[takeaways] • Argentina is generally regarded as one of the safest countries in South America for tourists, consistently ranking highly on the Global Peace Index.
• Petty theft and pickpocketing are the most common risks for visitors — violent crime targeting tourists is rare.
• The city of Rosario carries a higher risk warning due to drug and trafficking crime — exercise extra caution if visiting.
• Vaccinations for typhoid and Hepatitis A and B are recommended before traveling to Argentina, and DEET-based insect repellent is essential.
• Terrorism cannot be ruled out in Argentina — UK travelers in particular should follow their government's travel advice closely.
• A SIMOVO eSIM for Argentina keeps you connected to access the latest local safety advice without relying on WiFi hotspots or local SIM cards. [/takeaways]
From beautiful Buenos Aires to the vineyards of Mendoza, there are a million and one reasons to visit Argentina for a vacation. However, as always, it's worth checking what safety tips and cautions are in place for tourists — is Argentina safe to visit?
In this guide, we take a look at everything you need to know about visiting Argentina and staying safe, whether travel is advisable or not, and some general tips to help make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Is Argentina safe for tourists to visit?
Generally, yes — Argentina is regarded as a reasonably safe country for tourists to visit and explore, consistently ranking highly on the Global Peace Index. The nation has made a large push to make its infrastructure as tourist-friendly as possible, and Argentina prides itself on being welcoming and laid-back. Risks to tourists are low, but standard safety and security practices still apply.
The current travel advice for US travelers from the government puts warnings at the lowest level — exercise normal precautions. There is a slightly higher risk warning for the city of Rosario due to drug and trafficking crime. There is also no best time to travel to Argentina with regard to safety — pick a season that suits your needs and get exploring.
[warning]During 2026, Argentina was also marked as a potential risk area for Hantavirus. Check the latest health guidance from your country's travel advisory service before departing, and take appropriate precautions.[/warning] [warning]The city of Rosario carries a higher risk warning than the rest of Argentina due to drug and trafficking crime. If your itinerary includes Rosario, consult local safety advice and exercise increased caution, particularly after dark.[/warning] [tip title="Always check your own government's travel advice before you fly"]Safety advice varies by nationality. Always consult your own government's recommendations for Argentina before booking — advice for US, UK, Australian, and other travelers may differ significantly in their assessments and warnings.[/tip]
Argentina's safety compared to other South American countries
Compared to other countries in Latin and South America, Argentina consistently ranks as one of the safest. Neighboring nations such as Chile and Uruguay are also considered among the safest in the region.
Crime and tourism in Argentina
Crime is relatively low in Argentina, but it is not non-existent. For the most part, tourists will need to be vigilant for petty crime such as pickpocketing — it is very rare for visitors to be targeted by violent crime.
In Buenos Aires, caution is key when it comes to protecting valuable items, money, and your smartphone. Neighborhoods such as La Boca and San Telmo can be exciting but may carry higher risks, especially after dark. The tourist-friendly neighborhood of Palermo is considered one of the safest in the city, though nowhere is completely free from risk.
In areas like Patagonia or Mendoza, the chances of being targeted as a tourist are even lower — though the SIMOVO team always recommends traveling with others regardless of where you go in Argentina. The Iguazú Falls, too, while popular, are reasonably safe provided you maintain general self-awareness and don't make yourself an obvious target for theft.
[warning]Be aware of common scams across Argentina — accepting food or drink from strangers can pose health risks, and unmarked taxis without running meters are best avoided entirely. Use a ridesharing app like Uber wherever possible.[/warning]
Politics and terrorism
The UK government's travel advice states that there remains a risk of terrorism across Argentina, particularly due to specific threats to UK interests and British nationals. UK travelers should be especially careful in Argentine cities as a result.
[warning]Terrorism cannot be ruled out in Argentina. The political situation can also result in demonstrations and public protests — avoid highly populated protests and crowds for your own personal safety, regardless of where you are traveling from.[/warning] [esim flag="🇦🇷" label="Argentina" data="10GB · 30 days" price="$23.50" href="/products/argentina" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Stay connected across Argentina — access the latest safety advice and navigate with confidence[/esim]
Health and safety in Argentina
When it comes to staying healthy while exploring Argentina, it's good practice to get vaccinations up to date before you travel — particularly for typhoid and Hepatitis A and B. You should also be aware of the risk of illnesses spread through mosquito bites, and carry DEET-based insect repellent throughout your trip.
If you need medical care in Argentina, healthcare is available for free, though long waits can be expected in some cases. Private healthcare is also available at a cost. If you need emergency medical services at any time, call 911 or 107.
[warning]If you're planning to hike in the Andes, be prepared for altitude sickness. Take any ascents steadily, stay well hydrated, and be aware of the symptoms — headaches, dizziness, and nausea are common early signs.[/warning] [tip title="Get vaccinations and insect repellent sorted before you fly"]Typhoid and Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are recommended for Argentina. Pack DEET-based insect repellent to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses — these steps are particularly important if you're venturing beyond the major cities.[/tip]
Travel safety tips for Argentina
Whether it's your first time traveling across Argentina or your fiftieth, here are some general safety tips to make your adventures that little bit easier.
[tip title="Use Uber — avoid unmarked taxis"]Hiring an Uber is your safest option for getting around Argentina's cities. Avoid hailing unmarked taxis, which may result in overcharging or worse. If you do take a street taxi, make sure the meter is running from the moment you set off.[/tip] [tip title="Tap water is generally safe — but bottled water is a sensible backup"]Tap water is generally safe across most Argentine cities, but if you're unsure — particularly in smaller towns or rural areas — sticking to bottled water is a sensible precaution.[/tip] [tip title="Use clearly marked ATMs during the day for cash withdrawals"]If you need to exchange or withdraw money, always use clearly marked ATMs during daylight hours, in indoor shopping centers or trusted banks. Avoid using banking apps on your smartphone in public where possible — some thieves may force you to open them if you become a target.[/tip] [tip title="Keep bags and valuables in sight when dining out or visiting venues"]Keep bags and belongings within clear sight and reach at all times when dining out or visiting local clubs. Never hang bags on the back of chairs where they could be pickpocketed.[/tip] [tip title="Sit away from doors on public transport"]On rare occasions, tourists have had phones or bags snatched on public transport — particularly as doors are about to close. Sitting away from doors wherever possible reduces this risk significantly.[/tip] [faq] [q]Is Argentina safe to visit?[/q] [a]Yes — Argentina is generally regarded as one of the safest countries in South America for tourists, consistently ranking highly on the Global Peace Index. Risks to visitors are low, and violent crime targeting tourists is rare. Standard travel precautions apply, and the city of Rosario carries a slightly higher risk rating due to drug-related crime.[/a] [q]What are the most common crimes affecting tourists in Argentina?[/q] [a]Petty theft and pickpocketing are the most common risks for tourists in Argentina. Buenos Aires neighborhoods like La Boca and San Telmo can be higher risk, particularly after dark. Violent crime targeting tourists is rare, but standard awareness of your surroundings and your belongings is important across all areas.[/a] [q]Is Buenos Aires safe for tourists?[/q] [a]Buenos Aires is generally safe for tourists, but caution is needed in some neighborhoods. La Boca and San Telmo can carry higher risks, especially after dark. Palermo is considered one of the most tourist-friendly neighborhoods in the city. General city safety rules — keeping valuables out of sight, using Uber rather than unmarked taxis, and staying aware of your surroundings — apply throughout.[/a] [q]Do I need vaccinations to visit Argentina?[/q] [a]Vaccinations for typhoid and Hepatitis A and B are recommended before traveling to Argentina. You should also carry DEET-based insect repellent to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses. Check the latest health guidance from your country's travel advisory service before departing, particularly given the 2026 Hantavirus risk advisory.[/a] [q]What is the emergency number in Argentina?[/q] [a]The emergency medical services number in Argentina is 107, and the general emergency number is 911. Save both in your phone before you travel so you have them readily accessible if needed.[/a] [q]Do I need an eSIM for Argentina?[/q] [a]A SIMOVO eSIM for Argentina is a convenient way to stay connected throughout your trip — particularly useful for accessing the latest local safety advice, navigating between cities, and keeping in touch without relying on patchy public WiFi or hunting for a local SIM card on arrival.[/a] [/faq] [esim flag="🇦🇷" label="Argentina" data="10GB · 30 days" price="$23.50" href="/products/argentina" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Get connected before you land in Argentina[/esim]
