Argentina, the home of tango, world-class steak, and some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes ranging from the Andes Mountains to the glaciers of Patagonia, is the ultimate vacation destination for many British travelers. Before booking your flight to Argentina and exploring the beautiful landscapes of Argentina ranging from the Andes Mountains to the glaciers of Patagonia, the first and foremost question that needs an answer is: Is Argentina safe for British tourists? The answer is a little complicated. Argentina is considered one of the safest countries in South America. Nevertheless, no country is completely safe. With the current financial crises affecting the Argentinian economy, the crime rate has also increased. For British tourists, the first and foremost thing that they need to do is purchase travel insurance before leaving for Argentina. This is as important as booking your return trip home. Relaxation starts as early as the time you leave your home. Whether your destination is Heathrow or Luton, with reliable cabs such as Cabs In Hemel, your trip starts with a smile.
When you get there, situational awareness is your best defense. Understanding the risks, abiding by local laws, and being aware of where to avoid, you can enjoy the incredible diversity that Argentina has to offer. Here is everything you need to know before you go.
The most common risk faced by tourists in Argentina is petty crimes. Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft are common occurrences in crowded areas, especially in the capital city of Buenos Aires. The most common areas where tourists fall victim to petty crimes in Buenos Aires include crowded public transportation areas, markets, and tourist areas like Palermo, San Telmo, La Boca, and Retiro. The thieves generally operate in groups and employ tricks like the “mustard scam,” where one of the thieves sprays mustard or any other substance on the victim, and while the victim is busy cleaning the substance with the help of a good Samaritan, the other thief steals the victim’s belongings.
Safety Tip: Be sure to keep your belongings in sight and not hang your bag on the back of a chair in a restaurant. Also, be careful while using your mobile phone on the streets, as thieves on motorbikes target mobile phones.
Although not common, violent crime such as armed robbery is present. The official government advice, available in the UK, is: “If you’re a victim of robbery, hand over your cash and valuables without resistance.” Furthermore, “express kidnappings” are a threat. This is where a victim is kidnapped, made to withdraw money from a cash machine, and then released. To avoid this, you should be aware of your surroundings, not wear any expensive jewelry, and be careful using “hire” taxis.
Political protests are much more common in Argentina than in the UK, and these can happen suddenly. Demonstrations, carried out by “piqueteros,” can sometimes get violent, and there is often road-blocking, which causes considerable disruption to travel plans.
Advice: Avoid all protests and marches. Watch the news, and follow advice given by locals. Be aware that roadblocks can affect your travel time, especially if you’re traveling to or from Buenos Aires.
Safety levels may differ depending on your location.
Ignorance of the law is no defence, and Argentine penalties can be severe.
This cannot be emphasized enough: Do not get involved in any form of illegal drugs. There is a legal loophole in this area, and although possession is not illegal, trafficking and use carry long prison sentences . The prison system in Argentina is already overcrowded, and you will not want to experience it .
If you are planning to use your own transport, it is a requirement that you carry both your UK driving license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) (1949 edition) with you. It is not possible to buy an IDP in Argentina, and it is therefore essential that you buy one before you leave the UK. It is also important to note that driving standards can be patchy, and there is a high level of crime against vehicles, especially in urban areas—windows and doors must always be shut. Argentina also has a zero tolerance policy with regard to drink driving.
You will also see the phrase “Las Malvinas son argentinas” (The Malvinas are Argentine) displayed on signs and public transport. Although protests concerning sovereignty may take place outside British businesses, it is extremely unlikely that British travellers will encounter any direct hostility. Nevertheless, it is advisable not to engage in political discussions on the topic.
Before leaving, it is a good idea to ensure your passport is valid for the length of your visit. British passport holders may enter Argentina for tourism for a maximum of 90 days without a visa .
In terms of health, it is worth noting the risk of Mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue and Chikungunya. If your destination is in the north of the country, in the province of Misiones, to see the famous Iguazu Falls, it is recommended that you take a Yellow Fever vaccination. Also, it is worth noting that it is not permitted to bring fresh fruit, meat, or dairy products into the country.
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The country has a volatile economy and a very high inflation rate. The gap between the official exchange rate and the “blue dollar” rate is large. Although the temptation to exchange your money with the people on the streets may prove to be a good idea in terms of the exchange rate, it is not advisable as it may lead to a scam or the use of counterfeit money.
Practical Tip: Be aware of the exchange rates and the number of zeros in your bills while making purchases to avoid any confusion about the large denomination of the local currency.
So, is Argentina safe for British tourists? The answer is yes, it is, as long as you travel smart. It is a country with great beauty and wealth, but you need to be aware of your surroundings, which could be more so than you are used to in the UK.
If you are aware of your surroundings, avoid political demonstrations, keep your valuables secure, and are very careful with the law, especially in relation to drugs, you can minimize the danger. The main thing, though, is to be prepared. Once you have your plans in order, you can start looking forward to your adventure.
And in order to ensure your adventure begins without a hitch, don’t forget the importance of safe transport to the airport. Booking an Airport Taxi Hemel Hempstead service guarantees you arrive safely and in time, ready to catch your flight to South America!
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