Safety
General Safety Situation
Argentina is comparatively safe for South America — significantly safer than Brazil, Colombia, or Venezuela. Violent crime against tourists is rare. The main problem: pickpocketing and petty crime in Buenos Aires and other large cities.
The Most Important Safety Tips
| Situation | Risk | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| San Telmo Sunday Market | Pickpockets (hotspot!) | Backpack to the front, valuables close to the body, no visible electronics |
| La Boca | Mugging outside the Caminito area | STAY in the tourist area, come and go by taxi |
| Florida Street | “Arbolitos” (money changers), con artists | Do not exchange with strangers on the street, walk briskly |
| The “Mostaza Trick” | Someone spills mustard/sauce on you, a “helper” robs you | IMMEDIATELY refuse and walk away. Do not stop! |
| At night in BA | Mugging in unsafe neighborhoods | Avoid San Telmo, La Boca, Constitución, Once after dark. Palermo, Recoleta, Puerto Madero are safe |
| Taxis | Counterfeit money return, detours | Only official black and yellow taxis or apps (Uber, Cabify, DiDi). Radio taxis are the safest |
| Counterfeit money | Especially with large bills | Check watermarks and security features. Verify change in taxis/restaurants |
| Patagonia | Weather, distances, isolation | Always fill up, check the weather, inform the hotel/ranger of your route |
Power Outlets & Electricity
Argentina uses Type I (three-prong plugs with angled pins, like in Australia/China) and partially Type C (two-prong, like in Europe). A universal adapter is recommended! Voltage: 220V, 50 Hz. Most modern accommodations also have European sockets.
Internet & Telephone
- WLAN: Available in almost all hotels, hostels, restaurants, and cafés (often slow, especially in Patagonia)
- SIM Card: Local SIM cards from Claro, Movistar, or Personal are cheap (about 3,000–5,000 ARS for 10 GB). Best to buy at Ezeiza Airport or in a city branch. Bring your passport!
- eSIM: Airalo and Holafly offer eSIMs for Argentina — buy before the trip, activate upon arrival
Tipping
| Situation | Tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | 10% (standard), 15% (good service). Often NOT included in the price — check the bill! |
| Café | Round up or 5–10% |
| Taxi | Round up (to the next 500 ARS) |
| Hotel Room | 500–1,000 ARS/day for cleaning |
| Porter | 500–1,000 ARS per suitcase |
| Tour Guide | 2,000–5,000 ARS per person for a half-day |
| Free Walking Tour | 3,000–5,000 ARS per person (the guides rely on this!) |
💡 Tipp
The SUBE card (rechargeable card for Subte, buses, and trains in Buenos Aires) is indispensable! Buy it directly at Ezeiza Airport, at kiosks (Locutorios), or at Subte stations (about 3,000 ARS). Without SUBE, you cannot board a city bus (Colectivo)! Recharge at any kiosk or at Subte stations. The card also works in other cities (Mendoza, Córdoba, etc.).