POST HERE:
SAFETY FOR TRAVELERS IN BUENOS AIRES
Starting with the newest:
Bill_from_NYC I have to disagree to the BA experts with some of your camera advice. I think feeds into the myth of Buenos Aires not being safe.
Shoot photographs with your back to a wall? To me that advice makes BA feel unsafe and we are all in agreement that is not the case.
This is coming from a guy who takes his photographs with a big flashly camera, a 35mm DSLR with long lens.
My camera advice for Buenos Aires after spending two weeks shooting photographs there is if you are not using it put the camera away in a camera bag. I did it for BA.
Yes it was a pain for me walks a few feet, see a photo op, take out the camera, shoot a few photos, and put the camera back in the bag. Walk a few more feet, see another photo op, take out the camera and ...
But it was a pain being warned by the police a more times than my two hands can count about the safety of my camera gear. The fact that I was being warned so many times by the police indicated to me there was a problem and I did listen to their warning.
I do not think you are going to much street photography like me and probably will be visiting the popular tourist areas where it is safe for your camera. If you visit Recoleta, Puerto Madero and other tourist areas, you will not be the only one with a camera around your neck.
Also I will point out I was never warned by the police when I was visiting the tourist areas. It is when you get off the tourist path you should then be concern. Just always be aware of your surrounding.
Enjoy your trip and take some photographs that last for a lifetime. (August 14, 2007)
www.WilliamBert.
ScarlettO1's answer to a question like "being our criteria, safe, quiet, convenient, and comfortable, which place to stay?":
I agree with the previous posters, you are not really going to find remote here in town or even 100 % safe anywhere..I have not found a 100% safe town anywhere that I have lived so far in my entire life
I live in Recoleta and think it is a very nice ( quiet and safe for BA standards) area with nice apts ..a lot of families live here..but then, this is a huge city and every neighborhood its own atmosphere, with families living there.
Lately we have been walking around the area in Recoleta between Las Heras ( look at your map) and Santa Fe..streets like Pacheco de Melo and French and Peña ... there are small parks for little children, schools and small shops and cafes. Taking a walk during the afternoon, most of the sounds you hear are birds and children playing somewhere..with the occasional car honking or dog barking.
San Telmo would be my last choice...good for an afternoons shopping but not what you are asking for.
There are areas right around the Botanical Gardens in Palermo that are nice, quiet seeming..and along Libertador in Palermo Chico you will find lovely apts with parks everywhere ( these come at a high price)..
I think taxis might be your preferred mode of transportation with the baby- you can go across town for $3- 4 dollars ... easier with the baby.. (August 12, 2007)
Safety is a repeated subject in traveler forums. The question asked by “sunflower7777” "I am simply dying to go to Buenos Aires, having read many travel books and websites regarding the city. That being said whenever I mention it to other travelers, I get warnings from half of them that it is a dangerous place where muggings are abundant. On top of that my brother in law is Columbian and has been everywhere in South America and has warned me that b/c of my blonde hair I will stick out and may be a target. Other people say that I look more European than American due to my style and that I wouldn't have a problem. Can someone please honestly relate to me your experiences in this city whether positive or negative?" (march 2007) got the following posts:
First in answering was “karmalaw” who, a little upset stated that crime was already discussed, she also marked that the word Columbian was not correct. Regarding the subject she wrote:
“The ratio of blondes in the population out and about in Buenos Aires is pretty much the same as Miami or New York or L.A. If you decide to wear expensive jewelry or accessories, you will have an increased chance of being the target of a mugging -- otherwise, BsA is much the same as any other big city -- blend in and you will lessen your chance of being targeted.” (march 2007)
Then “R-Lo” added:
“Although I'm not sure what you mean by European-style visitors being more or less safe in BsAs than their American counterparts, there are many blondes--"fake" and otherwise--in the city so I don't think that having blonde hair will necessarily single you out for attention there (unlike, perhaps, in Mexico, say). In addition, many people that I might have assumed to be foreigners by look, dress or other preconceived stereotype often revealed themselves to be locals when I had the chance to eavesdrop on their mellifluous porteño accents. Take the normal precautions that you would in any big city, and you should be fine; despite the occasional words of warning, often from locals, I felt as safe there or more than I have in cities of similar size like NYC or L.A. Plus...it's a nicer place to visit!” (march 2007)
I would like to make some comments
1) The meaning of Porteños is: Buenos Aires people
2) I don’t like that word “mellifluous” describing our accent, yet I am not sure about its meaning
3) Yes there are lots of fake blondes here in Buenos Aires, this fact will be mentioned again in the next posts
“Scarlett01 ”introduced herself as a blonde and commented that she didn’t think that the blonde girl story makes any sense and wrote:
“I have to say that I never felt unsafe, never felt that my hair or skin color made me stand out, there are many Porteñoes with blond hair and light eyes ..” (march 2007)
Then a man, “Brommaflickan”, commented that no one bothered him when he was in Buenos Aires. At least not until he'd bought his Boca cap then people started talking to him saying either good or bad things about Boca.
Note: Boca is a football / soccer team, may be the club with more fans in Argentina, its colors are those of the Swedish flag, blue and yellow, be aware that he mentioned Stockholm, so we can guess why he liked the cap.
“Bill from NYC” commented his experiences and added some suggestions:
“I live in New York City and my two weeks in Buenos Aires; I found it safe as any big city. I enjoyed my stay.
Just use common sense, like for any big city and you will enjoy you vacation.
Frankly I think the biggest risk in BA right now, is getting counterfeit Pesos for a taxi driver.” (march 2007)
This post remember me to comment that I don’t recommend to use bills higher than 10 pesos when paying your taxi
“jpflp” mentioned that she walked a lot, this is a good comment because it let me point out the main reason of this web site: I conduct walking tours . She also had some instructions:
“I didnt go to Boca - not really interested and not very safe I heard, I stayed at a hotel in Recoleta and walked a lot....make sure you take a hotel with a safe in the room, lock there your valuables and just keep some cash in your pockets for restaurants, shopping etc....that;s what I did, I didnt carry around any bag or backpack , put my disposable camera in my cargo pants pocket and wore a cheap watch....as for being blonde there are Argentinian women with German and Slavic ancestry and they are blonde - not to mention the huge amount of fake blondes....” “....I saw police and security guards everywhere and the general impression was that it was a safe city ..
but I didnt hang out late at night and I didnt go to villas miserias or
controversial areas of the city...my general impression of the city was a very positive one - less the crazy drivers- and I certainly plan to return...Suerte”
Well… the only word I will explain from this post is suerte that means luck
“thegotogal” has also good advice to offer, she commented that she walked solo day and night:
“Like I always say: standard urban cautions apply. It would be careless to flash cash or bling in NYC, London, or Tokyo. Same for BsAs, no more, no less. By all means, do not let any safety concerns deter your from experiencing this beautiful and hospitable city.
I simply do the usual:
1) Separate your cash into different pockets, carrying places (purse/pants pocket/jacket pocket).
2) Leave irreplaceable valuables in a hotel safe or other very secure location (credit cards, passport, tickets).
3) Carry only 1 or 2 credit cards w/ you, and some place very safe such as an internal waist pouch, belt carrier.
4) When stopping to shoot a photo/consult a map, step out of the traffic pattern, and put your back to a wall if possible to keep someone from surprising you from behind when you are distracted w/ other tasks.
Etc., etc., etc. “
“chrisjill” confirmed all and commented “there is no cause AT ALL for alarm about visiting. It's a fantastic place, and, as I mentioned in a post just after I returned, the stuff about "scary Buenos Aires" is really silly and overblown”
“softblankey” have some comments about our people: “While I was in Buenos Aires, I cannot count how many times I would observe someone and think to myself: Oh another American, and then hear them burst into a rapid succession of spanish.
In turn, on many occasions, people would speak to me in Spanish thinking I were a local. My seatmate on the plane down was convinced I was Argentinian.
I am fairly light skinned brunette with blue eyes. The population is made up of many people of European descent, Italian, German, Swiss, English ... blondes, blue and green eyes are as common in Buenos Aires as anywhere in the States. “
“UncleBoko” added:
“BA is stiff with Anglo-Argentines, who probably don't stick out a mile at all. I fail to understand this paranoid fear shown by USAians, complete madness. You should come to Croydon in England on a Friday night - now that is a dangerous place to be!"
“Bev3074” mentioned again the “walking”, so let me remark the reason: Buenos Aires is a city for walking and not for bus tours. Her comments: “I feel perfectly safe here. We walk around using the same common sense precautions we use at home. We walk for hours everyday-probably 7 to 10 miles. Love visiting different neighborhoods( not Boca) and exploring. Never felt uneasy anywhere! What a fantastic city. Relax, come and enjoy!!”
Just to end I'll quote another post, missm00re' s comment:
“I know I'm more or less repeating other people, but when I was in Buenos Aires I felt very safe. I myself am blonde, and was with two other blonde 21 year old girls, and we had no trouble whatsoever. I think that if you are wandering about with your guidebook in hand, waving some cash in the other you'll probably attract trouble, but if you keep your wits about you and be as careful as you'd be in any other city, then you'll have the time of your life! I am very jealous...
Ps. I met loads of people travelling when I was in South America, and the majority said that Buenos Aires was their favourite place. It's so cheap, and atmospheric - people liken it to Paris and they are not wrong.”
WARNINGS:
On May 30 jive325 posted:"We just returned from BA and had a great time with only one minor mishap. We were scammed by receiving fake money as change. We didn't look closely enough at the money, which was very well replicated, and received two 10 peso bills that no one would accept and we weren't sure why. Finally a taxi driver explained that the money was fake and how we could identify it as such. As in most countries the bills have a security thread through the money which can be seen if the money is held up to the light. One of the ten's had the last three digits of the serial number torn off, so that should have been our first indicator. Oh well, we lost all of $6USD and learned a good lesson. However, we did meet some fellow travellers that were not so lucky. They thought a bird had released some droppings on them on a nieghborhood street in wealthy Recoleta and were in the process of cleaning themselves up in the street. Some "nice" people came up and helped them clean up. Needless to say, these guys got away with everything without our friends ever realizing anything had happened. The thiefs managed to rack up $1000 in credit card purchases in 30 minutes. Of course, this can happen in any city, so just be aware of your surroundings and don't fall for either of these infamous tricks."
On May 31 sinetist posted:"So far no-one has spoken of the dangers you'll encounter with traffic and you will encounter them. Be very vigilant crossing streets. Vehicles move fast and careen around corners and each other when you least expect them. Porteños seem to take it in stride but for someone not used to it it can be daunting and very dangerous. We were nearly mowed down 3-4 times and saw many other very close calls. And keep an eye on the sidewalk ahead of you also. Lots of cracked, uneven and missing sidewalk pavers and plenty of dog poop to navigate through when you're walking."
GAUCHORETOBADO
Updated: August, 2007