Is Buenos Aires safe? Buenos Aires, at least the Buenos Aires our tourists visit and sightsee, the barrios of Capital Federal are relatively safe and very safe if you use common sense.
However, Buenos Aires is a huge province and when answering the question is Buenos Aires Province safe, the answer is no. Buenos Aires Province cannot be considered as safe in some areas of Provincia (greater Buenos Aires) and certain parts of Capital federal require lots of care.
The 10 or 12 Buenos Aires barrios where tourist tend to Buenos Aires Stay and sightsee are the landmark barrios of the Capital Federal from La Boca in the South to Belgrano in the north that hug the Rio del la Plata (River of Silver). To put our views into some perspective – would you call New York or London safe cities? We think not, but we do think the landmark tourists barrios of Buenos Aires safer than either London or New York if you stay on course and think about safety.
Argentina has achieved much over the last ten years to bolster policing of the main tourist regions. As long as you apply good common sense, we also would venture to say that other tourist destinations in Argentina are also safe. Although, they are safe if you heed the warnings – when you read stuff like do not go walking around La Boca at night, get a taxi if you have a propensity for getting lost, take off expensive watches and jewels – heed our warnings!
Buenos Aires City and the barrios we list on our websites do suffer crime against tourists, but mainly petty crime, with gun crime and violence generally restricted to the criminal social structures in Buenos Aires’ Provincia.
Approximately 99% of crime affecting tourist is petty opportunism and confidence trickery. Violent crime against tourists is rare, however, Buenos Aires like most other cities worldwide is suffering an increase in crime.
Local police beat the streets, or kind of lounge and provide a fine deterrent. Do not let the nonchalant, pudgy, fag-in-mouth facade fool you.
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 (Capital federal) Barrio 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 has recently suffered street crime and more crime against property. You should not give anyone the opportunity to stop you without good reason late at night and 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 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. Bag snatching from a passing moped is a big favorite at the moment.
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 con men – 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 maybe in your pockets or backpack. Do not put valuable in your backpack, as it is too easy at crossings, street performances and on public transport remove your goods whilst you are distracted.
Taxi Travel Safety
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 Traveler Safety
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 jeweler. Use radio taxis if you are dressing-up.
Senior-Citizen Traveler Safety
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!
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