How to travel in Argentina: tips and safety

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It is a safe country equipped with infrastructure for all types of tourists

Argentina is a land full of contrasts, with different climates, altitudes, and landscapes, which make it one of the most incredible countries in South America. This is reflected by receiving the largest amount of tourism in the region.
 
It is a safe country equipped with infrastructure for all types of tourists.
 

Keep you attentive to your surroundings

 
It is important not to carry valuables in plain sight and not to enter dangerous neighborhoods. If you carry a lot of cash you can leave it in the hotel safe, just like your passport, it is recommended to bring a photocopy, in case of loss and still be identified.
 
For tourists, Argentina is one of the safest countries in Latin America. That does not mean that it is convenient to go down the street drunk and with the camera hanging from the neck, and less through the center of the Federal Capital, on 9 de Julio Avenue, recognized as the widest in the world and its regular thefts.

Bus or bus stations are the typical place where tourists are robbed. In general, they are safe, because they are full of families going on a trip, they are illuminated or in places with traffic, but they are also perfect for carelessness: you should never lose sight of your suitcases, especially at the station of Retiro, in Buenos Aires.

 
Avoid crowds of people


Travelers should avoid large crowds, such as demonstrations because they can quickly become dangerous places for tourists. These are more frequent in the center of the Federal Capital, in Buenos Aires.
 
Take care of your belongings on crowded buses, in the subway (metro), and at fairs with a large public. Still, people feel perfectly safe in big cities.


Avenida 9 de Julio, Capital Federal, Buenos Aires.  

Be careful walking the streets
 

Drivers can be very unaware of pedestrians, and anyone walking in a large city in Argentina should not expect cars to respect traffic laws, it also applies to small cities, where its inhabitants do not frequent as many people.

Many drivers hit the gas before the light turns green, driving very fast, and suddenly changing lanes without warning. Even though pedestrians have a preference at corners and crossings, very few drivers respect it and practically do not slow down if they see someone crossing.

You have to be especially careful with buses; they are sometimes driven recklessly and, because of their large size, they are particularly dangerous.


Cooperate in situations that warrant it


Always carry a photo ID or a copy of your passport and, very importantly, be polite and try to cooperate.

In case of any misunderstanding, and you are arrested, you have the constitutional right to a lawyer, to a phone call and to remain silent (you do have to give name, nationality, age, and passport number). You don't have to sign anything until you speak to a lawyer.

Almost all illegal drugs and substances in North America and Europe are equally illegal in Argentina, although marijuana has been slightly decriminalized.

 
Do not doubt to call
 

Argentines, in the great majority, are very warm people, do not hesitate to talk to someone if you feel lost or need assistance.

In Buenos Aires and its capital, the tourist police help victims of robberies and scam 24 hours a day.

  • Name: Tourist Police Station
  • Telephone: 0800-999-5000, 011-4309-9000
  • Mail: tourist@policiafederal.gov.ar
  • Location: Avenida Corrientes 436 (near Line B Florida subway)