In a nutshell
- Argentina is one of the safest countries in South America — and a genuinely great destination for travelers.
- That said, a few basic rules of conduct matter: don’t walk alone down deserted streets at night, and always keep a close eye on your valuables.
- Severe natural disasters are rare, and dangerous animals are few and far between — so Argentina safety is mostly about street smarts, not survival skills.
- Read on for a full breakdown of safety tips for Argentina — including crime hotspots, advice for solo female travelers, and what to watch out for in the cities.
How Safe Is Argentina?
Argentina is a safe travel destination. It’s not quite the same level of safety you’d find in Germany, but there’s really no reason to be afraid of traveling here.
Along with Chile and Uruguay, Argentina ranks among the safest countries in South America.
That said, there are certain places where you should stay alert and follow a few basic rules — especially in large cities.
The safest region is Patagonia in the south, which is also one of Argentina’s most popular highlights. The north of the country is poorer and therefore somewhat more dangerous.
What Does Crime in Argentina Look Like?
As a tourist, you’ll barely encounter crime in Argentina. On a typical road trip, you’ll almost exclusively see the beautiful side of the country.
Crime against tourists usually comes in the form of muggings and theft. The greatest risk of being robbed is at night in large cities. Petty theft tends to happen in large crowds when you’re not keeping a close eye on your belongings.
Muggings are most common when you’re out at night on deserted streets, alone or in pairs. It can happen fast — a robber spots you and suddenly has a knife or some other dangerous object at your throat.
If you ever find yourself in that situation, hand over your valuables without resisting. You’ll usually be left alone right away. Of course, it’s far better not to get into that situation in the first place — here’s how.
The Most Important Safety Rules in Argentina
A few simple rules go a long way toward keeping you safe in Argentina. Once they become habit, you’ll feel comfortable just about anywhere in the country.
Don't Walk Down Deserted Streets at Night
We’ve already mentioned that Argentina is most dangerous at night. It’s dark, there are fewer people around, and walking alone basically puts a target on your back.
So just don’t do it. You can absolutely go out at night in lively areas with other travelers around and plenty of bars. Any streets that don’t fit that description, you avoid.
Instead of venturing down empty streets, call an Uber or a taxi and get dropped off right at your door or destination.
Always Keep a Close Eye on Your Valuables
This rule applies everywhere, at all times, no exceptions. Keep your valuables close to your body at all times and never leave your bags unattended.
It’s especially important that you don’t get complacent. You’ll quickly find that many places in Argentina feel just as safe as Europe. But your phone, wallet, or bag can disappear faster than you’d think — especially when you least expect it.
We recommend carrying your valuables in a money belt and wearing your backpack on your front when you’re in large crowds.
Also, try not to mindlessly stare at your phone out in the open. If you’re standing at a bus stop scrolling through your screen, someone can easily snatch it right out of your hand.
Leave Important Documents at Your Accommodation
Even with every precaution, theft can still happen. That’s why it’s smart to always leave some of your documents back at your hotel or hostel.
For example, we always leave our passport at the hotel and only carry our ID card. We also travel with two credit cards and leave one at the accommodation. That way, if something does happen, we’re never left without ID or money.
Avoid Impoverished Neighborhoods
During the day, most parts of Argentina are very safe. You can walk the streets freely and go sightseeing without any worries. However, especially in large cities and in the north of the country, there are some poorer neighborhoods you should steer clear of.
Since those areas usually have no attractions anyway, you won’t have any reason to visit them.
Always Carry Some Cash
As a general rule — especially when you’re out in the evening or at night — bring as few valuables as possible.
But if you just want to go for a quick walk, you might think about leaving everything at home. For your own safety, though, it’s important that you always have some money on you.
If you get robbed and have nothing to hand over, there’s a real chance the attacker will get angry and aggressive.
Also check out our tips on travel costs in Argentina
Where Is Argentina Most Dangerous?
It’s best to make these safety rules a habit throughout your entire Argentina trip. At the end of the day, it’s really just common sense and staying aware of the risks that come with traveling in South America.
That said, some areas are more dangerous than others. Patagonia in the south, for example, is very safe — it’s a wealthier region with low crime. In the north, you’ll want to be more careful. And large cities are generally more dangerous than small towns.
Even among cities, there are big differences. We found Buenos Aires to be safe for the most part. Rosario, on the other hand, is a fairly dangerous city, thanks to high gang activity and a significant drug trade.
For more on the safest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires and which district is best to stay in, check out our separate article:
Argentina for Solo Female Travelers
As a solo female traveler, you can absolutely visit Argentina. Of course, you should always follow the general safety rules. When it comes to muggings, you don’t need to worry any more than men do.
However, the likelihood of being robbed is higher when you’re traveling alone. So try to go out at night in groups whenever possible, and otherwise always take an Uber or taxi.
If you have a typically Northern European look — fair skin, blue or green eyes, and blonde hair — you’ll stand out a lot in Argentina. Many men will notice you right away, and you should expect stares and comments on the street.
In those situations, try to act as normal as possible, respond politely to any comments, and don’t engage further. Ignoring men completely isn’t always the best approach — it can sometimes make them even more persistent.
Natural Disasters in Argentina
Dangerous situations don’t only come from other people — natural hazards are worth knowing about too. Earthquakes are the most common in Argentina, though most tremors are minor and truly destructive quakes are very rare.
There are also several volcanoes along the border with Chile. Most of the active ones are on the Chilean side, which is why volcanic eruptions are far more common in Chile than in Argentina.
In mountainous regions, avalanches can occur in winter, and wildfires are becoming increasingly frequent in dry areas.
Overall, though, Argentina is not among the countries that are constantly hit by severe natural disasters.
Also read our tips on the best time to visit Argentina
Dangerous Animals in Argentina
There are very few dangerous animals in Argentina. Venomous snakes and spiders, as well as piranhas and crocodiles, are mostly found in the tropical regions of the north.
In the Andean regions — particularly in Patagonia — you’ll find many pumas. The big cat poses little danger to humans, as long as you don’t get too close.
Malaria is not present in Argentina. However, dengue fever is common in many areas, including Buenos Aires. Mosquito repellent is a must, since the disease is transmitted by mosquitoes that are active both day and night.
