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Well I certainly can't say the last couple of posts don't bring me great peace of mind and made me feel a lot better :) but I can see where everyone is coming from.

Like one poster said, once you have a bad experience -- it changes your perspective. Or it can also be that perhaps it's not as safe as it used to be, but certainly isn't Iraq or Venezuela.

I actually started the idea of going to Argentina feeling quite at ease since I'm so familiar with being on the streets in Lima (Peru in general). In my native country my husband and I stand out more than your average Peruvian. Most people assume we are foreigners until I open my mouth..so I figured until we opened our mouths we could sort of "blend in" at least physically.

It's been my experience that the Argentine people we know or meet tend to throw more of these caution warnings at us. I take them seriously and value all the advise very much. But some did cause a significant cause for concern (as some of the previous posts) so that is what propelled me to come on this thread to reach out.

Regarding "dressing like a local", I guess that was a poor choice of words on my end. I meant, just dress casual and practical like I do when in Peru, and honestly like I do when I travel anywhere else for the most part.

The hubs and I will certainly apply all the same precautions we take whenever we are in Peru and take them here. I guess the only difference is we know the Lima like the back of our hands. In BA we'll just have to try to be more alert more or less when to manage by foot and at what point to take a taxi instead.

***With that being said -- for those who are very familiar with SAN TELMO, would you be so kind to advise on the following:

I see a lot of neat bars and restaurants pop up in that area, mostly appropriate night time. I've read a lot of people say at night to only use taxis in San Telmo.. is there like a specific area (streets) where it's ok to walk there at night? Or just cab it?

I know anywhere in the world, including where I live, there are certain areas where between certain streets it's perfectly fine and generally safe .. but just the next block over can be quite dangerous (we have a few areas like this in Miami FL).. I feel like in Lima it's a little bit more segregated (good neighborhoods vs bad ones).. so figured I'd ask regarding San Telmo.***

Thank you all again. All of you, all of your experiences good and bad give a wide array of perspective that is truly valuable.

I am really excited to visit this wonderful country :)

Edited by Karla622
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31

I'll give you my take on San Telmo. It is the "tourist" neighborhood I spend the least amount of time in, not because I consider it dangerous, but because it doesn't really interest me as a place to hang out. But I know plenty of people, locals and expats, who consider it the best neighborhood in the city.

My perception is that San Telmo is slightly more dodgy than the other popular areas to the north. I would be cautious about staying on the larger streets there at night, but I wouldn't let that stop me from going to a bar or restaurant I wanted to check out. If you are concerned about walking at night, have the restaurant call you a taxi when you leave. It is a long walk back to where you are staying, and since the subte stops around 10-10:30 at night you either have to take a colectivo (bus), taxi or walk.

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32

Hi I am a local and was violently attacked and stabed in the hand and I fought off the knife at my throat this Saturday.
I was in a car wth 5 others cars all around with people watching! mind you it was in a bad area of La Boca but we had to park there as there over 200,000 people at the event we attended and many others parked there too.
BA is no longer 100% safe anywhere but Im sure you'll be find just use your Limena commmon sense and carry with you only the bare essentials you need but always have something The thieves wanted my cell phone but I never take it out ..thus no real use for one in my case! But come and enjoy it still is a great city to visit and Santa Fe, the street on which I also live, is almost always full of people and traffic

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33
In response to #32

I am so sorry to hear this happened to you and glad you're ok! I thank you for your advice.

I don't plan on really being in that part of town (I guess besides el caminito which is there or nearby?) but that's a cab there and right back out.

glad to know santa fe is usually busy and should be a good place to stay. is it safe to walk there at night? (santa fe)

Thanks!!

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34

You said in another post that you are going to La Boca stadium.

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35

No not the stadium we went to PROA museum for the chinese fire works sponsered by them and city of BA

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36
In response to #33

hola que altura de santa fe?
a la noche hay mas moviemiento entre rodriquez pena y cnel diaz

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37
In response to #34

You said in another post that you are going to La Boca stadium.

I asked if it was good to do a tour.. not set in stone.. and not going to happen if this is something rampant...

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38
In response to #36

Avenida Santa Fe 2630 -- no se si saber esto ayude o no :) .. que tal es de noche? algo seguro para caminar??

mil gracias!!

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39
In response to #38

I consider that area along Santa Fe to be a very safe place to walk at night. I notice an increased police presence at night all along Santa Fe. I have no issues walking alone there at 2 or 3 a.m.; but as always your safety comfort is a personal choice. If you take a bus home late, you will probably be able to get off within two blocks of your door, as Santa Fe and Pueyrredon have lots of bus routes to choose from.

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