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Argentina
- Argentina has one of the lowest crime rates in Latin America, despite this, street crime such as pickpocketing and petty theft remains a problem for residents and visitors alike — particularly in the larger cities of Buenos Aires, Rosario, and Mendoza.
- Demonstrations in Argentina are frequently well-attended events that can cause travel disruptions. Main public squares and major government buildings are commonly chosen as locations for these gatherings. At times, protests can escalate into confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement.
Risk Factors
- Visitors should be vigilant in tourist areas and public transport due to the higher incidence of petty crimes; thieves target expensive jewelry, watches, cell phones, cameras, and unattended baggage.
- Use ATMs in secure or public locations (e.g., inside a reputable hotel or shopping mall) to reduce the risk of robbery and ATM skimming.
- While violent crime is less common, criminals may be armed. If confronted, do not resist and turn over valuables.
- Due to inflation, counterfeit currency is prevalent in Argentina; avoid street money changers and using large bills to pay for taxis.
- Visitors report stolen passports with some frequency; lock passports in a hotel safe and only carry a copy on your person.
- City and intercity (public) buses are not recommended for foreign nationals, which often witness elevated risks of criminal activity and poor maintenance.
- The safest means of intercity travel in Argentina is typically by private long-distance buses (colectivos de larga distancia), which offer well-established routes, modern vehicles, and secure services.
- Metro systems (i.e., subways) are safe and efficient.
- For safe and reliable transportation, it is best to arrange a remis car service through your hotel or use official radio taxis, instead of hailing taxis off the street from a taxi rank. Radio taxis in Buenos Aires are typically black and yellow, while in other provinces they are white with blue lettering.
- Avoid black and yellow taxis with ‘Mandataria' written on the door, as these have been associated with illicit activities.
- For those intending to self-drive, be advised road conditions in Argentina are generally poor and rentals are frequently manual.
- Locals are more likely to face kidnapping risks than foreign nationals.
- Express kidnapping, particularly in Buenos Aires, is the most common kidnapping concern, where victims are held for a short duration to empty bank accounts or extort ransoms from family members. Although typically released unharmed, reduce overt displays of wealth and avoid unofficial taxis to reduce risk.
- Protest groups regularly stage roadblocks and marches. Particularly in Buenos Aires and other major cities, participants may obstruct nearby streets, leading to major traffic disturbances.
- The risk of violence during demonstrations has been elevated in recent years, with occasional reports of clashes between protesters and the security forces which could endanger bystanders.
- Argentina is prone to seasonal flooding, particularly in the Pampas region. Drought conditions can also affect water supply; the rainy season runs from December to March.
- Parts of Argentina are subject to seismic activity, though major earthquakes are infrequent.
- Travelers to wilderness areas should be prepared for variable weather conditions.