Demonstrations are common in Buenos Aires and happen in other cities as well. Protesters often block streets and highways. Demonstrations are usually nonviolent, but can turn confrontational. Avoid demonstrations if possible.

Crime: Street crime is a problem in Buenos Aires, Rosario, and Mendoza. Look out for muggers, pickpockets, scam artists, and purse-snatchers who work on the street, in restaurants and hotel lobbies, at bus and train stations, in public transportation, and in cruise ship ports.

Violent robberies often occur, usually on side streets and/or after dark in the San Telmo, Recoleta, and, more frequently, in La Boca neighborhoods of Buenos Aires.

Frequent robberies of luggage and handbags occur in Retiro bus station in Buenos Aires and the bus station in Mendoza, and when leaving a handbag in the overhead compartment on the bus.

Robberies involving motorcycles (called “motochorros”) occur frequently in cities. These thieves normally operate in pairs: one to jump off and take the watches, purses, and backpacks of pedestrians, and another to operate the bike. The motochorros also reach, or break, into cars to snatch valuable items.

Although the La Boca neighborhood is a well-known tourist destination, there have been violent robberies in the daytime as well as nighttime. Stay on the main streets in the tourist zone and use radio taxis to and from the neighborhood.

Avoid “villas” or shanty towns in Buenos Aires and other major cities, even if they are in tourist zones.

Scams involving yellow and black taxis have been reported at international airports and around Buenos Aires. Pre-arrange a ride or select one of the flat-rate “remise” services (private car with driver) from the airport. In town, use radio taxis from places like a hotel when possible. See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams. A few common scenarios follow:

Drivers pretend to help tourists with money while trading good bills for counterfeit ones.

A “handler” at the airport accepts payment for the ride, but then the driver also demands money at the end of the ride.

The taxi “breaks down” on the road, and a second taxi comes to get the passenger. Both drivers demand payment.

Spraying mustard or another substance on the tourist from a distance. An accomplice robs the victim while pretending to help clean the stain.

Precautions include:

Do not place handbags on the back of your chair or on the floor at a restaurant. Keep them in your lap.

Do not leave your drink unattended.

Sexual assaults have been reported against solo hikers and bikers on trails in regions along the border with Chile. Hike in groups and remain alert to your surroundings.

Robberies also occur, where victims are grabbed and forced to take out as much money as possible from ATMs. Family or co-workers are contacted and told to bring all the cash they have on hand or can gather in a couple of hours. Once the ransom is paid, the victim is usually released unharmed. There have been some foreign victims of these robberies. Fake telephone kidnappings are also common. Learning important phone numbers and, if robbed, immediately finding a phone and letting family members know you are alright are important steps in stopping this crime.

Travelers should not pack valuables in checked bags.

The U.S. Embassy sees many reports of stolen passports. Passports and other valuables should be locked in a hotel safe. Carry a photocopy of your passport with you.

Victims of Crime: Report crimes to the local police at the numbers below and contact the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires:

Dial 911 to report emergencies, call the police, an ambulance or the fire department.

In Cordoba, Mendoza, Iguazu, Tucuman and Tierra del Fuego, dial 101.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

help you find appropriate medical care

assist you in reporting a crime to the police

contact relatives or friends with your written consent

explain the local criminal justice process in general terms

provide a list of local attorneys

provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States

provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution

help you find accommodation and arrange flights home

replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance. If you are in immediate danger, call the police at 911.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, hospitals are able provide urgent medical treatment, though very serious injuries often require medical evacuation. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.