Argentina 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

Argentina 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in
Buenos Aires. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security
conditions in Argentina. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Argentina page for original OSAC
reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-
sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses
Argentina at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions in the country. Review
OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Crime Threats

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Buenos Aires as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime
directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Officially reported, nationwide, full-range crime
statistics first became available in 2016. The police force faces tremendous challenges after an
approximate eight-year lapse in tracking and reporting statistics; the accuracy/integrity of reported
statistics is difficult to gauge. Media coverage of individual crimes often creates disproportionate
emphasis, and public concerns follow suit.

Crimes self-reported to the U.S. Embassy reveal U.S. citizens are most often victims of theft or non-violent
robbery, principally in tourist neighborhoods. Street crime in the larger cities (e.g. Buenos Aires, Rosario,
Mendoza) is a constant problem for residents and visitors alike. Visitors to popular tourist destinations
should be alert to muggers, pickpockets, scam artists, and purse snatchers. Violent armed robberies have
also taken place in the northern Buenos Aires suburbs (e.g. Vicente Lopez, Olivos, Martinez, San Isidro)
and in the capital city (CABA) neighborhoods (e.g. Palermo, Belgrano San Telmo, Recoleta, La Boca).
Tourists who travel to Buenos Aires’ La Boca area should limit their visit to the designated tourist street
during daylight hours only.

Crime can occur anytime and anywhere. Criminals are often well dressed and hard to spot. Thieves look
for expensive-looking jewelry, watches, cell phones, and cameras, and specifically target unattended
purses, backpacks, laptops, and luggage, often only needing a few seconds to steal valuables. There are
numerous reports of robbery of bags off chairs and from in between feet at cafés and restaurants. Thieves
on foot and motorcycles (locally identified as motochorros) regularly nab purses, backpacks, laptops, and
luggage, and often target vehicles in stopped traffic for smash and grabs.

The percentage of crime in CABA is higher than in the rest of the country. Specifically, CABA has a higher
number of robberies, assault incidents, and car thefts. 2018-2019 crime statistics reflect a continued
decrease in the overall murder rate for Argentina, and a decrease in the overall number of robberies
committed nationally, but a consistent threat of violent crimes in CABA originating from motochorros.
Crime statistics from 2018 indicated a marked spike increase in motochorro-based crimes, which

Argentina 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

continues to be a problem for visitors to Argentina, as well as for residents. In the second half of
2019, there a series of violent attacks targeted visitors departing from Ministro Pistarini International
Airport (EZE) traveling to hotels in downtown Buenos Aires. This type of a violent attack resulted in the
shooting death in December of a British tourist in front of his Puerto Madero hotel. The criminals had
targeted the man and his family after arriving to EZE from Miami, following them to their five-star hotel.
Outside the hotel, a physical encounter ensued after the man and his adult son fought against the initial
robbery attempt, resulting in the death of the father and severe wounding of the son. The motochorros
got away with luggage containing computers, money, and high-end watches. In recent months, local
police have received numerous reports of crimes following this scenario, in which criminals
seemingly targeted foreign tourists at EZE, followed them to their hotels, and subsequently robbed them
of luxury watches, computers, or foreign currency. Federal and municipal police investigators have made
four arrests, but these crimes continue to pose a serious threat to travelers.

Another common crime scenario involves spraying an offensive-smelling substance on an individual from
a distance. Then, an accomplice posing as a concerned bystander will notify the individual of the
substance and, while pretending to help clean the substance off, will try to pickpocket the victim. This
common scam has been reported throughout Buenos Aires.

While most U.S. crime victims do not receive physical injuries when robbed, criminals are often armed and
may use force and physical violence when encountering resistance. There have been violent and even
fatal attacks of foreigners carrying valuables. In January 2019, a criminal shot a foreign tourist in the leg
when he resisted the theft of his iPhone in the Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Recently in the tourist
neighborhood of Recoleta, criminals attacked tourists for their high-end watches and iPhones, resulting
in injuries when the victims resisted. The common targets for armed robberies in Argentina are banks,
restaurants, and businesses dealing in cash or high-value merchandise. If confronted, do not resist turning
over valuables. Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind.

Criminals may also target individuals withdrawing cash from ATMs by following customers exiting banks.
Use caution entering and exiting financial institutions and when using ATMs. Use ATMs in public places
(e.g. hotels, shopping malls, event venues). In an enclosed ATM booth, make sure the door closes
securely.

Use credit cards only at hotels and major stores/restaurants. Verify that shops and restaurants accept
credit cards prior to purchase, as some locations are cash only (especially as economic issues arise).
Watch bills and statements for fraudulent charges and have account information available if you need to
contact your credit card company to report theft or fraud. Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s
Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.

The U.S. Embassy receives frequent reports of stolen passports. Lock passports and other valuables in a
hotel safe and carry only a photocopy of your passport’s information page for identification purposes.

Long-term residents have greater exposure to criminal activity than visitors do. One trend is for criminals
to go through local neighborhoods and apartment buildings waiting for food delivery services. A common
tactic is attacking victims upon entry/exit of their residence, enabling criminals to force their way

Argentina 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

inside. Many home invasion gangs seek cash, which Argentines frequently store in their homes. The
Regional Security Office (RSO) has also received reports that criminals followed victims to their
accommodations, especially from financial institutions. When staying in a hotel or apartment, call the
front desk or security office to identify uninvited individuals before giving them access.

There have been robberies in isolated areas and occasional burglaries of hotel rooms and rental cars in
resort areas, including while stopped temporarily at convenience stations. Highway robbery largely
affects commercial vehicles. The robbery of trucks has mainly occurred on the highways of northern
Buenos Aires province, outside the city; and on the southern roads of Santa Fe province. Highway robbers
are often referred to as piratas del asfalto (asphalt pirates). Review OSAC’s reports, Hotels: The Inns and
Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security

There have been also been reports of the use of date rape drugs in bars. For more information, please
review OSAC’s Report, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad.

Cybersecurity Issues

The Argentine government is developing its expertise in combatting cybercrime. Few sophisticated
schemes have been uncovered. The Ministry of Security has established a National Cybercrime
Directorate to coordinate the activities of cybercrime investigators within the four federal police forces;
there are increasing reports of ransomware targeting businesses and individuals, along with phishing,
sexual extortion, and other cyber-enabled crimes targeting victims in Buenos Aires and across
Argentina. Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public
Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or
Contraband?

Other Areas of Concern

Shantytowns, called villas in Argentine Spanish, exist in Buenos Aires and other major cities, even adjacent
to tourist zones; avoid entering these high-crime areas.

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Traffic accidents are common in Argentina, especially in Buenos Aires, and remain a serious
concern. Police statistics continue to show a slight decrease in traffic related deaths from 2018 to 2019.
In 2019, independent reporting estimates almost 6,700 traffic-related deaths nationwide. Buenos Aires
province continues to have the highest number of traffic-related deaths in the country, with almost
2,200 fatalities in 2019.

Pedestrians should be vigilant when crossing streets and look in both directions, regardless of whether
the street is designated one-way, or the traffic light indicates a pedestrian right-of-way. Drivers routinely
disobey traffic laws, and vehicles often travel at excessive speeds. In addition, bike lanes often run two

Argentina 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

ways even on one-way streets for vehicles. Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas:
Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and
road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Conditions

Remises (hired car and driver) and radio taxis are the best, most convenient form of public
transportation. Remises charge by the kilometer and are reasonably priced. Radio taxis are black and
yellow in the capital, and white with blue lettering in the provinces; they commonly have a fare meter. In
town, and especially after dark, use radio taxis or remises hailed from a reliable location whenever
possible. Hotels, many restaurants, and shopping centers can help you call either type of service. The
following, is a usual order of preference: a) call for a remis or taxi; b) take a remis or taxi from an
established stand; or c) hail a remis or taxi on the street (but not from in front of a bank). Do not leave
bags in the care of a taxi driver while you run in to a bank or other location.

Subways, buses, and trains are generally safe; be aware of pickpockets and prepare for work stoppages
that may lead to delays. Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and
Overnights.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

Visitors report various scams involving yellow-and-black taxis at airports and around town. The most
frequently reported include a handler at the airport requesting hundreds of pesos (far exceeding the likely
fare) from the traveler as they get into the cab. The traveler often assumes s/he is paying a flat rate up
front. Upon conclusion of the ride, the driver demands his fare, stating that he has no association with the
handler, and that payment was only for placement in the cab.

Another scam involves the taxi breaking down on the side of the freeway and a second cab coming to pick
the passenger up. The first driver demands payment for the whole fare, as does the second driver for
completing the trip. To avoid these scams, pre-arrange transportation or select one of the flat-
rate remis services at designated counters inside the airport terminal.

Watch your bags at airports and bus or ship terminals. Officials have acknowledged the theft of valuables
and money from checked baggage at airports. International passengers arriving at Buenos
Aires’s EZE airport have been the main targets.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Buenos Aires as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism
directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. In 2018, Argentina hosted both the Summer
Youth Olympic Games and G20 Leader’s Summit without serious incident. Both high-profile international
events successfully culminated with praise for the Ministry of Security (MOS) and federal law enforcement
agencies for their specific roles in the handling of the security for participants, visitors, and the overall

Argentina 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

events. The MOS maintained a secure environment, acting in a proactive manner to eliminate potential
threats, and permitted peaceful protests during the event.

There is no recent or significant operational terrorist activity in Argentina. International terrorists used
car bombs to destroy the Israeli Embassy in 1992 (killing 29 people) and a Jewish cultural center (AMIA)
in 1994, killing 85 people and injuring hundreds.

In recent years, there were several incidents in Buenos Aires involving small improvised explosive devices
(IEDs) or simulated IEDs. Some high-profile recent incidents include:

•   In October 2019, during a pursuit of motorcycles in the micro center by La Ciudad Police officers, the
    drivers threw a small duffle bag containing an explosive device at the pursuing police vehicle.
    Following the investigation of the incident, La Ciudad officers found evidence that suggests the device
    was a homemade IED produced in Argentina.

•   In November 2018, anarchists detonated IEDs in two separate incidents in Buenos Aires. The first
    involved a premature detonation of an IED at Recoleta Cemetery, resulting in serious injuries to one
    of the anarchists. In a separate, concurrent incident, an anarchist threw a bag containing an IED over
    the wall of a house belonging to a federal judge.

•   There were numerous incidents of intimidation in 2018, in which individuals left IEDs at federal police
    stations and other government offices in and around Buenos Aires.

•   Anarchists also used Molotov cocktail-style incendiary devices to attack official government buildings
    in 2018 – specifically, the Ministry of Security Headquarters in La Plata.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

Civil Unrest

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Buenos Aires as being a MEDIUM)-threat location for political
violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. There are frequent demonstrations
in downtown and greater Buenos Aires, as well as in other major cities. Most demonstrations are
protesting domestic economic and political issues – especially labor disputes and price hikes in previously
subsidized utility services. Occasionally, protests target U.S. interests based on current events and in
conjunction with local labor protests. Protests can attract thousands of participants, and often feature
piqueteros, a collection of social activist groups whose main tactic is to block roads and disrupt local
transportation systems.

In Buenos Aires, demonstrations most commonly occur at highway access points, the Ministro Pistarini
International Airport road, or downtown (e.g. the Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, Congress, or the obelisk
on     Avenida     9     de     Julio).   Protestors   generally   come       from     labor    unions,
unemployed/underemployed/landless movements, student groups, and the political left. While most
protests are peaceful, there are hooligan elements who may show up to fight the police and/or engage in

Argentina 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

vandalism. The use of sound systems, fireworks, and musical instruments is common, as is the burning of
tires, effigies, and flags. The Government of Argentina has been proactive in dispersing demonstrations,
especially when roads are blocked. As such, there has been a slight increase in clashes with police, but
with typically only minor violence. Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Occasional heavy rains and flooding in low areas (including parts of Buenos Aires and Santa Fe
province) have become more prevalent in recent years.

Argentina’s western and northwestern provinces (e.g. San Juan, Mendoza, Salta, Jujuy, Tucuman)
periodically experience earthquakes.

Economic Concerns

Argentina continues to suffer from high inflation. Argentina is a hub for counterfeit currency, with fake
U.S. dollars and Argentine pesos circulating in significant numbers. Traditionally, fake currency arrives
from neighboring countries. Avoid street moneychangers and be aware that fake peso exchange
occasionally occurs in taxis; this happens when the customer pays the driver, the driver exchanges the
good note for a fake one, and then declares that a fake note came from the passenger. Watch the driver’s
hands and avoid paying with large bills.

There have been multiple reports from individuals who have attempted to sell electronics (mainly cellular
phones) through an online marketplace called Mercado Libre. The victims have either been physically
robbed of the electronics or had the buyers give them counterfeit currency. Police sources believe that
organized criminal gangs from third countries – mainly the Dominican Republic and Peru – are behind
these robberies.

Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs
illegal in the U.S., but you may also be breaking local law by purchasing them.

Personal Identity Concerns

NGOs have identified femicide as a major issue in Argentina; the country has a very public campaign
against gender-based violence, “Ni Una Menos.” One NGO that has been tracking femicides for over a
decade, reporting that a woman is killed every 30 hours in Argentina. Review the State Department’s
webpage on security for female travelers.

People with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from in the United States.
The law mandates access to buildings for persons with disabilities, but while the federal government has
protective laws, many provinces do not. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers
with disabilities.

Argentina 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in
Argentina. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-
based travelers.

Drug-related Crimes

Marijuana, the bulk of which is imported from Paraguay and used for domestic consumption, continues
to be the most widely abused illegal drug in Argentina.

According to official Argentine government figures, DEA reporting, and open-source information,
traffickers import significant amounts of cocaine into Argentina from Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia. Cocaine
use has risen sharply. Based on the United Nations Office of Drug Control's (UNODC) estimates, Argentina
is home to 25% of the cocaine users in South and Central America (with approximately 740,000 users),
second only to Brazil. The UNODC World Drug Report 2013 placed Argentina cocaine abuse at just under
1% for users 15-65 years of age; Argentine government officials confirm that this statistic remains accurate
in 2019. Cocaine remains by far the leading drug for which Argentines seek help at treatment centers. The
use of cocaine base is a growing problem among the economically disadvantaged.

A cheap, readily available, and mentally debilitating drug, paco (a derivative of cocaine production similar
to crack), is popular in Argentina’s poorer neighborhoods. The use of cocaine products has increased
concurrently as the country acts as a transshipment zone for cocaine from South America to expanding
markets in Europe, West Africa, and, to a lesser extent, the Far East. Cocaine trafficking is the most
challenging drug threat faced by Argentine authorities. Large seizures of cocaine in Europe link back to
Argentina, and authorities intermittently discover individual carriers of small quantities from Argentina to
Europe. There is evidence of sustained use by traffickers of light aircraft to bring drugs into the country
across borders with Bolivia and Paraguay.

Kidnapping Threat

There are occasional reports of express kidnappings. Victims are often targets of opportunity, profiled due
to their appearance of perceived wealth and the vehicles they drive. In some scenarios, kidnappers make
them withdraw as much money as possible from an ATM, and then contact their family or co-workers and
tell them to deliver all the cash that they have on hand or can gather in a couple of hours. Once the ransom
is paid, the kidnappers usually release the victim unharmed.

Virtual kidnappings (fake telephone kidnappings) are a common scam in which criminals use stolen
phones or otherwise obtained personal data to contact family members and coworkers claiming to have
kidnapped the owner of the phone. This happens while the alleged kidnapping victim is in a movie
theater, on an international flight, or has just had their cell phone stolen, making it difficult to confirm
whether the claimed kidnapping is real. Memorizing phone numbers and immediately letting family

Argentina 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

members know you are all right is important in interrupting this cycle. Review OSAC’s report, Kidnapping:
The Basics

Police Response

Expatriates can generally expect better police response and less harassment from police than in many
other Latin American countries. Police uniforms vary from municipality to municipality, and a number
of federal security forces augment the local police periodically.

Checkpoints are common, especially around Buenos Aires. Drivers must have all documentation, including
a copy of their passport or Argentine identification card, driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of
third-party liability insurance.

Argentine law prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention, and the Government of Argentina generally
observes these prohibitions; however, there are occasional reports of the police arresting and detaining
citizens arbitrarily. Individuals detained by the police should ask to contact the Embassy. Report any
irregular police procedures to the Embassy.

In Buenos Aires, the Tourist Police (within the Argentine Federal Police) have been very
responsive in assisting many tourists with language services to file police reports. Recently, however, the
unit has suffered staffing issues and become less effective.

Police Emergency: 911

    •   PFA - Argentine Federal Police: 4346-7000, Av. Moreno 1550, CABA – Buenos Aires City.
    •   Bomberos (Fire Department): 911/100, Av. Belgrano 1547, CABA – Buenos Aires City
    •   Tourist Police (Comisaría del Turista): 4346-5748 , Av. Corrientes 436, CABA – Buenos Aires City
    •   PNA - Prefectura Naval Argentina (Coast Guard): 4318-7000/7400/7500/7600, Edificio
        Guardacostas Av. Eduardo Madero 235, CABA – Buenos Aires City

Police/Security Agencies

    •   GNA – Gendarmería (Nacional de Argentina) – Border Patrol
    •   Policia de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires – Buenos Aires City Police
    •   MOS – Ministry of Security
    •   PBA – Policía de la Provincia de Buenos Aires – Buenos Aires Provincial Police
    •   PFA – Policía Federal (de Argentina) – Argentine Federal Police
    •   PNA – Prefectura (Nacional de Argentina) – Coast Guard
    •   PSA – Policía de Seguridad Aeroportuaria - Airport Police

Argentina 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

Medical Emergencies

Pharmacies are comparable to those in the U.S., and well-trained medical professionals are plentiful.
Public hospitals are excellent for treating trauma; for any less serious medical needs, use private clinics.

Municipal Emergency Medical Service (for transport to a public hospital): 107/911 or 4923-1051/9. For
medical assistance, refer to the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

From December 2018 through January 2019, a Hantavirus outbreak in southwest Argentina, (e.g. Epuyen,
Chubut) impacted local communities, with 29 confirmed cases and 11 deaths reported. Authorities at the
time implemented a quarantine and warned against travel to the area. Health authority measures
controlled the outbreak. There have been no further signs of an outbreak.

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Argentina.

The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before
traveling internationally. Review the State Departments webpage on insurance overseas. Review OSAC’s
reports, The Healthy Way, Traveling with Medication, I’m Drinking What in My Water?, Shaken: The Don’ts
of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad

OSAC Country Council Information

The Country Council in Buenos Aires is active, meeting quarterly. Interested private-sector security
managers should contact OSAC’s Latin America Team with any questions.

U.S. Embassy Contact Information

Avenida Colombia 4300, CABA, 0121
Hours of Operation: 0800-1800

Switchboard: +54-11-5777-4533
Website: https://ar.usembassy.gov/

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

    •   OSAC Risk Matrix
    •   OSAC Travelers Toolkit
    •   State Department Traveler’s Checklist
    •   Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
    •   Argentina Country Information Sheet