Tourist Safety in Buenos Aires & Argentina

Tourist Safety in Buenos Aires & Argentina

Tourist Safety

Argentina has achieved much over the last ten years to bolster policing of the main tourist regions, and as long as you apply good common sense, we would venture to say that Buenos Aires and its tourist districts and other tourist destinations in Argentina are safe.

Buenos Aires City and the barrios we list on our websites are relatively safe with isolated gun crime and violence generally restricted to criminal social structures. Local police beat the streets, or kind of lounge and provide a fine deterrent. Do not let the nonchalant, podgy, fag-in-mouth facade fool you. Approximately 99% of crime affecting tourist is petty opportunism and confidence trickery. Violent crime against tourists is rare, however, Buenos Aires is like most other cities worldwide and crime is on the increase and we get the impression that the ‘heat’ turned up by paramilitary policing activity in countries further north is sending the mafias south.

Nevertheless, it is important to remember there are thieves who spend their time on the lookout for those that have that fresh-off-the-boat-look. Always protect your valuables and keep your passport and tickets at your apartment or hotel – do not carry them around with you, and take one credit card if you have to, a few bills and dress down, you are on holiday.

Emergency Guide
In case you do get into any sort of trouble, anything from loss of passport, to theft, to a medical emergency, please consult our Emergency Guide. <Click here> to read our emergency guide and telephone number taken directly from official sources

Buenos Aires Safety
The Buenos Aires barrio of La Boca has seen a number of thefts of valuables just a few blocks away from the famous street Caminito. Take special care when you are in this area.
Palermo Viejo is suffering significant street crime. You should not give anyone the opportunity to stop you without good reason and you should you receive a question in Spanish late at night – head up, stride but do not run unless approached with speed. If approached with menace, you hopefully have taken our advice, remain calm immediately empty your pockets so they are visibly empty and handover your one credit card and a few bills – do not carry a handbag or rucksack at night if you can avoid it.

Men, avoid the honey-trap – especially when a beauty wants to throw her arms around your waste for no apparent reason other than your good looks she may be after more than your crown jewels. They often operate from rouge taxis and you might see someone get out and approach you - walk away – ‘NO GRACIAS.’

The tourist attractions have their adept conmen – no violence, just distraction. The bird pooh on your back, children beneath tables, the smiles and close up talking mean that your valuables are at risk and the orator or their colleague is in your pocket or backpack. Do no put valuable in your back pack as it is too easy at crossings, street performances and on public transport remove your goods whilst you are distracted.

Taxi Travel
You find Taxis all over Buenos Aires. Taxis in Buenos Aires are yellow, black, and all clearly marked and have a meter. If they fail to switch on the meter, do not pay. In general, it is completely safe to travel by taxi in Buenos Aires, but recently there have been some problems so late at night ask your hosts for a radio taxi. If you are at all concerned, go to the nearest hotel and take a taxi.

Female Travellers
Argentina is a safe country for women to travel. Besides a few quick come-ons and the old “chamuyo”, by the local men, women are generally safe. We recommended for women to leave their jewels at home and not wear expensive-looking jewellery. Use radio taxis if you are dressing-up.

Senior-Citizen Travellers
Argentines revere and respect their elders and in Argentine culture and there is no reason not to travel to Argentina. Get yourself to Buenos Aires!