Argentina captivates with dramatic landscapes from Patagonian glaciers to thundering Iguazú Falls, vibrant tango culture in Buenos Aires, world-class wines in Mendoza, and passionate football fervor. This vast South American nation offers gauchos on the pampas, stunning Andean peaks, and cosmopolitan cities blending European elegance with Latin American warmth.
Argentina is generally safe for tourists, particularly in Buenos Aires and major tourist areas. Standard urban precautions apply — pickpocketing and bag-snatching are the main risks in crowded areas, but violent crime against tourists is rare.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
Exercise normal safety precautions. Buenos Aires and tourist regions are safe for visitors who take sensible precautions. Some areas (La Boca after dark, certain peripheral neighborhoods) warrant extra care.
Last updated: 2025-06
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Be aware of petty crime in urban areas, particularly Buenos Aires. Demonstrations and strikes can disrupt transport.
Normal precautions
Most visits are trouble-free. Take care against pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas and public transport.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Watch for pickpockets on public transport and in crowded tourist areas
Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, cameras, or electronics openly
Use official taxis or rideshare apps rather than hailing cabs on the street
Don't leave drinks unattended in bars to prevent drink spiking
Be aware that demonstrations are common and can occasionally turn violent
Exchange currency at official cambios rather than street money changers
Keep copies of passport and important documents separate from originals
Be cautious with your belongings on the Buenos Aires Subte (metro) and crowded markets — pickpocketing is common on Line D and at San Telmo Market.
Avoid displaying expensive cameras, phones, and jewelry in Microcentro and La Boca tourist areas, particularly after dark.
Register your trip with your country's embassy before visiting remote Patagonia regions where cell coverage is sparse and rescue operations can take days.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Mustard scam
Someone 'accidentally' squirts mustard or ketchup on you and an accomplice offers to help clean it up while picking your pocket.
How to avoid: Decline help from strangers who approach after anything hits you. Move away immediately and check your belongings.
Unlicensed taxi (pirata)
Unofficial taxis cruise near airports and bus terminals offering rides. Drivers may overcharge massively or rob passengers.
How to avoid: Only use official black-and-yellow metered taxis or rideshare apps (Cabify, Uber). Book remises by phone from your hotel.
Currency exchange scam
Street money changers (arbolitos) offer blue-rate exchange but may give counterfeit bills or short-change you.
How to avoid: Use official cambios (exchange houses) or banks for currency exchange. Avoid all street changers.
ATM skimming
Card readers attached to ATMs in tourist areas can copy card data. Withdrawals at compromised machines lead to fraudulent charges.
How to avoid: Use ATMs inside bank branches or major supermarkets. Cover the keypad when entering PIN. Check for loose card readers.
Fake police
Criminals pose as plainclothes police and demand to see your passport and wallet to 'check for counterfeit money'.
How to avoid: Real police in Argentina do not stop tourists randomly to check wallets. Request a uniformed officer or go to the nearest police station.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Routine vaccines recommended (MMR, Tdap, flu). Hepatitis A and Typhoid recommended for most travelers. Yellow fever required if coming from endemic countries or visiting northern jungle areas. Consult doctor 4-6 weeks before travel.
- Water
- Safe to drink in Buenos Aires and most major cities. Bottled water recommended in rural areas and northwest provinces. Ice generally safe in cities. Water purification tablets advised for remote trekking.
- Food
- Food hygiene in restaurants is generally good in Buenos Aires and major cities. Avoid raw shellfish in cheaper establishments. Supermarket food is safe. Street food from busy, popular vendors is generally fine.
- Facilities
- Buenos Aires has excellent public and private hospitals. Hospital Italiano and Hospital Británico are highly regarded private facilities. Medical care in remote Patagonia is limited — travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Argentina is generally safe for solo travelers. Buenos Aires has a well-developed solo travel infrastructure with hostels, organized tours, and social spaces. Use common sense in unfamiliar neighborhoods after dark, inform your accommodation of your plans in Patagonia, and always have a charged phone.
Female travellers
Female travelers generally find Argentina safe and welcoming. Machismo culture exists but harassment is usually limited to verbal comments. Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods late at night. Use taxis or rideshare apps after midnight. The Buenos Aires WhatsApp group for solo female travelers is a useful resource.
Families
Argentina is very family-friendly. Argentines adore children and families receive warm treatment everywhere. Major tourist areas are safe for families. Children require parental consent forms when traveling with only one parent (crucial — Argentine customs enforce this strictly). Pharmacies are well-stocked with children's medications.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Argentina is one of Latin America's most LGBTQ+-friendly countries. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010. Buenos Aires Pride (November) is one of South America's largest. Gay bars and clubs are openly operating in Palermo and Microcentro. Outside major cities, conservative attitudes persist — exercise discretion in small towns and rural areas.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 911
- Medical
- 107 or 911
- Embassy
- US Embassy Buenos Aires: +54 11 5777-4533. UK Embassy: +54 11 4808-2200. Canadian Embassy: +54 11 4808-1000.
- Tourist Police
- Comisaría del Turista (Tourist Police): +54 11 4346-5748 — handles tourist complaints and crimes in Buenos Aires