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 quickly learn the ins and outs of the city. While getting around any metropolis can be a challenge, in Buenos Aires you’ll master the public transport system, embrace the unique local culture, and start speaking fluent castellano rioplatense.
Buenos Aires is widely considered one of the safest major cities in Latin America, but like all bustling global capitals, vigilance is key. You might hear comments about the “dangers” from well-meaning porteños (residents of BA), but if you maintain situational awareness and know what common risks to avoid, you will find it a safe, exciting, and rewarding place to live and study.
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General Safety Strategies & Blending In (Buenos Aires Pickpocketing Prevention)
Most incidents involving foreigners are non-violent petty crimes, such as pickpocketing or bag-snatching, where you often don’t realize you’ve been targeted until you reach for your phone or wallet.
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Mind Your Valuables: Thieves often target attention-catching jewelry, expensive watches, and high-end electronics. Keep cameras, tablets, and phones out of sight when not in use. Crucially, avoid using your mobile phone while walking on the street or waiting at bus stops, as snatch-and-grab thefts (often by thieves on motorbikes) are common. Step into a kiosco or café if you need to check a map or make a call.
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The Power of Confidence: While moving around the city, be aware of your surroundings and who is near you. Even if you’re a bit lost, try to look like you know what you’re doing. Thieves prefer easy, vulnerable targets.
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Practice Your Spanish (SEO Tip): Speaking English loudly in public is an easy way for pickpockets to identify tourist targets. You’re here to improve your Spanish, so take advantage of the opportunity to practice in the streets!
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What to Carry: Never carry large sums of cash. Keep your primary ID and credit cards secured in a hidden internal pocket or money belt, and carry only a photocopy of your passport. If confronted in a robbery, do not resist. Hand over what is asked immediately to avoid escalation.
Understanding Pickpocket Ploys & Distraction Scams (Mustard Scam)
Thieves often work in pairs or groups, relying on distraction techniques to separate you from your belongings.
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The “Mustard” or “Spill” Trick: This classic scam, common in many big cities (especially near plazas and tourist sights), involves someone accidentally spilling a substance (mustard, ice cream, lotion, or even simulated bird droroppings) on you. As they frantically apologize and offer to help you clean it, a second person snatches your bag or wallet while you are distracted.
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Your Response: The best reaction is to firmly but politely refuse help. Say, “No, gracias,” and keep walking to a safe location (like a store or hotel lobby) to clean yourself up. Do not put your bag down.
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The Classic Bump: In crowded areas like the Subte (subway) or Colectivos (buses), a thief will bump into you and simultaneously dip their hand into an open bag or pocket.
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Your Response: Keep your bag or backpack zipped and worn across your front, especially in highly congested areas.
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Neighborhoods and Transit Hubs to Approach with Caution
While Buenos Aires is largely walkable, especially in the central and northern neighborhoods, certain areas and transportation hubs require extra vigilance, particularly at night.
| Area Category | Specific Locations & Caution | Advice for Mente Argentina Students |
| High-Risk Transit Hubs | Constitución Station and Retiro Bus/Train Terminal are high-traffic areas with high crime rates. Also, be wary of crossing unpopulated streets under dark, highway overpasses. | Avoid walking through or near these terminals, especially after sunset. If you must pass through, use a reputable ride-sharing app or taxi directly to your destination. |
| Tourist Hotspots | Caminito (La Boca) and the area around Feria de San Telmo. The sheer volume of tourists attracts expert pickpockets. | La Boca/Caminito: Only visit during the day, stay within the designated tourist zone, and never walk to or from La Boca. Take a radio taxi or rideshare service door-to-door. San Telmo Fair: Keep all possessions secured to your front and be aware of groups that may try to surround you. |
| Plazas and Parks | Large parks and plazas (like those in Palermo) become mostly empty after sunset. | Avoid cutting through large parks or isolated green spaces after dark. Stick to the well-lit, populated main avenues. |
| Underpasses/Isolated Spots | Isolated underpasses, especially those near train tracks (like the boundary between Palermo Soho and Hollywood on Juan B. Justo). | Always choose well-lit, busy streets, even if it adds a few blocks to your route. Walk in a group when possible. |
Safe Navigation: Taxis, Rideshares, and Public Transit
Petty crime is most common on public transportation due to crowds, making it essential to secure your belongings.
Subtes (Subway) and Colectivos (Buses)
- Secure Your Bag: Keep all backpacks or bags zipped and wear them on your front or side, with your arm over the closure. Even porteños do this.
- Device Use: Do not pull out expensive belongings, and refrain from using your phone or listening to music with noticeable headphones. If you must use your phone, stand with your back against the wall of the train car or bus.
- The Bag Slashing Risk: Be aware that thieves have been known to slash fabric bags on crowded public transit to steal the contents. Use sturdy bags and keep them close.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
- Best Option: Ride-Sharing Apps. The safest way to travel is using ride-sharing apps like Uber or Cabify, or using a trusted, licensed radio taxi company. Apps provide accountability and a trip record. Always confirm the license plate and driver name before getting in.
- Street Taxis: If hailing a taxi on the street, look for a reputable, marked radio taxi with the company logo on the side and a light on top. Check that the driver’s ID is visible inside the car.
- The Counterfeit Peso Scam: A prevalent taxi scam involves the driver taking your large peso bill, quickly swapping it for a counterfeit one, and then returning the fake bill to you, claiming you gave him the wrong one.
- Prevention: Always try to pay with exact change or smaller bills, and never take your eyes off the bill once you’ve handed it over.
Conclusion: Your Safe and Exciting Study Abroad Experience
While the challenges of living in a new city can feel overwhelming, simple awareness and preparation significantly reduce risk. Buenos Aires is a city full of life, culture, and countless opportunities. By staying calm, being aware of your surroundings, and trying to blend in, you’ll ensure your time studying abroad is safe, fun, and exciting.
Your journey is backed by the support system of Mente Argentina. We are here to help you navigate your new home so you can focus on your studies, internship, and cultural immersion.
Ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure? Explore all Mente Argentina Programs in Buenos Aires!
