South America
Is Argentina safe?
L1Exercise normal precautions
Is Argentina safe?
One of South America's safer countries. Phone snatching, pickpocketing and bag theft in Buenos Aires are the main risks; violent crime against visitors is uncommon.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2026-07-09.
- Homicide rate: 4.5 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 14.1 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 911 · Ambulance 107 · Fire 100.
- Solo women: Solo women generally travel comfortably. Street harassment is illegal in Buenos Aires but still happens; use ride apps late at night.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Phone snatching, including from motorbikes, in Buenos Aires
- Pickpockets on the Subte, buses and in busy tourist areas
- Strikes and protests that disrupt transport and flights
Common scams
- Mustard or bird-mess distraction trick followed by bag theft
- Fake or worn-out peso notes handed back as change
- Street money changers ('arbolitos') slipping in counterfeit bills
Laws visitors break by accident
- Driving with any alcohol in your blood is illegal nationwide.
- Smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces, including bars and restaurants.
Safety by place in Argentina
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| El Calafate | 5/5 · Very safe |
| El Chaltén | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Mendoza | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bariloche | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Ushuaia | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Salta | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puerto Iguazú | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puerto Madryn | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Mar del Plata | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Quebrada de Humahuaca | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Cafayate | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Buenos Aires | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Córdoba | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Rosario | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Argentina safe for tourists?
One of South America's safer countries. Phone snatching, pickpocketing and bag theft in Buenos Aires are the main risks; violent crime against visitors is uncommon.
Is Argentina safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women generally travel comfortably. Street harassment is illegal in Buenos Aires but still happens; use ride apps late at night.
What is the emergency number in Argentina?
Police 911 · Ambulance 107 · Fire 100.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- Dirección Nacional de Migraciones: Tourists
- Migraciones: Digital nomad residence
- Trenes Argentinos
- Speedtest Global Index: Argentina
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.