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Buenos Aires Safety Guide

Is Buenos Aires Safe?

Learn how locals scam tourists in Buenos Aires and how to avoid becoming a victim. Below you'll find Buenos Aires crime statistics — the probability of being robbed or attacked, information about corruption in Buenos Aires, safety tips and precautions.
Daytime Safety:
         
Nighttime Safety:
         
Comfort Rating

In terms of safety, Buenos Aires requires standard precautions during daytime exploration. After dark, the situation becomes more challenging – stay within well-lit, populated areas and avoid solo trips.

 
Robberies and Theft: heightened
Armed Robberies: heightened
Assaults: moderate
 
Corruption: high
Drug Issues: heightened
Beggars: low
 
Vandalism: heightened
Theft from Cars: heightened
Car Theft: moderate


Local Scam Alert: What to Watch For

Fake Police Scam (High Risk) - Scammers posing as police officers may approach tourists in areas like Plaza de Mayo or San Telmo, claiming they need to check for illegal items or ask for identification. Always ask to see proper identification and verify their claims, or contact a legitimate police station if in doubt.

Taxi Overcharging (High Risk) - Unofficial taxis often operate near popular areas such as Aesop Palermo or Barolo Palace, claiming they don't have working meters and quoting high flat rates instead. Use only official taxi stands and apps like Cabify or Uber to ensure a fair fare.

Puppy Scam (Medium Risk) - In tourist-heavy areas like Caminito or near La Boca, you may encounter people asking to pet or take photos with a seemingly cute puppy in exchange for money or donations. Decline friendly gestures involving animals unless you’re absolutely sure it’s organized by a reputable charity.

Restaurant Bill Tricks (Medium Risk) - Some cafes in popular districts like Recoleta may add unrequested items to your bill, claiming they’re included as "service charges." Always check your receipt carefully and confirm prices before ordering to avoid surprises.

Currency Exchange Scams (Medium Risk) - Street vendors around popular markets, such as San Telmo Market, may offer to exchange dollars at attractive rates but can give counterfeit or less valuable currency in return. Always use official exchange offices or banks and count your money carefully before leaving.

Street Performance Schemes (Low Risk) - Street performers in areas like Florida Street may engage you with impressive acts, then demand payment aggressively afterward. Enjoy the entertainment, but be clear to decline if you don’t want to pay for the performance.

Phony Tour Guides (Low Risk) - In popular tourist spots like Casa Rosada, you might encounter unauthorized guides offering personal tours at a discount. It's safer to book tours through reputable companies or official tourism offices to avoid being misled.


Scam Types and General Tips

Complete Guide to Scam Types


Tourist Reviews

All photos and texts belong to their authors
@avelennaa
« About safety.
There's a lot of information about Latin America that's limited to Venezuela, Brazil... Mexico and Colombia, where there is a significant crisis, poverty, and high levels of crime. Argentina serves as an oasis on the continent, with the basic elements of rules protecting people from scammers - you can feel safe around your belongings. (That said, I wouldn't recommend Brazil; Argentinians consider this place risky and advise against bringing valuables and not to wear flashy jewelry. In Bolivia or Colombia, it's generally wise to apply the same principle.) Here, as in any other country, it's not a good idea to travel around with just one iPhone and such. It can get tricky. Based on my experience, I can say that out of all the places I've been, I had my backpack stolen in Minsk during rush hour, and once again on an island in Korea, where a kid left a bag at the bar and went dancing (my fault, not because Koreans are bad). The takeaway is to think ahead, and you'll be fine. 😘😘 »
avelennaa ©
@anargentin
« KICKING IN ARGENTINA!

So, what?! Apparently, it's time to discuss the details. This morning at 7:30, I left home for work, but the metro was unexpectedly closed and only reopened at 8:00. Consequently, I had to walk to the bus stop. Since I wasn't sure how to get to work by bus, I called a friend who helped me find the right bus number. While I was waiting at the bus stop, I suddenly felt a strong blow to my head! It was a passing motorcycle (I stand out from the spin). The driver wanted to snatch my phone. The hit was powerful, and the motorcycle sped off swiftly, usually they work with a passenger, one knocks you down, while the other grabs your belongings. Thank goodness! In my case, I kept everything! I didn’t lose consciousness and quickly got back on my feet; the thief dropped my phone, which was returned to me by a street cleaner. Everything happened so fast! Being aware that even on a quiet Sunday morning, you could be harmed or robbed because of a phone. By the way, my phone is in a good case, and surrounding folks didn't see that I had an iPhone, I highly recommend all travelers to have such a cover for their phone and generally not to display their phone on the streets of Buenos Aires. 😊 »
anargentin ©
@dr.ivanova
« Health booth in the center of BA, where you can measure your blood pressure, take a blood test, and check your sugar levels completely for free! »
dr.ivanova ©
@allatsyganova
« La Boca. The colors are dazzling to the eyes. Once a poor fishing suburb, where houses were painted depending on the paint they could get, and now it’s a tourist hotspot. The police recommend sticking to three or four streets and not venturing beyond them. We wandered a bit anyway, but there’s nothing particularly special—just some drunks sitting on porches here and there. »
allatsyganova ©
@vkumov
« I sat down to write about the cycling scene in Buenos Aires. In just 7 years, there has been a remarkable shift in mindset and a rapid increase in daily bike rides. This is all thanks to a comprehensive approach and a deep understanding of the topic. I didn’t know this, but it turns out that wearing a helmet is mandatory here according to traffic regulations. However, not many people actually wear them, and compliance is rarely enforced. Former head of the Transport Department of Buenos Aires, Guillermo Dietrich, puts it nicely: "Helmets are mandatory here, but this was all designed in a city where hardly anyone rode bikes. No city with a developed cycling culture has such laws. I believe we need to create infrastructure and real safety, as laws about mandatory helmet use are highly debatable." Since December of last year, he has been the Minister of Transport for Argentina. »
vkumov ©
@dr.ivanova
« Going downtown feels like attending a performance, so much color and diversity! Some are dancing tango, others are busking, while some just relax in tents at the park. Now and then, protests pop up in different corners, but no one is chased away by water cannons or arrested by the police. 🎉🌆 »
dr.ivanova ©
@road_movies
« The famous La Boca neighborhood that I’ve heard so much about. It’s an overly hyped place, giving off the vibe of “life has left, only tourists remain.” But it’s colorful. It’s really just three and a half small streets, and then you’re in a sketchy area (or so they say). We took the bus. Payment is only by card, which we didn’t have, but we managed to find help from other passengers. Knowing Spanish is super helpful; we’re learning on the go and putting it to practical use right away. Today at the market was like a lesson in “numbers” in real battle conditions. No haggling. It’s a shock after Asia! »
road_movies ©
@kvikusik
« Bright little houses on Caminito in one of the rougher neighborhoods of Boca. Buenos Aires. »
kvikusik ©


Buenos Aires Travel Guide