Crime in Buenos Aires

Hey there!

I'll be there end of March /early April with the hubs. We are both fluent in Spanish (Castellano).. I am better at it than he is since I am a native from Peru. I think we can both pass for locals.. white, slim, green eyes, light brown hair.. Most of my Argentine friends look like me or are blonde haired blue eyed so I don't think we'll really stand out in that sense.

We plan to take the essentials and treat the streets no different than when we go to Lima.. although I have never felt unsafe in Lima --not sure if it's bc the economy is much better nowadays or if it's simply bc I know my city that well.

The only thing that could make us a target in my eyes (besides sheer bad luck) is our iphones. When we travel (anywhere in the world and domestic) we always use our iPhones for apps that have city maps and subway maps.. things like that. Do you advice leaving this behind?

Is Recoleta, Palermo and Puerto Madero safe to walk at night? I have heard San Telmo is only safe during the day.. so I wasn't sure about the other areas.

We are staying in a flat in Recoleta on Ave. Santa Fe..

Any suggestions, tips, personal experiences, constructive criticism, etc. are entirely welcomed.

THANK YOU!
Karla

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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.

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

Lol ! Jac! I understand . I know it might seem silly to some but apps have changed the way I travel for as long as Ive had a smart phone.. Hubs and I are in our late 20's and totally dependent on them for better or worse. I don't even know that I know how to write notes by hand anymore haha.

Ahhhhhhhhhh, I forgot to say (see what I mean!), my favorite way of getting around Buenos Aires is to talk to people! I find that when lost, or simply looking for a good place to eat, I just stop someone (especially someone...mature!) and ask! Che! What a concept!

JAC

Jac: Well, in my case technology isn't generational as much as it is situational. Smartphones are just one more tool to make traveling much simpler, even if they are a bit addictive. Think of them like the free maps you used to get with a fill up at any gas station in the U.S. in the 60s. Totally not necessary, definitely not worth the trouble at times, but you don't have to struggle to get them re-folded correctly!

But asking someone works well, too. Porteños are some of the most friendly and helpful city people in the world.

Jac: Well, in my case technology isn't generational as much as it is situational. Smartphones are just one more tool to make traveling much simpler, even if they are a bit addictive. Think of them like the free maps you used to get with a fill up at any gas station in the U.S. in the 60s. Totally not necessary, definitely not worth the trouble at times, but you don't have to struggle to get them re-folded correctly!

But asking someone works well, too. Porteños are some of the most friendly and helpful city people in the world.

Mr. T,

Great point! (I always had trouble with maps!) Maybe it's time for this old dog to learn some new tricks!

JAC

I will give you fhat Jac -- if we do find it difficult to source something on any of the apps our next approach is certainly to ask a local (well noted on the mature porteño!).. I'm much more keen on speaking with locals, my husband on the other hand doesn't believe in asking for directions :-0 (so frustrating sometimes. Lol!)

Well, I've been there, Karla! I didn't know what I was missing until my wife convinced me! hahaha (Just for an idea....my wife, who always spoke softly, did carry a big stick!)

JAC

A man who won't ask for directions? That's hard-wired into the XY chromosome. An iPhone is a lot less frustrating :)

I think this thread is definitely an early nominee for

1) Most Bizarre Thread of 2015

2) Most Alarmist Thread of 2015

Were our faithful correspondents to be believed then Buenos Aires should resemble the wild west, if not Western Iraq, with murder, robbery and rapine at every turn. Oddly enough, I've never observed this on multiple visits to the city and I'm feeling oddly let down. Not infrequently one sees similarly alarmist threads about Rio, SP or Salvador which simply don't reflect the experiences of 99% of tourists and don't reflect reality for most residents either.

@the OP I'd be inclined to take all of this (hopefully) well meaning guff with a large pinch of salt. At least one of the respondents specialises in cryptic but alarmist gibberish of this sort and says similarly bizarre things about every city on the continent.

You come from Lima? Then no doubt you will be familiar with how to conduct yourself in public and what usual common sense precautions to take. Buenos Aires is no different and a lot less dangerous than quite a few cities on the continent I could nominate. Actually, it's really not noticeably more or less safe than much of Lima. You can be mugged anywhere on the planet. As for dressing like locals, why bother? In practical terms that means adopting poor fashion sense and bad haircuts. the game will be given away the instant either of you opens your mouth anyway.

Last time I was in Bs As I stayed in a hotel that was packed with Brazilians. I kept running into more across town. Nobody had made any concious effort to dress like a local. Admittedly dressing like an argentino would be an affront to national dignity as well as very infradig.

Exercise the normal common sense you would in your home town and enjoy yourselves.

Wow. i'm shocked at the lack of perspective on this thread. You guys are making it sound like BA is a death sentence. Yet, virtually every other country in South America is deemed more dangerous.
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-most-violent-cities-in-the-world-2014-11?op=1

On a list of the most violent cities on Earth, Mexico, Honduras, Brazil and Venezuela dominate the list. Of note, no Argentinian city is listed in the top 50. That guy who was robbed on the GoPro (fake gun) would have been shot in Caracas, not chased down the street.

I'm not saying BA is "safe" but nowhere is. If you maintain the same common sense you would in Lima, you'll likely be fine.

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 :)

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.

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

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!!

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

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

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

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...

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

mil gracias!!

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.

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.

thank you so much. i am a pedestrian at heart. living in miami you don't get that luxury very often, so when in cities that are meant to be walked, i do as much as i can.. precaution at hand, i can't wait to walk as much as my little feet allow!

hola es santa y ecuador si no hay drama alla!
y siempre gente mucha gente y mucho transito
ademas tenes muchos colectivos y el subte esta ahi tmb
estaras bien pero como en cualquier gran ciudad sentido comun!
si tenes otras preguntas, preguntame

abrazo

buenisimo saberlo! claro, siempre alerta pero por lo menos se que estaremos bien ubicados. la verdad es que no vemos las horas de llegar x alla y descubrir todo la cultura y cosas lindas que la ciudad tiene para ofrecer. muchisimas gracias!!

de nada que la pasen bien

One of my great pleasures is walking around here. Just bring comfortable shoes. If you are like me, you'll walk your little feet off!

It was a few years when I was in BsAs but I have to say that I had not one moment when I felt unsafe.
That includes San Telmo and Recoletta in the evenings. And I certainly must have stod out as locals often spoke to me in English.
Obviously, you need more than an element of awareness, but do not let it paralyze you. BsAs remains one of my favorite major cities worldwide (out of about 100 outside of UK) and all my memories are good ones.
Pack your common sense and don't do anything you would not do at home.

Good luck and enjoy Buenos Aires.

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