Argentina

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 911 for police
• Dial 911 for ambulance
• Dial 911 for fire services
• Dial 137 in Buenos Aires for the 24-hour domestic and sexual violence line. There are local rape crisis hotlines, although English-speaking volunteers may not always be available.
• Dial 144 elsewhere in Argentina for the 24-hour domestic and sexual violence line.

Crime

Street crime is a problem in most urban areas including Buenos Aires city, Buenos Aires province, Rosario, and Mendoza. 

• Look out for muggers, pickpockets, scam artists, and cellphone and purse-snatchers. They work on the street, in restaurants and hotel lobbies, at bus and train stations, on public transportation, and in cruise ship ports.
• Do not place handbags or backpacks on the back of your chair or on the floor at a restaurant. Keep them on your lap.
• Do not leave your drink unattended.
• Do not leave cellphones on tables at restaurants.
• Avoid openly displaying your cell phone.
• Travelers should not pack valuables in checked bags.
• Avoid using ATMs in unfamiliar, secluded, or lightly protected areas.
• In Buenos Aires, the San Telmo, La Boca, Retiro, Palermo, and Florida Street areas experience higher crime rates. Areas outside of the city with higher levels of violent crime include the Buenos Aires suburbs of Lomas de Zamora, Quilmes, and Moreno.
• Although the La Boca neighborhood is a well-known tourist destination, violent robberies have occurred in the daytime as well as nighttime. Stay on the main streets in the tourist zone. Use taxi services managed by a central dispatcher to and from the neighborhood.
• Avoid “villas” or shanty towns throughout Argentina, even if they are near tourist zones.
• Frequent robberies of luggage and handbags occur at Retiro bus station in Buenos Aires, the bus station in Mendoza, and in overhead compartments on buses. Do not leave your personal belongings unattended.
• Robberies involving motorcycles (called “motochorros”) occur frequently in cities. These thieves normally operate in pairs: one operates the bike, and the other jumps off and takes the watches, purses, and backpacks of pedestrians. The motochorros also reach, or break, into cars to snatch valuable items.

Scams

Taxi scams

• Scams involving yellow and black taxis have been reported at international airports and around Buenos Aires. 
• Pre-arrange a ride via a taxi dispatch service, rideshare application, or select 1 of the flat rate “remise” services. These are private cars with a driver available from the airport service counters. Hotel staff can also arrange remise services.
• Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.
• If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  
• Financial scams/Internet romance scams occur in Argentina. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Dating apps or websites

Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.  Thieves use dating apps to schedule “dates” at a hotel room or private residence and then drug and rob the victim.

• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone. 
• Meet in a popular public place. Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Tell your family or friends about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Talk via video call before agreeing to meet in person to confirm that people are who they claim to be. 
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation and delivery of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on a set schedule.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 911 and then contact the U.S. Embassy in Argentina.

Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

The U.S. embassy can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• We encourage U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault to contact the U.S. embassy as well as local law enforcement for assistance by calling 911 or one of the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault lines listed above.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• Safeguard personal information such as email addresses, telephone numbers, banking and other information to protect against identity theft.
• Remain logged out of banking/money transfer applications unless actively using them in a safe place, as cellphone thieves will actively target tourist cellphones. The thieves then may use the stolen phone to empty the victim’s bank accounts before the victim can place a hold on the affected accounts.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.

Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Adventure travel

• Safety in remote and wilderness areas
• Help is limited if you get lost or hurt in remote places.
• Before you travel, learn about local conditions and give your plans to park rangers or police.
• Never hike or climb alone. Stay with your group.
• In recent years, U.S. citizens have disappeared or been seriously hurt while hiking or climbing alone in Argentina.
• Pay attention to your surroundings and follow advice from park rangers and rescue teams.
• Mount Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the Americas. It is very dangerous, and even expert climbers have died there. Rescue missions are often not possible.
• If you use an SOS or GPS emergency device, make sure it works in the area and has the right contact information for local authorities.
• Add local rescue teams as your main emergency contact. Use the U.S. embassy’s emergency number as a backup: +54-11 5777-4533.
• Before your trip, check reliable sources for trail conditions and hazards in popular areas like:
  • Mendoza (Aconcagua)
  • Bariloche (Club Andino)
  • El Chaltén
• Note: The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the entities on the weblink list. Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsement by the Department or the U.S. government. The information on the links is provided directly by the local service providers. The Department of State cannot vouch for such information.

Travel preparation and other activities

• Buy extra travel and evacuation insurance before you go.
• Share your detailed travel plans with family, friends, and park rangers.
• Register your trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
• If you plan to hunt or fish, follow all local gun and game laws. Some travelers have had problems bringing guns into or out of Argentina.
• Many cruises to Antarctica leave from Ushuaia, Argentina. The biggest dangers in Antarctica are extreme weather and limited emergency services. For more information, visit the Destination Information page for Antarctica.
• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• U.S.-Argentine dual nationals may be subject to specific rules that do not apply to those who only hold U.S. citizenship. In some cases, the U.S. government may have trouble providing protection abroad to dual citizens.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Argentina seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.  

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.  

Counterfeit and pirated goods

• Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.
• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your trip using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

Gay and lesbian travelers

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Argentina.  
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• Federal law in Argentina prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. However, many provinces do not have protective laws. 
• Expect accessibility to be limited in general infrastructure, public transportation, and lodging.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Keep your passport in a safe place and bring a photocopy or picture with you. Contact the U.S. embassy to replace your passport if it is lost, stolen, or expired.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to keep informed about important health, weather, safety, and security information.
• Review our information on Studying Abroad.  

Women travelers  

• Review our information for Women Travelers. 
• Review our information on Marriage. 
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Argentina Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations. 
• CDC Medical Tourism information 
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 911 for emergency medical services.  

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are widely available in major urban areas but can be inconsistent in rural areas. 
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital.  This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not. 

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Argentina. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash or credit card payment up front before providing treatment or admitting a patient.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical 

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice 

Common diseases

The following diseases are common either across Argentina or in certain areas:

• Hepatitis A
• Yellow Fever
• Dengue
• Typhoid
• Rabies

Throughout the Argentine summer months between December to March, mosquitos are common and carry diseases such as dengue and equine encephalitis. Insect repellant can be difficult to purchase during these months. Bring insect repellant (with Deet) in your checked luggage.

Healthcare facilities 

There are health facilities available in Buenos Aires city, but it may be harder to find adequate health care outside of Buenos Aires.

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English. 
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff are available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transferring to or between hospitals. 
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.

Prescription medications 

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging. The dosage must be appropriate for your stay in Argentina along with your doctor’s prescription. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally. 

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. 

For more information: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

• Traveling to Argentina for surrogacy is not recommended. 
• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Argentina with no clear legal protections for foreign intending parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Argentine courts.
• The Argentine Supreme Court has ruled that the surrogate mother (the woman who carries the child for the intending parents) cannot be removed from the child’s birth certificate. 
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Argentina via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status. Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk legal consequences and the child may not be allowed to leave Argentina.  
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Argentina through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad. 

Water quality and food safety 

• Tap water is generally safe to drink and use in cooking in urban areas. 
• In rural areas, tap water may not be safe to drink. 
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Altitude 

Many cities in Argentina, such as Salta and Jujuy, are at high altitude. 

• Mount Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas, and other national parks in the Andes have hiking trails at very high altitudes. 
• Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel.
• If you have a pre-existing medical condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before traveling to high altitude cities or areas in Argentina. 
• Visit the CDC website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad. 

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Argentina.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page. 
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow . 
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation 

Road conditions and safety

Drivers should prepare in advance when taking long road trips and make sure to have adequate insurance coverage. 

• Gas stations are often far apart and not always easily identified from the main roadway.
• You can usually drive in Argentina with a valid U.S. driver’s license. An International Driving Permit is not required by law, but it is recommended and may be requested by police or car rental companies.
• Travelers should verify current requirements with provincial or municipal traffic authorities or their rental agency before driving.
• Drivers in Argentina tend to be aggressive, especially in Buenos Aires, and often ignore traffic regulations.

Taxis and ride-shares

Taxi scams 

• Scams involving yellow and black taxis have been reported at international airports and around Buenos Aires.
• Common scenarios include:
  • Drivers pretend to help tourists with money while trading valid bills for counterfeit ones.
  • A “handler” at the airport accepts payment for the ride, but then the driver also demands money at the end of the ride.
  • The taxi “breaks down” on the road, and a second taxi comes to get the passenger. Both drivers demand payment.
  • Spraying mustard or another substance on the tourist from a distance. An accomplice robs the victim while pretending to help clean the stain.
• Pre-arrange a ride or select one of the flat rate “remise” services. These are private cars with drivers that can be booked from the airport service counters. 
• In city centers, use taxis that are called by a central dispatcher or arranged through your hotel whenever possible.

Public and commercial transportation 

• The metro and buses in Argentina are generally safe and widely used.
• Pickpocketing and petty crimes are common in crowded trains, buses, and metro stations.  Keep your belongings close.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight 

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Argentina’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight.  FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Argentina should check the following:  

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts 
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Flooding

• Flooding is common in central and northeastern provinces between October to March. These provinces include Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, Entre Ríos, Chaco, and Corrientes.

Wildfires

• Wildfires are common in central, northern, and Patagonian provinces between December and March. These provinces include: Córdoba, Santa Fe, Misiones, Río Negro, and Chubut.
• These are most common during hot, dry, and windy conditions. Events are often linked to drought and human activity.

Earthquakes

• Earthquakes can occur all year in provinces close to the Andes. These provinces include La Rioja, San Juan, and Mendoza.
• Seismic activity may cause damage to infrastructure and pose risks to public safety.

Helpful resources: 

• Civil Defense (Defensa Civil) at provincial and municipal levels
• Provincial and local fire brigades
• Meteorological Service (Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN)
• National Institute of Seismic Prevention (Instituto Nacional de Prevención Sísmica, INPRES) 
• National Fire Management Service (Servicio Nacional de Manejo del Fuego, SNMF)

U.S citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates