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Crime and Safety
(Reads: 362, since 26-Ago-2008)Most people visit Argentina without incident, but like any other country in the world it has its crime problems and as a tourist you are an inevitable target.
Common Sense
Common sense is paramount. Don’t look like a tourist. Argentines are mostly of European descent so it’s not difficult to blend in if you dress well, particularly in the cities where you’ll more likely to be a target for bag-snatchers, pick-pockets and tricksters. Shorts do tend to be a bit of a give away. Avoid wearing jewelry and snazzy watches. Leave them at home. They just attract attention. Use money belts that go under your clothes or sew zip pockets inside them. Take care with backpacks; they can be slashed or even unzipped. In busy areas, it’s best to wear them on your front. Generally the cities in Argentina are safe and it’s possible to walk the streets even late at night, but it’s not worth the risk. It would be better to go with someone or avoid less-crowded areas.
Airports
Don’t pack valuables in your checked luggage – there have been a spate of thefts and although there have been a number of arrests, stealing continues.
Buses and Trains
Be careful on public transport, at bus and train stations, and obvious tourist haunts such as San Telmo and La Boca in Buenos Aires. It’s rare to have luggage go missing on buses but be careful with you handbag or daypack. If you take an overnight bus keep your bag by your feet rather than on the overhead rack just to be totally safe.
Hailing Taxis
There are masses of taxis in Buenos Aires. They are black with yellow roofs. If the red light is on or they say libre, they are available for hire. When hailing a taxi, be wary. Many Argentines are. They often call a radio taxi or remise (taxi called by phone). Otherwise hail a taxi on the move, not one that’s parked. Be sure to check the taxi meter as drivers occasionally speed them up. Fares are not expensive but take plenty of change and if you’re suspicious memorize the license plate number. Taxis are fast and pay little attention to the rules of the road.
Counterfeit Money
Be careful about counterfeit notes; the Argentine Central Bank has details of forgeries on its website.
Internet Cafes and Restaurants
Beware of pickpockets in Internet cafés and telephone call centers. Always check your change – counterfeit money is more likely to change hands in such places and tourists are an easy target. Keep your bag secure in restaurants and bars.
Accommodation
Hotels and the like are generally safe but use your common sense and don’t leave money, valuable or passports lying around. Use the safety deposit box. If you’re not sure, hide and lock them in your luggage or take them with you. If you’re sharing a room, take particular care with your belongings.
Cash Machines
Nowadays you needn’t travel with too much cash given the ubiquitous Automatic Teller Machine (ATM). Saying that, it’s wise to use an ATM in a bank or shop or somewhere where it’s difficult for a potential thief to rob you.
Demonstrations
There are periodic outbreaks of social unrest and demonstrations - it is advisable to avoid such public gatherings. They often take place in the Plaza de Mayo outside the Casa Rosada, the presidential office.
Kidnappings
In recent years there have been a number of kidnappings in Buenos Aires and other cities in Argentina. Once the ransom has been paid the victim is usually quickly released. Some victims have been foreign. It is important not to let children or young adolescents travel alone.
Tricksters
Like many other cities in the world, the scam of spilling something over you can happen and while someone offers to wipe it off the other robs you. Be careful especially in tourist haunts. Shout ladron (thief) as loud as possible.
Call for Help
In the city of Buenos Aires - especially in tourist areas - the Urban Guard is on hand to give information, provide advice and help 24 hours a day. They work in tandem with the police, fire and emergency services.The Argentine Federal Police have established a special Tourist Police Unit to deal with complaints and investigate crimes. It can be found on Avenida Corrientes 436 and operates a 24-hour phone service: tel: +54 (0) 11 4346 5748 or toll-free 0800 999 5000 or e-mail the tourist police.
Emergency Numbers
Medical Emergency 107
Civil Defense 103
Fire Department 100
Police 101
Argentine Federal Police 131
Common Sense
Common sense is paramount. Don’t look like a tourist. Argentines are mostly of European descent so it’s not difficult to blend in if you dress well, particularly in the cities where you’ll more likely to be a target for bag-snatchers, pick-pockets and tricksters. Shorts do tend to be a bit of a give away. Avoid wearing jewelry and snazzy watches. Leave them at home. They just attract attention. Use money belts that go under your clothes or sew zip pockets inside them. Take care with backpacks; they can be slashed or even unzipped. In busy areas, it’s best to wear them on your front. Generally the cities in Argentina are safe and it’s possible to walk the streets even late at night, but it’s not worth the risk. It would be better to go with someone or avoid less-crowded areas.
Airports
Don’t pack valuables in your checked luggage – there have been a spate of thefts and although there have been a number of arrests, stealing continues.
Buses and Trains
Be careful on public transport, at bus and train stations, and obvious tourist haunts such as San Telmo and La Boca in Buenos Aires. It’s rare to have luggage go missing on buses but be careful with you handbag or daypack. If you take an overnight bus keep your bag by your feet rather than on the overhead rack just to be totally safe.
Hailing Taxis
There are masses of taxis in Buenos Aires. They are black with yellow roofs. If the red light is on or they say libre, they are available for hire. When hailing a taxi, be wary. Many Argentines are. They often call a radio taxi or remise (taxi called by phone). Otherwise hail a taxi on the move, not one that’s parked. Be sure to check the taxi meter as drivers occasionally speed them up. Fares are not expensive but take plenty of change and if you’re suspicious memorize the license plate number. Taxis are fast and pay little attention to the rules of the road.
Counterfeit Money
Be careful about counterfeit notes; the Argentine Central Bank has details of forgeries on its website.
Internet Cafes and Restaurants
Beware of pickpockets in Internet cafés and telephone call centers. Always check your change – counterfeit money is more likely to change hands in such places and tourists are an easy target. Keep your bag secure in restaurants and bars.
Accommodation
Hotels and the like are generally safe but use your common sense and don’t leave money, valuable or passports lying around. Use the safety deposit box. If you’re not sure, hide and lock them in your luggage or take them with you. If you’re sharing a room, take particular care with your belongings.
Cash Machines
Nowadays you needn’t travel with too much cash given the ubiquitous Automatic Teller Machine (ATM). Saying that, it’s wise to use an ATM in a bank or shop or somewhere where it’s difficult for a potential thief to rob you.
Demonstrations
There are periodic outbreaks of social unrest and demonstrations - it is advisable to avoid such public gatherings. They often take place in the Plaza de Mayo outside the Casa Rosada, the presidential office.
Kidnappings
In recent years there have been a number of kidnappings in Buenos Aires and other cities in Argentina. Once the ransom has been paid the victim is usually quickly released. Some victims have been foreign. It is important not to let children or young adolescents travel alone.
Tricksters
Like many other cities in the world, the scam of spilling something over you can happen and while someone offers to wipe it off the other robs you. Be careful especially in tourist haunts. Shout ladron (thief) as loud as possible.
Call for Help
In the city of Buenos Aires - especially in tourist areas - the Urban Guard is on hand to give information, provide advice and help 24 hours a day. They work in tandem with the police, fire and emergency services.The Argentine Federal Police have established a special Tourist Police Unit to deal with complaints and investigate crimes. It can be found on Avenida Corrientes 436 and operates a 24-hour phone service: tel: +54 (0) 11 4346 5748 or toll-free 0800 999 5000 or e-mail the tourist police.
Emergency Numbers
Medical Emergency 107
Civil Defense 103
Fire Department 100
Police 101
Argentine Federal Police 131
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