When traveling to the wonderful Buenos Aires most of us will receive a warning from a friend or a loved one that, above all, we must be careful. For foreigners in South America, there are a lot of red flags when it comes to safety. Nonetheless, concerns for personal safety shouldn’t prevent you from traveling to this beautiful city. If you forego this opportunity, you will be missing out on discovering one of the most lively cities in all of South America. So, in order to reassure you before you go and provide some tips for your stay, here is a quick guide to staying safe in Buenos Aires.  
Staying safe in Buenos Aires
Travel safely and enjoy your stay to the maximum in Buenos Aires by following some of these pieces of advice. /  Photo: www.buenosairesfotogenica.com

Some common misconceptions:

1. No one will help you because you are a tourist

This belief is actually the opposite of true; most people are very friendly and willing to help, especially if you ask for it.

2. Tourists are always the target

This is a misconception because robbery also happens to locals. However, tourists are more vulnerable to getting pickpocketed because they look more unaware of their surroundings.

3. Don't go to La Boca, you will get robbed

Touristy areas are a hotspot for pickpocketers, so keep your important belongings well put away. Nonetheless, when it comes to general safety, it is important that you stick to the areas where other tourists venture. So, keep your belongings tucked away and enjoy La Boca! Travel tip:  Go through the city in a safe and entertaining way with the Buenos Aires Classic City Tour where you will always be accompanied by a local guide who will take you to the capital's most emblematic places.

4. Robbers are armed when they try to rob you

Despite theft being a frequent occurrence, if you keep to the safer areas it is less probable you will be crossing paths with an armed robber.

5. People follow you back to your house/accommodation

Hotels offer an extra measure of safety because there are staff members who can help you with any concerns you may have. If you are renting a room or apartment, then it is worth it to ensure that the accommodation is secure enough to prevent intruders.
Stqying safe in Buenos Aires
Touristy areas are a hotspot for pickpocketers, so keep your important belongings well put away. /  Photo: Daytours4u

Some tips and a bit of common sense

1. Don't carry your passport unless you are traveling

It is common when you try to pay for something with your credit card that clerks ask for identification to verify that the credit card is yours (this also applies to debit cards). However, in the event that you do get robbed or pickpocketed, keep your passport at home and carry another form of ID.

2. Avoid less-traveled areas

When you are traveling to any city, always stay on the main roads, but especially in Buenos Aires. Wandering off could be fun but it is also dangerous because you might not be prepared for the potential danger that could strike you there. Always keep to the busy areas just in case! Travel tip: Although the surroundings of Buenos Aires are less touristy, it doesn't necessarily mean that they're unsafe. We recommend you the Tigre Tour from Buenos Aires, which is ideal to get to know the different tourist attractions beyond those in the capital.

3. Blend in and try to avoid attracting attention to yourself

Those who are very obviously tourists will be the first ones to get targeted. In order to prevent this possibility, try to avoid the obvious giveaways such as speaking very loudly in a foreign language, very obviously carrying a camera or expensive smartphone, and wearing a lot of bright, foreign clothing brands, especially if they are high-end.

4. Keep your phone charged

It’s already bad enough to end up in a dangerous situation but it’s even worse to not be able to get yourself out of it as quickly as possible. So make sure you can ring for help at any time!
Staying safe in Buenos Aires
Avoid the less crowded places. When you are traveling to any city, always stay on the main roads, blend in and avoid attracting attention to yourself. /  Photo: Daytours4u

Are there ways to make a dangerous situation safe?

If you feel like you are being followed, cross the street. If the person you think is following you also crosses the street go to the nearest kiosk or restaurant and wait until you are sure the potential threat has gone away or ask for help. From that point on order a taxi and go straight to your place of accommodation. In other situations where you are confronted with danger, try to get to authorities as quickly as possible and ask for help.

Anti-pickpocketing 101

If you get pickpocketed, there is not much you can do about it after it has happened; however, there are some measures you can take to be a less vulnerable target:

1. Make sure that all the compartments where you carry your valuables are sealed.

Avoid putting your valued items in your pockets. Instead, put them in your bag or carry-on with the zipper closed. Additionally, avoid bags with compartments that are easily accessible.

2. Whenever you decide to go and take a rest at a restaurant or bar, make sure you keep your bag on your lap

If you have your bag hanging off an armrest or standing on the ground it is a lot more likely that someone will try and grab it from your table, especially if you are sitting outside. So, always keep your bag close to your body!

3. Divide your cash over multiple compartments

Don’t carry all your cash in one place; instead, have it spread out over multiple compartments. Therefore, if your wallet is stolen you are not stranded instantly.

4. Don’t take all your credit cards with you at once

It’s important to avoid carrying all of your credit/debit cards with you at one time because if you do get robbed of your wallet you will find yourself in a lot of trouble. To avoid that, keep at least one card hidden at your accommodations so that if you are robbed, you can continue to enjoy your vacation. In this sense, we also recommend you to book online your tours and activities in Buenos Aires, this way you will guarantee your spot to the excursions without having to bring your credit cards to the guided visits.

3. Be organized!

If you place all your important items in the same spots as you usually do when you are less likely to lose track of them, which also makes it easier to find out if something is stolen or not. If you stay alert and follow these steps you are guaranteed to have a very pleasant experience in Buenos Aires. We hope to see you soon!

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By: Content Team of Daytours4u