Information Sheet Last Updated: September 2005

Safety in Argentina

Argentina was one of the safest countries in South America until the economic crisis in 2001 and 2002. Since then, petty crime has increased dramatically, particularly in Buenos Aires. However, Argentina is slowly stabilizing and crime is becoming less prevalent. Security remains a concern in certain areas of Buenos Aires. Places that are prone to crime in any big city, such as bus stations, are also prone to crime in Buenos Aires. Besides the large cities, elsewhere in Argentina is still very safe.

Keep all documents secure in a pouch under your clothes. It is recommended that you do not carry important documents, especially passports, in their originals as they are good items to rob. Make photo copies of your documents and leave them at home before leaving on your trip, and while in Argentina, carry only photo copies unless you know you will need the originals (ex: for some currency exchanges, to use the public library, etc.). Hide your main cash supply in different places or under your clothes. If possible, keep your camera in a bag with a chain or wire in the strap to foil the plans of a would-be slasher. Do not wear wristwatches or jewelry, even cheap kinds. If you decide to carry a purse, carry it in front of you. Backpacks are not highly recommended. If you do decide to carry a backpack, beware that they are vulnerable to slashers. Carry it in front of you as much as possible.

If you trust your hotel, it is best to lock up your valuables in the safety deposit box while sightseeing locally. Always keep and inventory of what you have deposited. If you do not trust the hotel, lock all your valuables in a backpack or suitcase and secure it in your room. Use a padlock for you briefcase or backpack. Always, if you are mugged or robbed, report it to the police and get a copy of the report for insurance purposes.

When you have your entire luggage at the train or bus station or airport, be especially careful. Always keep and eye on your luggage. If you set your bags down, put your foot on top of them to ensure they do not walk away. You should take a taxi between the airport, bus station or train station and your hotel.

If you are traveling by bus, keep your receipt for your luggage that was stored in the bottom. You will need it to claim your luggage when you arrive and a small tip of approximately 25 centavos is appreciated when you receive your luggage. Buses are very safe at night and they arrive in the morning, which is better than arriving at night.

Although if you are alert and cautious taxis are quite safe, over the last two years reports of robberies have been on the rise. The majority of taxis in large cities are part of the radio taxi network of companies, and almost all recent robberies have happened when riding with taxi drivers unauthorized by this network. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you call a taxi company when you need a cab. This way, you are guaranteed a record of your ride in case you find a reason to complain. If you must hail one on the street, make sure the car is marked as a radio taxi. Also, make sure the meter is reset when you get in the cab and that it is on and counting during your ride.

In Buenos Aires and other large cities, be ware of the common trick of spraying mustard, ketchup, or something else on your shirt then getting a “friend” to clean the mustard as well as your wallet off of you. If you are sprayed, keep on walking and ignore strangers remarks like “what’s on your shirt” or “have you seen the dirt on your shoe?” Do not bend over to pick up money or other items in the street. These are all ploys to distract you and make you an easy target.

Take local advice about being out at night. Daytime is not always safer than nighttime. If you are walking after dark in a dangerous part of a big city, walk in the road, not on the pavement.

Be wary of the plainclothes policeman and insist on seeing identification and going to the police station by main roads before you show any of your personal items. Never take them directly back to your temporary place of residence. Be even more suspicious if he asks for confirmation of his status from a pedestrian walking by.

If you are the victim of a sexual assault, you should see a doctor (you home doctor if you wish) as soon as possible. You will need tests to determine whether you have contracted any sexually transmitted diseases. You should also contact your embassy where consular staff are willing the help in the case of assault.

Users of drugs without medical prescription should be particularly careful since some countries impose heavy penalties. The planting of drugs on travelers by traffickers or the police is not unknown. If offered drugs on the street, make no response at all and keep walking. Be advised that people who roll their own cigarettes are often suspected of carrying drugs and can be subjected to intense searches. You may want to stick to commercial brands during your trip.