How much does crime affect your life in Buenos Aires, Argentina?

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Buenos Aires Guide

We picked up the question because someone has mentioned our website - firstly, do not let media hype scare you away from the most wonderful city in the Americas. Buenos Aires is fantastic and none of us can claim to come from society that is crimeless and without moral-rot.

Buenos Aires, but letâ€™s be clear, the 10 to 12 barrios in Capital Federal that tourists inhabit are no more dangerous than London or most American Cities - liveable - most definitely - well protected by the police, yes. http://www.buenosairesstay.com/bastay/generico.php?carpeta=ing&fuente=barrios_listado.htm
Sometimes though, it is sad to say, the porteÃ±os require protecting from their police, but the current mayor is fighting government for his own Met - let's hope he wins and understands that even watchers must be watched and brings in an independent anti-corruption unit.

When in Buenos Aires province, watch out, even traditional gentrified safe havens in Zona Norte are suffering from a crime-wave and the residents are protesting. Therefore, my advice, stay in Capital Federal and use your common sense and you would be fine.

The information I just read above is a bit harsh on me poor Argentine hosts and, yes, some have a box moving mentality, money cheated today at the expense of Buenos Aires reputation as a leading tourist destination tomorrow and some PorteÃ±os do need to consider both their ethics and stupidity as new travels fast and without tourists to support their local economy, they are in trouble. However, in what capital city in the world do you not find crime and corruption?

I must say though, I am afraid that a culture of avoiding one's responsibilities prevails and the most horrifying blame culture exists (it is always someone elseâ€™s fault) and it makes it all too easy for some to prey on tourists as fair game. In some circles of society the more accomplished you are at extracting money, the more celebrated you might be - but on the whole Buenos Aires is a great city with great people.

Inflation and the growing the rich and poor divide means matters are getting worse, I witness a lot more petty crime, but also have to blame those offer boundless opportunities to petty thieves. Lately, people have started to ring my bell in Recoleta and ask for food and clothes and that is something I have not seen for some time. One wonders if these people are poor or are they prospecting opportunists looking for an opening to steal something, who knows?

We have a whole section on safety in Buenos Aires at http://www.buenosairesstay.com - take a look.

timarnold1973

The best information on the inter about safety in buenos aireds I have found is at http://buenosairesstay.com/safety-in-buenos-aires.htm

I am here and must say the media hype is over the top but Argentines are very defensive and I am afraid give bum information trying to defend a culture that is going the wrong way due to poverty and a government will not tackle the hard issues, they just lie.

It is dangerous at night if you are not careful, but no more danagerous then London or New York - it is getting worse and tourist areas are plauged by non-violent petty criminals and conmen.

Also, the Argentines in general treat tourists as money machines and will happily take a few extra dollars from you if you let them! My experience everywhere in BA.

Having said that, unless you are conducting business or buying something the Argentines are an absolute hoot and very warm.

Shame that they are prepared to behave so shamelessly for a bit of extra cash at the expense of their proud nationhood and culture - its odd and they will be online banging away at my answer but its true, its a nation of institutional corruption and cheats when it comes to money.

Valentina V

YES! I do not feel scared in the street, not even at night. If you know how not to look liek a tourist then it is no problem. I think the media likes to say it is dangerous just to scare people. They do a good job.

Franky

I've never been there. So I don't know. Maybe it's still in this way.

Franky

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