How Does Crime & Safety Work in Argentina?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Americas
1The Quick Answer
Buenos Aires is generally safe in tourist areas, but pickpocketing is common in crowded spots and certain neighbourhoods like La Boca should be treated with caution.
2What You Need to Know
Argentina is one of the safer countries in Latin America for tourists. In Buenos Aires, areas like Palermo, Recoleta, San Telmo, and Puerto Madero are generally safe for tourists during the day and evening. La Boca is safe on the Caminito tourist strip but can be risky if you wander off into surrounding streets, especially after dark. Villa (informal settlement) areas should be avoided by tourists unfamiliar with the city. The Retiro bus terminal area has a higher incidence of pickpocketing. Patagonia is extremely safe with virtually no tourist-targeted crime.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1In La Boca, stay on the Caminito strip and return before dark — the neighbourhood changes character quickly a few blocks away.
- 2Keep your phone in your pocket (not in your hand) in busy areas like the Retiro bus terminal and Florida pedestrian street.
- 3Use a money belt or inside pocket for your passport and large amounts of cash in crowded tourist areas.
Important Warning
Petty theft and bag-snatching spike in crowded areas like the Retiro bus terminal and along Florida Street — keep bags in front of your body and avoid displaying expensive electronics.
How does this compare?
Crime & Safety rules in nearby and similar countries:
Major tourist zones are generally safe, but several states including Sinaloa, Zacatecas, and parts of Guerrero and Michoacán carry US government Do Not Travel advisories.
Brazil has real and serious crime in major cities — stay alert, avoid favelas without organized tours, and take specific precautions on Rio's beaches and in city centers after dark.
Canada is very safe by international standards — violent crime affecting tourists is rare, though some downtown areas and wildlife encounters require awareness.
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Cannabis is decriminalized for personal use, abortion has been legal since 2020, and Argentina's complex currency regulations affect how tourists handle money.
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Call 101 for police, 107 for ambulance (SAME service), and 100 for fire anywhere in Argentina.
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