Argentina is generally considered one of South America's safer destinations, welcoming tourists with friendly locals and beautiful scenery, but requires typical big-city precautions, especially against opportunistic petty theft (phone snatching, bag snatching) in crowded areas like Buenos Aires. While violent crime is less common than petty theft, it does occur, so avoid resisting if robbed, stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and be cautious of scams like food/drink spiking or distractions by thieves.
Terrorist attacks in Argentina cannot be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
Whilst there are higher risks of theft and petty crime, if you take the proper precautions, you should be completely fine. Argentina is incredibly diverse, encompassing vast rural landscapes with little to no human threat, and bustling cities with a slightly higher risk.
Transnational criminal groups based in other South American countries operate in Argentina as well. Notably, Mexican and Colombian cartels are linked to growing violence in Argentina's drug trade, while Chinese mafia groups are active in human smuggling, and Brazilian groups in arms trafficking.
DON'T yawn or eat in public (on the street) – it's considered very rude. DON'T make the “OK” or thumb's up gesture – they are both considered vulgar. DON'T expect social occasions to begin on time – it's actually considered rude to arrive for a party on time.
Argentina is by no means the most dangerous country in Latin America. Its homicide rate, 5.5 per 100,000, is among the lowest in the region according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. By comparison, the rates in Brazil, Mexico, and Venezuela are much higher at 21, 22.7, and 45.1 per 100,000 respectively.
Is it safe to travel to Argentina right now in 2025?
The chances of tourists being involved in violent crimes, such as armed robbery, are statistically small. As of September 2024 (and still now, in September 2025), the US State Department declared Argentina a “Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions”.
The U.S. State Department provides the following country travel safety ratings, on a scale of one through four, for South America: Argentina: Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) Bolivia: Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) Brazil: Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution)
Although Argentina has no official language, the most widely spoken in the country is Spanish, which differs slightly from the variety used in Spain. English is also spoken along with more than 20 other languages.
Can I brush my teeth with the water in Buenos Aires?
Q: Can I brush my teeth with tap water in Buenos Aires? A: Yes, using tap water for brushing your teeth is generally considered safe in Buenos Aires, as the water is treated for personal hygiene purposes. If you have particularly sensitive digestion, using purified or bottled water is an option for added peace of mind.
If you're visiting Patagonia, it's considered an extremely safe destination, with very low crime levels. In short, you shouldn't feel worried about visiting Argentina, as the country is safe and very welcoming of tourists.
What is the controversy between the UK and Argentina?
The Falklands War (Spanish: Guerra de las Malvinas) was a ten-week undeclared war between Argentina and the United Kingdom in 1982 over two British Overseas Territories in the South Atlantic: the Falkland Islands and its territorial dependency, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
Argentina has traditionally been considered a budget destination for foreign tourists; the country's highly unstable economy has resulted in multiple exchange rates, leading to low-cost goods and services.
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Argentina. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Argentina: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies and tetanus.
Argentines are touchers and stand close to each other when speaking. Do not back away. ▪ The “O.K.” and “thumbs up” gestures are considered vulgar. ▪ Hitting the palm of the left hand with the right fist means “I don't believe what you are saying”
Most Argentines eat with a knife in the right hand and a fork in the left hand. Using a toothpick in public is considered bad manners. Blowing one's nose or clearing one's throat at the table is also considered poor manners. Eating on public transport is seen as poor etiquette.
Kidnapping. Though not common, express kidnappings involving tourists have occurred in Argentina. Victims are usually abducted for a few hours and forced to withdraw money from ATMs in order to be released.
Marijuana is Argentina's most-used illegal drug, but cocaine is the leading illegal drug for which Argentines seek help at treatment centers, with cocaine base (“paco”) a particular problem among the poor. Many Argentines believe drug-linked violent crime is increasing.
