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Is Buenos Aires safe? An honest guide for visitors
Short answer
Buenos Aires is reasonably safe for visitors who take city precautions, comparable to other large Latin American capitals and safer than many. The main risks are pickpocketing, phone snatching (including from passing motorbikes) and distraction scams. Violent crime against tourists in the main visitor areas is not common.
The real risks
Phone snatching
Thieves on foot, bikes or motorbikes grab phones from hands, café tables and open car windows. Keep phones away from the kerb and do not leave them on terrace tables.
Pickpocketing
Common on the Subte, buses, in the Sunday San Telmo fair and at Florida Street. Wear bags in front and keep wallets in inside pockets.
Mustard scam
Someone squirts a substance on your clothes and a helpful stranger offers to clean it while an accomplice takes your bag. Walk away and clean up later.
Money exchange on Florida Street
Street money changers can pass fake notes. Use official exchange houses or card payments.
Counterfeit notes
Occasionally passed in taxis at night; pay by app or small notes.
Areas and times to take care
Palermo, Recoleta, Retiro's main streets and Puerto Madero are the most comfortable areas. In La Boca, stay within the Caminito area and the stadium by day and do not wander into surrounding streets. San Telmo and Constitución and the area around Retiro station need more care at night. Avoid informal settlements (villas) unless with a reputable guide.
Getting around safely
Uber and Cabify are widely used and cheap, and avoid fare disputes. Use radio taxis or official taxis with a company name, not cars hailed outside nightclubs. The Subte stops around midnight; night buses run all night but are less comfortable for visitors.
Solo and women travellers
Buenos Aires is generally comfortable for women alone, with a busy night-time culture where people dine at 22:00 and go out later. Expect occasional catcalling (piropos). Use ride-hailing apps after dark, especially from San Telmo or La Boca, and keep an eye on drinks in clubs.
Health, water and heat
Tap water is safe to drink in Buenos Aires. Summer (December–February) is hot and humid at about 27–29°C, so carry water and sunscreen. Dengue outbreaks have occurred in some summers; use mosquito repellent. Public hospitals treat emergencies, but travel insurance is recommended for private care.
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 with city precautions. The main risks are phone snatching, pickpocketing on the Subte and distraction scams such as the mustard trick.
Is La Boca safe?
Caminito and the area around the stadium are fine by day with many visitors. Do not wander into the surrounding streets, and leave before dark.
Can you drink the tap water in Buenos Aires?
Yes, tap water in the city is safe to drink.