Despite being one of the least unsafe cities in Latin America, Buenos Aires has its dark sides. As a foreigner who will visit (or if you are already in) Buenos Aires, you must take some precautions that may sound crazy to you, but which are totally infallible.
Carry the backpack in front of your torso? Not being able to use your cell phone on the street? It is true, the chances of a robbery or theft occurring against you are low, but they are still latent. Especially when you don’t fully understand the codes of the streets of Buenos Aires, something that we Argentines have learned (the hard way).
Thefts in Buenos Aires: Practical Tips to Stay Safe
Carry Your Backpack or Bag in Front of You
When you travel through busy areas, both your backpack and your bag should be in front of you. Carrying your belongings on your back or side makes you easy prey for pickpockets or silent thieves.
These operate individually or in groups, taking advantage of crowded streets to open pockets and steal without you realizing it.
By carrying your belongings in front of you, you prevent, both on the streets and on public transport, thieves from operating stealthily to extract your things from inside a backpack or bag.
Maximum Care for Your Mobile Phone and Camera
If they see the opportunity, street thieves will not hesitate to steal your mobile phone or camera. They will try to do it silently and without you noticing, but they may resort to some violence if they think they can succeed.
Fortunately, most thefts of mobile phones or cameras on public roads occur due to distractions. If you remain attentive and maintain a minimum level of alertness, you will be safe.
Using your mobile phone or camera without being aware of what is happening around you is the most common way in which robberies occur. Carrying these devices in a back pocket or in a neglected backpack can also increase the chances of street theft.
Beware of Street Vendors
In recent years, street vendors have not only multiplied on the streets of Buenos Aires; they have also become protagonists of many criminal acts. When we talk about street vendors, we are not referring to street stalls at fairs, markets, or on specific streets. There you will not have problems, as these are stores that are usually there and operate normally.
Street vendors are people who walk the streets of Buenos Aires offering you socks, clothes, stamps, keychains, and other products. They may approach you while you are walking or if you are at a table having a coffee or eating something on the sidewalk.
The modus operandi is usually the same. They offer you something they are selling and start to give you “samples” to evaluate their products; in parallel, while they talk to you, they will try to steal your mobile phone, a device, or even your backpack. In some cases, they will do it quietly, but it is also possible that they will resort to violence.
The solution? When you walk down the street and are approached by these types of people, simply say thank you politely and continue on your way. If you want to have a coffee or eat something at the tables outside a bar or restaurant, keep your mobile phone in your pocket and secure your belongings (backpack, keys, etc.).
Pay Attention When Paying in Stores
There is never a shortage of scams against foreigners when paying the bill in bars, restaurants, and cafes. Don’t worry, because these situations are very unlikely to happen in established restaurants or bars in Buenos Aires, although they are more likely to occur in street stores.
A resolution from 2024 (Resolution 87/2024) of the Argentine Ministry of Commerce establishes that bars, restaurants, and cafes must collect payments by credit or debit card by bringing the card reader to the customer’s table.
Try not to lose sight of your debit or credit card, as well as the cash you are using when paying your bill. Additionally, always demand your receipt or proof of payment, especially when you pay with debit or credit cards.
(Featured Image Source: Vladyslav Lytvyshchenko/unsplash.com)
