Argentina Travel Safety

Precautions

Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in the downtown areas of major cities. Avoid wearing expensive watches or jewellery or showing signs of affluence. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Do not hang bags and purses on chairs in public places. Carry a photocopy of your passport for identification purposes and leave the originals in your hotel safe. Do not carry large amounts of money. Remain aware of your surroundings when using automated teller machines (ATMs) and avoid using them at night. If you are being robbed, hand over your cash and valuables without resistance. Be suspicious of strangers approaching you on the street. Keep your valuables out of plain sight at all times.

Road safety

Pedestrians, cyclists and drivers should exercise extreme caution in Argentina, as it has one of the highest traffic accident rates in the world. Many drivers ignore traffic lights and speed limits. Be particularly vigilant when stopped at traffic lights. Keep windows closed and doors locked at all times due to the risk of theft.

Hiking

If you intend on hiking, backpacking or skiing:never practice these activities alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company. Buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation. Obtain detailed information on hiking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes. Ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity. Ensure that you are properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard. Inform a family member or friend of your itinerary. Know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal.

Taxis

Use a "remise" (private car with driver) for travel to and from Buenos Aires' Ezeiza International Airport. On arrival at Ezeiza, go to an established remise stand in the arrivals area. Call radio-taxis instead of hailing taxis on the street, particularly in Buenos Aires. If hailing a taxi, ensure that it is marked "radio-taxi" and that the company's name and telephone number are clearly visible. Do not share taxis with strangers. Carry small bills to pay for taxi fares. Unscrupulous taxi drivers sometimes trade counterfeit bills for good ones.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Argentina, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of precaution during travel.

Scams

A common scam involves spraying a substance on victims and then robbing them while pretending to help clean the stain, or distracting the victim by asking questions while another person perpetrates the theft.

Crime

Crimes of opportunity, such as distraction thefts, commonly occur in popular tourist areas and in other public areas such as bus and train stations, cruise ship ports, the subway system, airports, restaurants, hotel lobbies and Wi-Fi hotspots. Pickpockets and bag snatchers often work in pairs or groups and employ a variety of ruses to divert their victim's attention. In some cases, thieves on foot work with thieves on motorcycles, "motochorros", to snatch purses and backpacks. Watch out for pickpockets when using public transportation, particularly the subway system. The theft of smartphones is increasing. Armed robberies and muggings are on the rise in urban centres. While most victims are not physically injured, criminals usually do not hesitate to use force if they are opposed. In Buenos Aires, be cautious in all tourist areas, particularly in La Boca, San Telmo, Florida St., Congreso and Retiro. In La Boca, always remain on Caminito St. as violent thefts often occur in neighbouring streets. Avoid the area after dark. In Mendoza, crime has increased considerably, with some incidents involving violence. Be cautious and alert at all times, particularly in the bus terminal and Parque General San Martín, and avoid walking in unpopulated areas at night. Theft from unattended vehicles, especially rental cars is common throughout the country, particularly in Bariloche and Mendoza.

LGBT

Argentine society is open and diverse. Same-sex marriage is legal, rights are protected by the Constitution and by legislation tackling all kinds of discrimination. Argentina is signatory to international and regional agreements protecting LGBT rights.

Illegal or restricted activities

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Don't become involved with illegal drugs of any kind. Possession of even very small quantities can lead to a lengthy prison sentence.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is recommended along with your foreign license.