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Argentina city safety guide

Is Buenos Aires Safe? Travel Safety Guide

Is Buenos Aires safe for tourists right now?

Safety in Buenos Aires depends mostly on the neighborhood, the time of night, and how you get around. Buenos Aires safety checks focus on phone theft, distraction scams, cash and exchange risks, and which neighborhoods feel safe late at night. Check your government's travel advisory for Argentina and the live GringoGuard feed for recent reports before you go.

Emergency number in Argentina: 911.

Open the Buenos Aires live feed

Recent Buenos Aires Safety News

No recent news or official bulletins for Buenos Aires have passed our filters. Check the live app for traveler reports and the latest map.

Neighborhoods to Watch in Buenos Aires

  • Palermo: Busy nightlife; keep phones off outdoor tables and out of hand at crossings.
  • San Telmo and La Boca: Visit La Boca's Caminito by day and stick to the tourist zone; watch bags at the San Telmo market.
  • Microcentro and Retiro: Avoid emptied streets after office hours and keep luggage close at bus and rail stations.

Common Risks and Scams in Buenos Aires

  • Phone snatching: Thieves on foot and motorbike target phones at curbs and cafe terraces.
  • Mustard and distraction scams: If something is 'spilled' on you, hold your bag and walk away rather than accept help.
  • Cash and exchange: Use reputable exchange options and avoid counting cash in public.

Emergency Numbers and Official Help

GringoGuard is not an emergency service. Use official channels first for active danger, then preserve details for a formal report or operator review once safe.

  • Emergencias: 911 Police and immediate danger in Buenos Aires and most provinces.
  • SAME (ambulance): 107 Medical emergencies and ambulance response.
  • Comisaria del Turista: Tourist police station (Buenos Aires) or local comisaria Formal denuncia with visitor support after you are safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common risks for travelers in Buenos Aires?

Phone snatching: Thieves on foot and motorbike target phones at curbs and cafe terraces. Mustard and distraction scams: If something is 'spilled' on you, hold your bag and walk away rather than accept help. Cash and exchange: Use reputable exchange options and avoid counting cash in public.

Which areas of Buenos Aires need extra caution?

Palermo: Busy nightlife; keep phones off outdoor tables and out of hand at crossings. San Telmo and La Boca: Visit La Boca's Caminito by day and stick to the tourist zone; watch bags at the San Telmo market. Microcentro and Retiro: Avoid emptied streets after office hours and keep luggage close at bus and rail stations.

What is the emergency number in Buenos Aires?

Call 911 for immediate danger in Buenos Aires, Argentina. SAME (ambulance) (107): Medical emergencies and ambulance response. Comisaria del Turista (Tourist police station (Buenos Aires) or local comisaria): Formal denuncia with visitor support after you are safe.

How do I report a crime or scam in Buenos Aires as a tourist?

Get safe first and call 911 if anyone is in danger. Then file a formal report with local authorities, and share an anonymous report on GringoGuard so other travelers in Buenos Aires are warned. Names, faces, and exact addresses are kept private until human review.