Despite reports and rumors that might be heard, Argentina is generally a safe country for tourists if proper precautions are taken. Bigger cities like Buenos Aires are no more unsafe than any other big cities in the world, although the frequency of petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams is much higher. Leaving a purse unattended or out of sight in a cafe or restaurant will most likely result in it being stolen. Same goes for leaving a laptop unattended in a cafe. Precaution should be taken to keep an eye on all personal belongs.
Muggings are not uncommon but are generally non-violent. Most can be avoided by not walking alone at night down desolate streets and staying in groups. The best thing to do in a mugging situation is to give the thief what they want.
When it comes down to it, if you stick with simple common sense while in Argentina, you will get along fine. But just in case, the follow tips should help you out:
Tips on how to stay safe in Argentina (more focused on the bigger cities like Buenos Aires):
Don't Talk to Strangers Who Approach You
A very common scam in Buenos Aires along Florida street is for a charming guy to come up to you and start chatting with you, being really nice, asking where you are from, etc. He will tell you he has a cool bar where there are great drink specials for you to check out. Once he brings you there, you will realize that the place is a Brothel and the only way to leave is to buy a drink for the amount of whatever money you have in your wallet.
Forget about being polite, if the person was simply asking for directions, there are thousands of more people walking along the street that they can ask.
Walk With Confidence, Blend In
Where ever you are, walk with confidence like you know where you are going and what you are doing. Nothing shows you are a tourist more than cargo shorts, a t-shirt and a baseball cap.
Don't Flash Pricy Objects
Again, its down to common sense, but don't go around walking down the street flashing your new iPhone or your pricey digital camera. When you aren't using your camera, keep it hidden and if you have to use your phone, don't do it conspicuously.
In Buenos Aires, only take Radio Taxi's
When you take a taxi, make sure it is a Radio Taxi. A radio taxi is usually from a professional taxi company and is more reputable. They are usually marked by having a sign above the car that says "radio taxi." Taking a taxi that isn't a Radio Taxi is not the end of the world, most of the time it is fine, but if you are a tourist and don't speak that much Spanish, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Taxi drivers, including Radio Taxi drivers, are famous for giving you fake pesos, so make sure if you have to use a large bill to check and see if what the Taxi Driver gives you is not counterfeit.
Use Common Sense
Most people spend time in Buenos Aires and feel just as safe, if not safer than when they are in any big city in the United States. This comes down to one simple thing and it is using basic common sense. Keep you guard up, be aware of your surroundings and you will be fine.
In Argentina, your physical safety is not as much as a concern as the loss of your personal belongs. Keep your wallet in your front pocket, leave important things like your passport at home unless absolutely necessary, don't leave personal belongings unattended and you will be fine.
