Studying abroad is a challenging, but highly rewarding experience, and especially so in the constant hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires! Apart from making friends, going out, working at your internship, and taking Spanish classes, you’ll come to learn the ins and outs of the city. Learning how to get around in any capital can be a challenge, and in the case of Buenos Aires you’ll have to get used to the transportation system, culture, and castellano rioplatense. Buenos Aires is one of the safest cities in South America, but like all metropolises, whether you’re living or traveling abroad, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. The city might feel intimidating at times, and the porteños may intimidate you with comments about the “dangers” of the city, but if you pay attention to where you are and know what to look for, there is no need to worry.
General Advice
Robberies are most often two person interactions, and although even the most confident and calm people can be affected, you can control much of the situation with your attitude. While moving around the city, be aware of where you are, who’s around you, and even if you’re a bit lost try to look like you know what you’re doing. A grand majority of robberies in Buenos Aires are non-violent, meaning you probably will not even realize you have been robbed until you reach into you backpack for your phone only to find it is no longer there.
Don’t wear expensive watches or attention-catching jewelry, and keep cameras, phones and other technology out of sight when you’re not using them. Try not to speak English loudly in public. This is an easy way for pickpockets to identify tourist targets. Besides, you’re here to improve your Spanish, so take advantage of the opportunity to practice in the streets!
If you feel unsafe, especially at night, you might want to walk on bigger, more populated and well-lit avenues. If you feel like you’re being followed or watched, go into a kiosco or another store and talk to the people working there.
¡Ojo! Areas
Generally if you’re smart and observant, most areas in Buenos Aires can be safe at almost all hours of the day. Walking in groups is always better than walking alone, especially at night. But certain areas at nighttime should be avoided if possible.
Plazas and Parks
These tend to be mostly empty after sunset without many people around. Try not to cut through parks or big plazas at night, as this is an opportunity for individuals to take advantage of the lack of daylight in an isolated location.
Tourist Areas: Caminito, Feria de San Telmo, etc.
During the day, these places are bustling with people, especially tourists. You’re likely to visit these places at least once while in Buenos Aires, and 
with good reason – they’re delightful! It is important to be aware that any place that attracts a lot of tourists will also attract pickpockets looking for attractive items. Keep an eye out for your possessions, don’t wear anything too expensive or flashy and wear your backpack or bag over your chest where you can see it at all times. Do not put ANY belongings in your pockets.
Juan B Justo, Palermo:
This area, marked by train tracks, divides Palermo Viejo/Soho and Palermo Hollywood. It’s common to move between the different sectors of the neighborhood at night, and this means crossing the tracks or going under the bridge. Because the individuals who pass through and ‘hang out’ in this area have oftentimes been drinking alcohol, this makes them easier targets for robberies as they are less aware of their surroundings and possessions. If you are in this area, stay alert and if you can, go with a group of friends.
Constitución:
Constitución is next to San Telmo and is a beautiful and lively old neighborhood. In fact, it is one of the oldest areas of the city. Constitución begins west of Av. 9 de julio and south of Av. San Juan. This is an area to definitely avoid at night because it has the reputation for illegal activity and robberies. Also, be careful about crossing Avenida San Juan and Cochabamba at night. These streets cut through the southern half of San Telmo and run right next to the highway overpass, which is dark and relatively unpopulated at night.
Pickpocket Ploys
The “mustard”
This is a common trick in many big cities, often in plazas.
Someone ‘accidentally’ spills something on you – mustard, ice cream, a drink, etc. Then as they apologize and offer to help you clean it, you are distracted and put down your bag, creating an opportunity for a second person to steal it. There are many variations on this trick, with soap, lotion, supposed bird droppings, spit, etc. The best response when someone offers to help you clean something off is to say with a smile, “no gracias, yo lo puse allí y me gusta como está!”, or “no thanks, I put that there and it’s fine as it is!” and keep on walking!
The classic bump
This one is pretty self-explanatory – someone bumps into you and as they do, they stick their hands into your pocket, bag, purse, etc. Just make sure to keep your stuff close to your body in crowded areas and wear your backpack or bag across your front (as shown in the picture).
Subtes y Colectivos
Subtes and Colectivos are where the most petty crime is committed. Pickpocketing is common here, so make sure to keep all bags close to your body, wear your backpack on your front or side with your arm over it (even the porteños do this), and don’t pull out any expensive belongings. If listening to music or using your phone, make sure to hide it in a safe, internal pocket somewhere that you are always aware of it. Be aware: if you have a fabric bag of some kind, there have been reports of thieves slashing bags open to steal their contents on crowded public transport. Make sure to always keep your things near you and your eye out for pickpocket situations.
Taxis
The safest way to take a taxi is to call a radio taxi, because then the company is connected to the driver and therefore is much more secure. If you catch a taxi from the street, make sure to get a radio taxi as well. There are radio taxis from all different companies, and they are marked both on the side (saying radio taxi) and have a taxi light on the top of the car. Inside, you should see a paper with the driver’s identification. To make sure the taxis don’t overcharge you, pay attention to where you’re driving so they don’t go in circles to keep the meter running.
Rest assured, aside from petty crime like pickpocketing, Buenos Aires is a safe city! In general, being aware, staying calm, and trying to blend in help make Buenos Aires a safe, fun, and exciting place to study abroad and live!