Argentina Safety Tips: Scams, Areas & Emergency Numbers

How safe Argentina be?

Argentina na one of South America comfortable destinations for travelers. Most trips to Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Bariloche or Iguazu go pass without incident. Di main risk na petty theft and street scams, no be violent crime. Use normal big-city caution and you go dey fine.

Common scams wey you go sabi

• Di mustard or ketchup trick for Buenos Aires: person go "mistakenly" spray you, helpful stranger go offer to clean you, and your bag or wallet go disappear. Continue to waka and no let stranger touch you.
• Counterfeit pesos: fake 1,000 and 2,000 peso notes dey circulate. Learn di security strip and check change wey taxi and street stall give you.
• Taxi overcharging: insist on di meter (reloj) or use Cabify or Uber/DiDi apps. From Ezeiza airport, use di official Tienda Leon or booked remis.
• Di "blue dollar": changing money for street (cuevas) dey give better rate pass bank, but e get risk of fake notes. Plenty travelers now dey use Western Union pickups or pay by card for safer rates.

Areas to dey careful

• For Buenos Aires, avoid La Boca outside di few tourist blocks of Caminito, especially after dark, and steer clear of Retiro villa 31 and Constitucion late for night.
• Once and part of Flores fit feel sketchy after hours.
• For Rosario, gang-related violence dey affect specific outer neighborhoods, no be di riverfront tourist core, but still remain alert.
• Keep phones out of sight for di subte (metro) and crowded buses.

Practical habits

• Carry photocopy of your passport; leave di original for your accommodation.
• Split cash and cards between pockets and bag.
• Use money belt for di blue-dollar wad if you dey change plenty at once.
• For cafes and restaurants, loop your bag strap round your leg or chair.

Emergency numbers

• 911 na di general emergency line for Buenos Aires and most provinces.
• 107 for ambulance (SAME), 100 for fire.
• Tourist Police (Comisaria del Turista) for Buenos Aires: 0800-999-5000, English-speaking.

Stay connected for Argentina

HelloSIM eSIM go keep you online di moment wey you land for maps, translation, ride apps and bookings, no roaming bill or you dey find kiosk. Activate am before you fly and arrive ready to navigate.