5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Argentina

ARGENTINA | Monday, 12 October 2009 | Views [929] | Comments [1]

If you’re traveling to Argentina you’ll most likely stop in Buenos Aires, which is by most accounts a very safe city, and local police keep it that way by actively patrolling all tourist areas. Violent crime is extremely rare, and smaller towns in Argentina are even safer than Buenos Aires.

Nevertheless, it is important to remember there are always pickpockets in tourist areas on the lookout for easy prey. Always protect your valuables and keep your passport and tickets in a safe at your hotel. The Buenos Aires barrio of La Boca, just a few blocks away from the famous street Caminito, has seen a number of thefts lately. Take special care when you’re in this area.

We know there is a lot to read before going to Argentina so we asked our friends in the adventure travel space to give us some tips on what they wish they knew before they went to Argentina. Have a read below, we hope it helps and please feel free to add your own suggestions to the comments section below.

1. Carry Change.

Check your 100 peso note BEFORE giving it to the shop assistant – they can claim it was counterfeit and give you back the counterfeit! Also, coins are like gold. It’s hard to get change anywhere and you can’t take a bus without coins! Mat Lewis, i-to-i

2. Avoid demonstrations.

They happen all too regularly in Buenos Aires and occasionally can get a bit violent. Agustina Marmol, Dolomite Mountains


3. Know Your Bearings.

Always know where you are on the map. Buenos Aires is the kind of place where fancier, tourist-friendly neighborhoods are directly adjacent to some rough spots. Josh Steinitz, NileGuide


4. Take Taxis at Night.

Buenos Aires is safe for women traveling and sightseeing alone, but you should be aware that the men there will whistle at you when you pass by, and comment on your looks. During the night it’s better to take a taxi to where you are headed instead of walking the streets alone, that applies if you are travelling alone or not, especially for La Boca area. Antonija, GeckoGo

5. Beware of Dogs.

There are large packs of dogs hanging around some of the bus stations, so beware. Most of the time they won’t bother you but it’s always better to travel with a friend, power in numbers. Christina Tunnah, WorldNomads


For some practical information on traveling in Argentina visit Kwintessential for tips on etiquette and customs.

Need some handy Spanish travel phrases? Try our Spanish Language App.

What did you learn in Argentina and wish you knew before you went?  Leave us a comment...

Tags: argentina, 5 things, buenos aires, demonstrations, money matters, transport, taxis

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