Exercise Normal Precautions
“Exercise normal precautionin Argentina. Argentina is generally a safe destination for travelers.”
Updated Fri, 10 Jul 2026
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Is Buenos Aires safe? 🇦🇷
Argentina · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Buenos Aires scores 62/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Yes. Buenos Aires is generally safe for visitors who take normal precautions, though petty crime is common in tourist areas and on public transport. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and robbery (moderate risk). The U.S. State Department rates it Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Buenos Aires 🇦🇷
Argentina · Assessed 13 October 2026
62
/ 100
What drives this score
Crime54/100CautionCrime index 62.9 / 100 · city-level
Sentiment59/100FairMixed feelings
Advisories100Good
Stability69Fair
Health77Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
No advisory against travel
“Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.”
Updated 2026-10-07T10:47:50Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Argentina: exercise normal security precautions (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-10-09T09:32:34.8255863-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Caution
Mugging & robbery risk
Moderate risk
62
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
High risk
58
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
57 / 100 (Mixed feelings)
57
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
2.9M residents
55
City SignalCity Geocoding
Robbery / mugging
ModerateMotochorro robberies occur mainly around Constitución, Once, and Microcentro; violent muggings against tourists are rare but possible in isolated areas after dark
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing and bag-slitting are most common in San Telmo, on the subte, and in crowded tourist clusters like La Boca and the Obelisco
▸ 4 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Fair
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed feelings
59/100
Reported feel57Mixed feelings
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk58High risk
Visitors report feeling safe walking alone in daylight (57/100) but only 26/100 feel safe at night, with 72/100 worrying about being mugged or robbed, indicating significant concern despite generally low violent crime against tourists.
Yes. Buenos Aires is generally safe for visitors who take normal precautions, though petty crime is common in tourist areas and on public transport.
The city has a moderate safety index of 59/100, with homicide rates below the global average but notable concerns around robbery and pickpocketing. Visitors report feeling relatively safe in daylight but express significant worry about mugging and bag snatching, particularly after dark in certain neighborhoods. Recent protests and economic demonstrations have occurred but have not directly targeted tourists.
Recent developments
- Oct 2026Massive protest seeks to reverse the sale of unlimited lands in Argentina— Argentina Reports
- Oct 2026Argentina will host new US regional unit to fight drug trafficking— Buenos Aires Herald
- Aug 2026Protesters march in Buenos Aires against Argentina's private property bill— Anadolu Ajansı
- Aug 2026Demonstrators march during a protest against economic measures in Buenos Aires— Reuters Connect
Common scams
- Mustard or bird poo distraction scam where one person sprays a substance and another offers help to steal belongings
- Bag slitting in crowded areas like San Telmo and La Boca
- Motochorro (moped-borne snatch) robberies targeting phones and bags in Microcentro, Once, and Constitución
Full briefing
Buenos Aires presents a safety profile defined by contrast: while violent crime against tourists remains rare, petty theft is a persistent concern in specific areas and situations. The city’s homicide rate of 4.5 per 100k is below the global average, and official advisories from the U.S., UK, and Canada all recommend exercising normal precautions. However, Numbeo data shows only 26% of visitors feel safe walking alone at night, and 72% worry about mugging or robbery, reflecting widespread anxiety around pickpocketing and bag snatching. These concerns are most acute in crowded tourist zones like San Telmo, La Boca, and around the Obelisco, where distraction scams — such as the mustard or bird poo tactic — are frequently reported. Motochorro robberies, involving moped-borne snatches of phones and bags, are concentrated in Microcentro, Once, and Constitución, even during daylight hours.
Recent developments include large-scale protests in October 2026 against land sale policies and economic measures, as well as Buenos Aires hosting a new U.S. regional unit to combat drug trafficking. While these events have drawn crowds and increased police presence in central areas, they have not been directed at tourists. Travelers should avoid demonstrations and stay alert in transit hubs and market areas, particularly after dark. Practical safety involves adopting a “system” rather than living in fear: keep valuables out of sight, use ride-hailing apps at night, and stick to well-lit, populated streets in neighborhoods like Palermo, Recoleta, and Belgrano. By remaining aware of surroundings and securing belongings, visitors can enjoy the city’s cultural offerings with minimal risk.
Was this Buenos Aires, Argentina report helpful?
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Buenos Aires districts for visitors: 4 safer, 3 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Buenos Aires safety map.
Villa 31 (Retiro)avoidLarge informal settlement bordering Retiro station; high rates of violent crime, muggings, and drug activity—not suitable for tourists.
San TelmocautionHistoric area popular with tourists; high pickpocketing and bag-snatching risk, especially around Plaza Dorrego and markets on weekends.
La BocacautionColorful Caminito street safe by day; surrounding areas see muggings and theft after dark—avoid side streets and visit only with guided tours.
MicrocentrocautionBusiness and transit hub; elevated pickpocketing and motochorro risk on subte and around Once and Constitución stations, especially during rush hour.
PalermosaferTrendy, well-patrolled area with vibrant nightlife; petty theft possible in crowded spots but generally secure day and night.
RecoletasaferUpscale residential zone with low violent crime; pickpocketing risk in tourist areas like the cemetery and Recoleta Mall.
BelgranosaferQuiet, residential neighborhood with strong police presence; minimal street crime, ideal for families and solo travelers.
Puerto MaderosaferModern waterfront district with 24/7 security, well-lit streets, and low incidence of violent or petty crime.
07 · After Dark
Is Buenos Aires safe at night?
48% of people in Argentina say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2016).
Motochorro robberies occur mainly around Constitución, Once, and Microcentro; violent muggings against tourists are rare but possible in isolated areas after dark
After dark, be most careful around Villa 31 (Retiro), San Telmo, La Boca, Microcentro. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Buenos Aires safety FAQ (2026)
Is Buenos Aires safe right now (2026)?
Yes. Buenos Aires is generally safe for visitors who take normal precautions, though petty crime is common in tourist areas and on public transport. The city has a moderate safety index of 59/100, with homicide rates below the global average but notable concerns around robbery and pickpocketing. Visitors report feeling relatively safe in daylight but express significant worry about mugging and bag snatching, particularly after dark in certain neighborhoods. Recent protests and economic demonstrations have occurred but have not directly targeted tourists. (Assessed 13 October 2026.)
Is Buenos Aires safe for women, families and solo travelers?
Safety is not one number, and this Buenos Aires report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Which areas of Buenos Aires should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Villa 31 (Retiro) as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Buenos Aires (2026)?
- Mustard or bird poo distraction scam where one person sprays a substance and another offers help to steal belongings
- Bag slitting in crowded areas like San Telmo and La Boca
- Motochorro (moped-borne snatch) robberies targeting phones and bags in Microcentro, Once, and Constitución
How does Buenos Aires compare with other places in Argentina (2026)?
Buenos Aires ranks #9 of 9 Argentina destinations we've assessed, scoring 62/100. See the Argentina safety overview for the full list.
How is this buenos-aires safety score calculated (2026)?
The score blends 15+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
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