED: Stress to daughter to be sure she finds her official representative. I've observed people at EZE just after customs try to ask arriving passengers who may seem a bit lost what their names are. It would be so easy for someone to then claim to be the ride for the passenger of that name. I suspect the result would be an extremely overly expensive taxi ride, but it could become much worse. Remember that the person meeting her should be the one who says her name or shows daughter the list containing her name. It doesn't hurt to be careful about safety.
(1) It is helpful that she not speak nor understand any espaņol at the X-ray point. As far as "confusion" goes, if the agent wants a jacket or a purse that one happens not to put through the machine, the agent will say so.
(2) As for your observation, although I only have averaged 3 to 4 trips a year since 2008, fewer than another poster, any "confusion" post-customs has to do with the sheer number of people leaving customs, and the sheer number of people waiting. There is a difference between a healthy dose of paranoia when traveling, and paranoia which makes one afraid to travel.
I have yet to hear a story of a gypsy taxi improperly picking up a young
gringa inside the terminal, taking her on an overpriced taxi ride to a place where she probably doesn't even know where she's going.
IIRC, there is an information booth if she has any concerns, and this booth isn't trying to convert anyone to another (or any) religion.