Is Argentina safe? An honest guide for visitors
Short answer
Argentina is one of the safer countries in South America for visitors, and Patagonia and Iguazú have very little crime. The realistic risk is petty theft in Buenos Aires, above all phone snatching and pickpocketing in busy areas. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon if you take normal big-city precautions.
The real risks
Phone snatching
Thieves on foot or motorbikes grab phones held near the kerb in Buenos Aires, including in San Telmo, La Boca and the Microcentro. Keep your phone inside, step into a doorway to check maps and do not leave it on café tables.
Pickpocketing
Common on the Subte, crowded colectivos, the Sunday San Telmo fair and Florida Street. Carry bags in front and keep wallets in a zipped inner pocket.
Mustard/distraction scam
Someone 'helpfully' points out a stain on your clothes while an accomplice takes your bag. Walk away and clean up later.
Counterfeit notes and changers
Street changers on Florida Street ('cambio, cambio') can pass fake notes; with cards now getting a fair rate there is little reason to use them.
Areas and times to take care
In Buenos Aires, Palermo, Recoleta and Belgrano are busy and comfortable at night. In La Boca, stay on the tourist streets of Caminito and around the stadium by day, and take a taxi rather than walking there after dark. The Microcentro and Constitución station area empty out at night, so use a car for late journeys. Patagonian towns and Puerto Iguazú are relaxed at any hour.
Getting around safely
Uber and Cabify work widely in Buenos Aires and are usually the easiest option at night; otherwise use radio taxis or official airport taxis and remises from the booking desks inside Ezeiza and Aeroparque. Long-distance buses (cama seats) are safe and comfortable; keep valuables in your hand luggage.
Solo and women travellers
Solo women travel widely in Argentina. Street comments (piropos) happen in cities and are now illegal in Buenos Aires, but are rarely threatening; ignore them and keep walking. Use ride-hailing apps late at night, watch your drink in bars, and choose hostels with good reviews from other women. In Patagonia, hiking popular marked trails such as Laguna de los Tres alone is common in season.
Health, water and heat
Tap water is safe to drink in Buenos Aires and most cities. Iguazú is hot and humid in summer, with dengue cases in some years, so use insect repellent; check yellow-fever advice for the Misiones area. In Patagonia the sun and wind are strong: wear sunscreen and layers. Healthcare in the cities is good, but carry travel insurance.
Official travel advice
Check your government's advice before you travel — it is updated when things change.
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Common questions
Is Buenos Aires safe for tourists?
Generally yes, by Latin American standards. The main risk is phone snatching and pickpocketing in busy areas such as San Telmo, La Boca and the Microcentro. Keep phones out of sight near the kerb and use Uber or Cabify at night.
Is Patagonia safe for solo hikers?
Crime is very low. The real risks are weather and wind: tell your hostel your route, carry layers and water, and check the forecast and trail status at the park office in El Chaltén.
Is La Boca dangerous?
The tourist streets around Caminito and the stadium are fine by day and busy with visitors. Do not wander off them, and take a taxi or ride-hailing car rather than walking there after dark.