Buenos Aires is not unsafe, but as in all big cities, you will need to follow a few precautions to make your stay enjoyable.
Potential annoyances include pickpockets, being overcharged or scammed, and (for ladies) being flirted with in the street, when males use ‘piropos’ (compliments about your beauty, sometimes poetic, and sometimes… not). For the latter, best is to ignore these remarks – after all, piropos are rarely meant to be disrepectful.
Security regarding money
– Unless you don’t have the choice, do not change your money in the streets. The rate looks better than in banks, but the ‘change’ is likely to include counterfeit bills, shortage, etc.
– When you pay, try to pay with an amount close to the price to minimise being shortchanged. For instance, avoid paying with a 100 pesos bill if the price is 19 pesos. If you need change, you can go to the banks.
– When going out, never take too much with you, this will limit the risks being pickpocketed. Best is to use a discreet pouch that can be hidden behind clothes. This particularly applies to crowded subways, where it is best not to flaunt an expensive (and easily opened) handbag.
Security in the street
– If you go out at night, use taxis to go out and back from the milongas. Like in London, only take registered taxis: you can recognise them with their black with yellow roofs, and their licence number is painted inside a yellow circle on the front doors. Best to take those with the name of the company on the back door (see picture above). Best to stay in groups at night. We will give you taxi company numbers upon arrival.
– Finally, be discreet with your electronic gadgets – keep your mobile phones and cameras out of sight.