Crime in Buenos Aires

Well that definitely makes me a bit nervous but I hope it does not get in the way of us enjoying our trip. Never been so happy to be fluent in Spanish like I am now... yikes.

We'll be sure to leave the phones behind and just take a small old conventional digital camera.. getting around will be a bit more of a challenge now it seems!

Do you live in Buenos Aires? How can I find posts by this person?

Thank you so much for your prompt response and honest feedback.. and that's a very nice compliment, thank you! Haha

Crime is widespread in Argentina. It does not matter if you are a tourist or a local. I am a local living in Buenos Aires since 1972. I have been almost killed once two blocks from the Obelisk, robbed twice on the subway and they applied the mustard trick on me once. As I knew the trick I was not robbed of my money and my Motorola Razr HD this time around. They do not care if your phone is Iphone, Nokia Lumia, Motorola or any other. All phones, smart or dumb, can be robbed.

Do a web search about "Alexander Hennessy" the Canadian who was attacked by one motochorro last August in La Boca district.

Click on the below link for another case:

http://www.clarin.com/policiales/turista-asaltado-ladrones-recuperar-mochila_0_1271873051.html

05-October-2013 post:

Safety in Buenos Aires

Yes, it is still a beautiful city, but there is a sharp increase of poverty and, with it, crime. I have been to Bs. As. countless times since the early 1990s, without ever encountering a problem. Until, that is, two weeks ago. Just a few blocks away from Plaza Dorrego, just when I was waiting for the right light on an old house to take a picture of, I was attacked by a guy with a pistol in his hands. He used it to hit me pretty hard on the head several times; my head and face were covered in blood. He tried to take my camera and my backpack carrying lenses, but eventually, escaped. This was at around 1pm. The police did not even seem very interested in the attack; did not ask for a description of the guy, did not interview witnesses (I spoke to a policeman just 2 minutes after it happened). Apparently, these things happen all too frequently.

Last year, a French guy was stabbed to death near the Retiro train station - he did not give his camera to his attacker. This also happened in broad daylight.

By all means - enjoy the city, but also know that you have to be very careful.

13-February-2014 post:

On Feb 9 2014, I was robbed at gunpoint only a few blocks from the Sunday San Telmo market at 4:30 in the afternoon. I am a 29 year old woman, and was alone. Please please be careful in the area!!

I was around Mexico and Peru. I did make a police report, they were very nice and called in a translator for me but even though I had the license plate number (there was a group of 3 American men behind me who took at photo of the car) of the get away car they said there wasn't much hope in finding them. There was one guy with a gun who jumped out at me on the street and at least one guy driving the tan sedan. The translator said this area has become more dangerous, especially at night.

Well I can't thank you all enough for your replies. I guess I thought I should be as cautious as when I am back home in Lima but clearly I'll have to take three times the caution. This sounds far more dangerous than anything I've seen or encountered in Lima in the recent years (granted our economy is doing well).

Do any of you stand out as tourists? I see see some mentions of backpacks, camera lenses-- anything by chance that could give it away? Or does this happen to locals all the time too?

We aren't taking anything of value besides our iPhones (they double as our laptops and cameras) which we don't plan to flash around in public. Besides that hidden money belts with enough for the day. No cards either.

We will only speak in Spanish and try to blend in as much as possible (dress it down, no jewelry, nothing expensive really).. Take cabs at night.. It's really the most I can think of to try to not stand out and be alert.

I'm definitely a bit nervous now reading all of this. I sure hope we don't encounter anything of this nature but best to be aware.

I am so sorry to hear of your bad experienced and glad you're sound and safe.

Any more suggestions feel free to keep them coming.

Thanks again guys.

Do any of you stand out as tourists?

I am and look local 100%

We will only speak in Spanish

Your accent and many other things always show that you are not from here.