Crime in Buenos Aires

Does this happen to locals all the time too?

We locals have to be alert all the time everywhere.

I am sure my Peruvian accent when speaking Spanish and or something else might show I'm not local. But at least I won't scream "American" or "European" not that I'm sure that even helps at all by the sound of things. We will just have to be more cautious than we've had to be in Peru I guess :(

Thanks again for the feedback.

I don't like to tell people that BsAs is safe, or not safe, since how comfortable you feel depends on too many factors.

I feel that walking around the neighborhoods you mentioned at night are safe enough not to worry. Obvious advice includes not acting like a tourist, not wearing flashy clothes or jewelry, or carrying a big wallet in your pocket. I carry my iPhone everyday, use it on the subte or buses, and don't feel at all unsafe. And no one confuses me for a porteño.

But in 10 years, I have never been robbed or pick-pocketed here; once that happens it will change your views of safety. Yes, crime is increasing to locals and tourists alike. Yes, you can get robbed in the middle of the day, on a busy street, at night, anywhere.

Look like you know where you are going, don't wander into crowds without being aware of your surroundings, don't let others divert your attention in public, etc. Enjoy the city at night, take a taxi if you feel uncomfortable, and just carry what you need for that day; no need to carry extra items around. And personally I feel pulling out a paper map will tag you as a tourist much more than looking at a map on your iPhone.

Have fun and enjoy all that BsAs has to offer.

I don't like to tell people that BsAs is safe, or not safe, since how comfortable you feel depends on too many factors.

I feel that walking around the neighborhoods you mentioned at night are safe enough not to worry. Obvious advice includes not acting like a tourist, not wearing flashy clothes or jewelry, or carrying a big wallet in your pocket. I carry my iPhone everyday, use it on the subte or buses, and don't feel at all unsafe. And no one confuses me for a porteño.

But in 10 years, I have never been robbed or pick-pocketed here; once that happens it will change your views of safety. Yes, crime is increasing to locals and tourists alike. Yes, you can get robbed in the middle of the day, on a busy street, at night, anywhere.

Look like you know where you are going, don't wander into crowds without being aware of your surroundings, don't let others divert your attention in public, etc. Enjoy the city at night, take a taxi if you feel uncomfortable, and just carry what you need for that day; no need to carry extra items around. And personally I feel pulling out a paper map will tag you as a tourist much more than looking at a map on your iPhone.

Have fun and enjoy all that BsAs has to offer.

That's exactly what I planned to do :) so thank you for that slight reassurance.

Whenever in South America I've always used my iPhone (cautiously) when out and about instead of a map to guide myself but besides that it's sneakers, jeans, a small crossbody purse and cheap earrings. No watches, no expensive anything.

Thank you so much.

If you have a U.S. T-Mobile plan, their international roaming 3G service is very good in the city. I don't use my local SIM card for Internet anymore, just for calling or texting locally. And generally speaking, Wi-Fi is easy to find and free around the city.

Oi Karla,

You've been given a lot of great info to help not only keep you safer, but to also help you relax, and enjoy the many pleasures of Argentina. Please allow me to add my dos centavos worth.

Over the past few years, I've made frequent trips to Buenos Aires, and have traveled by bus to the far corners of the country. I was robbed once in the Retiro, and even kidnapped. (The two guys didn't kill me because they could not agree who would clean up the blood in their car!) The "bad guys" don't care where you are from! To them, EVERYONE has more than they do, thus, EVERYONE is a target! They want something! So, give it to them! I always carry a fake billfold, filled with phony credit cards, and a LOT of bills....cheap, foreign, or even "fake" US dollars! I sometimes carry a back-pack with a broken laptop, a cheap camera, and assorted junk....all picked up at a local thrift shop for a few bucks! The bad guys are not going to immediately examine everything they steal, but are going to be ecstatically happy when its so easy!

Concerning your phone, Buenos Aires has hundreds of small stores where you can make phone calls. Many also have computers to rent. Travel simply! Travel smart! Buen viaje!

JAC

Good heavens. Well I'm certainly glad you're alive and well! Thats possibly the worst experience I've read!

We were planning on taking a hidden money belt with enough money for the day and then wallets with small bills and now with your advice :) also expired cards. We will probably keep only one iPhone with us to take pictures or use a map if need be. Worst comes to worst losing 50 pesos and 1 Iphone is not so bad (if it even comes to that).

Thank you all so much . I know all of these comments are meant as sincere warnings and heads up.

Everyone has such different experiences. Oy vey. We can only hope we have a smooth sailing anniversary and try to make the best of it.

Truly glad you're okay though!

Since you have such specific concerns, and have taken the time to solicit and respond to replies, please post a follow up on your experiences once you have traveled here. So many seek advice but never let the TT community know what worked and didn't.

Personally I wouldn't go to the trouble to carry "fake" electronics, but certainly an easy-to-retrieve wallet with some pesos and maybe an expired credit card (old Visa/Mastercard gift cards work well, too) is a good idea anywhere in the world. The point of carrying a smartphone is not to make calls, but for the plethora of apps and info you can access while on the go. Several good apps include the Buenos Aires city apps "BA Como Llego" for bus or walking directions, "BA WiFi" for city-sponsored hotspots, "Subte" for subway/metro information; "Moovit" for bus routes, "Guia Oleo" for restaurant reviews and "Buenos Aires Delivery" to get food brought to your apartment.

Good or bad, I would feel lost without my iPhone (or favorite smartphone) here in BsAs. You certainly won't be the only one walking around with one in your hand :)

Traveller999 you and i are definitely on the same wavelength -- thank you so much for all those apps. That's exactly what we survive on when we travel! Thank you !

Rest assured I will be sure to come back here and give my 100% honest opinion on my experience as I hope it also helps someone who is about to head out there with similar questions and concerns.

Right on :)

Hola Karla and Mr. T,

Interesting comments! I have to say, however, that it must be a generational thing. I don't use apps! I plan ahead, look up info on-line, and take notes! I usually carry a small notebook with me just to do this! That way, I'm not worried about having someone trying to rob me for my scrap papers and a ball-point pen! (I write it down because my memory isn't what it used to be! hahaha)

JAC