Safety in Buenos Aires
Honest safety information for expats. Neighborhood breakdowns, common scams, and practical tips to stay safe while enjoying the city.
The Real Safety Picture
Buenos Aires is generally safe compared to other Latin American capitals, but it's not crime-free. The main risks for expats are petty theft, scams, and pickpocketing—not violent crime.
- • Walking in Palermo/Recoleta during day
- • Using Uber/Cabify
- • Dining out at night in good areas
- • Public transit (with awareness)
- • ATMs inside banks
- • Phone snatching on the street
- • Pickpockets on crowded buses/subway
- • Scams targeting tourists
- • Walking with phone visible
- • Unofficial taxis
Neighborhood Safety Guide
Common Scams to Avoid
Someone 'accidentally' spills mustard, ketchup, or bird poop on you. A 'helpful' stranger offers to clean it while an accomplice steals your bag.
How to avoid: Keep bags in front of you. Politely decline help. Walk away quickly.
Unofficial taxis overcharge, take longer routes, or drive to ATMs to force withdrawals. Some use rigged meters.
How to avoid: Use Uber, Cabify, or official radio taxis only. Never hail street taxis.
You pay with a large bill, they swap it for a counterfeit claiming you gave them fake money. Or they 'miscount' change.
How to avoid: Count change carefully. Use small bills when possible. Pay with card when you can.
Someone asks for directions, drops something, or creates a commotion while an accomplice grabs your phone/bag.
How to avoid: Be aware of your surroundings. Keep phone in front pocket. Cross body bags.
Card skimmers on ATMs capture your card data. Sometimes people watch you enter your PIN.
How to avoid: Use ATMs inside banks. Cover the keypad. Check for tampering.
People posing as police ask to check your wallet for counterfeit money. They steal cash during the 'inspection'.
How to avoid: Real police won't ask to see your wallet. Refuse and walk to a public place.
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers in your phone now. The tourist police (147) have English-speaking officers who can help with theft reports and emergencies.
Essential Safety Apps
Digital DNI, emergency contacts
Trackable rides, no haggling
Download offline maps
Share location with friends
Official BA transport app
Solo Female Travel Tips
- Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention—Argentine women tend to dress up but conservatively
- Avoid walking alone late at night, even in 'safe' neighborhoods
- Use Uber/Cabify at night instead of walking or public transit
- Catcalling is common but usually verbal only—ignore and keep walking
- Trust your instincts—if a situation feels off, leave immediately
- Join female expat groups on Facebook for real-time safety updates
- Share your location with a friend when going on dates or to new areas
- Avoid Retiro bus station area at night—take taxis to/from
Join these communities: "Girls LOVE Travel Buenos Aires" and "Buenos Aires Expats" Facebook groups for real-time safety updates and meetups with other women.
General Safety Tips
- • Don't walk with your phone out
- • Keep bags in front, zipped closed
- • Cross the street if someone is following
- • Avoid empty streets at night
- • Walk with purpose and confidence
- • Carry only what you need for the day
- • Use a money belt for large cash
- • Keep cards separate from cash
- • Photocopy important documents
- • Use ATMs inside banks only
- • Use Uber/Cabify, not street taxis
- • Share ride details with a friend
- • Sit in the back seat
- • On buses/subway, guard your pockets
- • Avoid empty train cars
- • Don't resist—your safety > your stuff
- • Report theft to tourist police (147)
- • Cancel cards immediately
- • File a police report for insurance
- • Contact your embassy if passport stolen
What Reddit Says (The Honest Version)
"I've lived here 3 years and never had an issue. The key is awareness—don't walk around staring at your phone, don't flash expensive items, and stick to well-lit areas at night."
- r/argentina expat
"The mustard scam got me on day 3. I was so flustered I didn't realize my bag was open until later. They got my phone. Keep your bag in FRONT of you always."
- r/digitalnomad
"As a solo female, I've felt safer in Palermo than I did in parts of NYC or Paris. The catcalling is annoying but harmless. Just ignore and keep walking."
- Female expat, 2 years in BA
Legal Residency = Better Protection
Legal residents have full access to Argentine police and legal systems. Lucero Legal can help you get proper residency status.
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