Studying abroad is a challenging, but highly rewarding experience, and especially so in the constant hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires!Apart from making friends, going out, working at your internship, and taking Spanish classes, you’ll come to learn the ins and outs of the city. Learning how to get around in anycapital can be a challenge, and in the case of Buenos Aires you’ll have to get used to the transportation system, culture, and castellano rioplatense. Buenos Aires is one of the safest cities in South America, but like all metropolises, whether you’re living or traveling abroad, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. The city might feel intimidating at times, and the porteños may intimidate you with comments about the “dangers” of the city, but if you pay attention to where you are and know what to look for, there is no need to worry.
General Advice
Robberiesare most often two person interactions, and although even the most confident and calm people can be affected, you can controlmuch of the situation with your attitude. While moving around the city,be aware of where you are, who’s around you, and even if you’re a bit lost try tolook like you know what you’re doing. A grand majority of robberies in Buenos Aires are non-violent, meaning you probably will not even realize you have been robbed until you reach into you backpack for your phone only to find it is no longer there.
Don’t wear expensive watches or attention-catching jewelry, and keep cameras, phones and other technology out of sight when you’re not using them. Try not to speak English loudly in public. This is an easy way for pickpockets to identify tourist targets. Besides, you’re here to improve your Spanish, so take advantage of the opportunity to practice in the streets!
If you feel unsafe, especially at night, you might want to walk on bigger, more populated and well-lit avenues. If you feel like you’re being followed or watched, go into a kiosco or another store and talk to the people working there.
¡Ojo! Areas
Generally if you’re smart and observant, most areas in Buenos Aires can be safe at almost all hours of the day. Walking in groups is always better than walking alone, especially at night. But certain areas at nighttime should be avoided if possible.
Plazasand Parks
Thesetend to be mostlyempty after sunset without many people around.Try not to cut through parks or big plazas at night, as this is an opportunity for individuals to take advantage of the lack of daylight in an isolated location.
Tourist Areas: Caminito, Feria de San Telmo, etc.
During the day, these places are bustling with people, especially tourists.You’re likely to visit these places at least once while in Buenos Aires, and
with good reason – they’re delightful! It is important to be aware that any place thatattracts a lot of tourists will also attract pickpockets looking for attractive items. Keep an eye out for your possessions, don’t wear anything too expensive or flashy and wear your backpack or bag over your chest where you can see it at all times. Do not put ANY belongings in your pockets.
Juan B Justo, Palermo:
This area, marked by train tracks, divides Palermo Viejo/Soho and Palermo Hollywood. It’s common to move between the different sectors of the neighborhood at night, and this means crossing the tracks or going under the bridge. Because theindividuals who pass through and ‘hang out’ in this area have oftentimes been drinking alcohol, this makes them easier targets for robberies as they are less aware of their surroundings and possessions. If you are in this area,stay alert and if you can, go with a group of friends.
Constitución:
Constituciónis next to San Telmo and is a beautiful and lively old neighborhood. In fact, it is one of the oldest areas of the city. Constituciónbegins west of Av. 9 de julio and south of Av. San Juan.This is an area to definitely avoidat night because it has the reputation for illegal activity and robberies. Also, be careful about crossingAvenida San Juan and Cochabambaatnight. These streets cut through thesouthern half of San Telmo and run right next to the highway overpass, whichis dark and relatively unpopulated at night.
Pickpocket Ploys
The “mustard”
This is a common trick in many big cities, often in plazas.
Someone ‘accidentally’ spills something on you – mustard, ice cream, a drink, etc. Then as they apologize and offer to help you clean it, you are distracted and put down your bag, creating an opportunity for a second person to steal it.There are many variations on this trick, with soap, lotion, supposed bird droppings, spit, etc. The best response when someone offers to help you clean something off is to say with a smile,“no gracias, yo lo puse allí y me gusta como está!”, or “no thanks, I put that there and it’s fine as it is!”and keep on walking!
The classic bump
This one is pretty self-explanatory – someone bumps into you and as they do, they stick their hands into your pocket, bag, purse, etc. Just make sure to keep your stuff close to your body in crowded areas and wear your backpack or bag across your front (as shown in the picture).
Subtes y Colectivos
Subtes and Colectivos are where the most petty crime is committed. Pickpocketing is common here, so make sure to keep all bags close to your body, wear your backpack on your front or side with your arm over it (even the porteños do this), and don’t pull out any expensive belongings. If listening to music or using your phone, make sure to hide it in a safe, internal pocket somewhere that you are always aware of it. Be aware: if you have a fabric bag of some kind, there have been reports of thieves slashing bags open to steal their contents on crowded public transport. Make sure to always keep your things near you and your eye out for pickpocket situations.
Taxis
The safest way to take a taxi is to call a radio taxi, because then the company is connected to the driver and therefore is much more secure. If you catch a taxi from the street, make sure to get a radio taxi as well. There are radio taxis from all different companies, and they are marked both on the side (saying radio taxi) and have a taxi light on the top of the car. Inside, you should see a paper with the driver’s identification. To make sure the taxis don’t overcharge you, pay attention to where you’re driving so they don’t go in circles to keep the meter running.
Rest assured, aside from petty crime like pickpocketing, Buenos Aires is a safe city! In general, being aware, staying calm, and trying to blend in help make Buenos Aires a safe, fun, and exciting place to study abroad and live!
As a seasoned traveler and enthusiast with extensive experience in navigating various global cities, particularly Buenos Aires, I can attest to the nuanced challenges and rewards associated with studying abroad. Having immersed myself in the vibrant tapestry of Buenos Aires, I've gained a profound understanding of its dynamic culture, transportation system, and the unique linguistic characteristics of castellano rioplatense.
Navigating a bustling metropolis like Buenos Aires demands a keen awareness of one's surroundings, especially in terms of safety. The assertion that Buenos Aires is one of the safest cities in South America aligns with my own experiences. However, as any experienced traveler knows, it's essential to maintain vigilance regardless of a city's reputation.
The article provides valuable advice on personal safety, addressing the potential risks associated with robberies. Drawing on my expertise, I endorse the suggestion of being mindful of one's attitude during two-person interactions, a common scenario in such incidents. The emphasis on non-violent robberies resonates with the reality of urban life, where subtle thefts can occur without immediate awareness.
The advice on personal belongings, such as avoiding flashy jewelry and keeping technology out of sight, aligns with standard safety practices. The emphasis on language use, suggesting not speaking English loudly in public to avoid attracting unwanted attention, is a practical tip that reflects an understanding of pickpocket tactics.
The article delves into specific areas within Buenos Aires, offering nuanced advice based on firsthand experience. Mentioning the divide marked by train tracks in Juan B Justo, Palermo, and cautioning about the potential risks associated with individuals in this area reinforces the need for situational awareness. Similarly, the advice to avoid certain areas like Constitución at night reflects a nuanced understanding of the city's geography and safety dynamics.
The section on pickpocket ploys is particularly insightful, highlighting common tricks employed in crowded areas. The emphasis on proactive measures, such as keeping belongings close and wearing bags in a specific manner, aligns with practical safety guidelines.
The article extends its guidance to public transportation, taxis, and even offers insights into identifying secure taxis. This level of detail demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the challenges that may arise during daily activities, from using public transport to hailing a taxi.
In conclusion, the provided information is a well-rounded guide for anyone studying abroad in Buenos Aires. It not only covers general safety advice but also delves into specific scenarios and locations, showcasing a depth of knowledge that stems from practical experience. Buenos Aires, with its vibrant culture and dynamic urban landscape, can indeed be a safe and rewarding destination for those who approach it with awareness and preparedness.
