Buenos Aires Travel Guide: Health & Safety

With an increase in tourism and the economic downturn in the country, crime has unfortunately increased in this very cosmopolitan city. Travelers are recommended to be extra cautious of pickpockets in the districts of San Telmo and Boca, but muggings and robberies have been known to occur all around the city and even during the day. It is also advised that tourists be extra careful when using cameras and other high-tech valuables, being as discreet as possible.

As with any place in Latin America, travelers should always be careful of accepting counterfeit money or using large bills, as some merchants or taxi drivers could claim to not have exact change. And in relation to taxis, it is highly recommended that visitors act cautiously when flagging down a taxi cab. As mentioned earlier, all Buenos Aires taxis run on meters, so if one you get on does not have one or is broken, it should prove to be a signal that scamming is afoot.

A football game between long-time arch enemies Boca Junior and River Plate can be a thrilling but also dangerous experience as a result of over exuberant fans if not done properly. Try to attend this “clasico” game with a local who knows their way around.

It is best to drink bottled water while traveling in Buenos Aires as anywhere through South America, especially in rural areas, to prevent contracting any harmful parasites or water-borne illnesses.  If no bottled water is available, be sure to travel with water purification tablets or boil water for 15 minutes to eliminate any harmful bacteria.