Crime rates are rising, particularly for theft and robberies, in Buenos Aires and other major cities. You should keep expensive items such as mobile phones, wallets, cash and jewellery out of sight in public areas. Avoid lower socioeconomic urban areas where crime is more likely to occur, and foreigners could be targeted.
You should exercise a high degree of caution in the city of Rosario due to higher levels of crime and violence.
Petty crime
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag/jewellery snatching and bag slashing, is common, including during the day. Thieves also target mobile phones, especially smartphones.
Take care on public transport, busy pedestrian zones and in tourist areas.
Distraction thefts are common in public areas, such as:
- train and bus stations
- outside and inside hotels
- restaurants and cafes
- the subway
This involves creating a distraction by, for example, helping remove sauce that they spilt on you.
Robberies are frequent in bus stations, in particular:
- Retiro bus and train station in Buenos Aires
- Central bus station in Mendoza
Criminals might use force if you resist.
Robberies involving motorcycles, 'motochorros', are common in larger cities.
Thieves usually work in pairs:
- one person operates the motorbike
- one jumps off and steals belongings from pedestrians
They'll also snatch items from inside vehicles.
Robberies are common in taxis.
Robbery and theft hotspots in tourist areas of Buenos Aires include:
- La Boca
- San Telmo
- Palermo
- Congreso
- Downtown (Micro Centro)
- Buenos Aires ferry terminal
- Around main train and bus stations
Violent crime
Armed robbery and other violent crimes are a problem in major tourist areas of:
- Buenos Aires
- Rosario
- Mendoza
To reduce your risk of crime:
- stay within the tourist precinct in La Boca, and avoid the area after dark. We recommend you have transport arranged directly to and from the La Boca tourist area. Walking to La Boca isn't recommended.
- be cautious in other tourist areas of Buenos Aires
- avoid using your mobile phone in the street
- always keep your personal belongings close and out of sight
- only use ATMs in banks and shopping centres
- lock your passport and other valuables in a hotel safe
- carry a copy of your passport as ID
Kidnapping
Express kidnappings can occur in Buenos Aires.
Express kidnapping is where criminals demand a quick pay-off. They force victims to withdraw funds from ATMs or to make an electronic bank transfer to secure their release.
Kidnappers tend to target locals asking for ransom from families or co-workers. However, they may target tourists. The victim is usually unharmed.
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
More information:
Road-based crime
Crimes against car passengers are a problem. Thieves often target cars stopped at traffic lights.
Some criminals pose as taxi operators at the airport and rob passengers. They may work with other taxi drivers.
To reduce your risks while taking taxis or driving:
- consider calling a radio taxi or remise, or using a ride-hailing app which keeps a record of drivers
- avoid sharing taxis with strangers
- keep car windows closed, doors locked at all times and keep valuables out of sight.
If you're held up, don't resist.