Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Buenos Aires is generally pretty safe. You can comfortably walk around at all hours of the night in many
places, even as a lone woman. People stay out very late, and there's almost always somebody else walking
on any one street at any hour of the night. (Some areas where you should be careful at night, however, are
around Constitución's train station, the eastern border of San Telmo, and some parts of Once and La Boca -
where, outside tourist streets, you should be careful even during the day).
Like all big cities, BA has its share of problems. The economic crisis of 1999-2001 plunged a lot of
people into poverty, and street crime has subsequently risen. As a tourist you're much more likely to be a
target of petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag-snatching than armed robbery or kidnapping. Be careful
on crowded buses, on the Subte and at busy
ferias
(street markets). Don't put your bag down without your
foot through the strap (especially at sidewalk cafes), and even then keep a close eye on it. Be especially
careful at Retiro bus station.
Minor nuisances include lack of respect shown by cars toward pedestrians, lax pollution controls and high
noise levels. Many Argentines are heavy smokers, and you can't help but be exposed to it on the street
(smoking is banned in most restaurants, bars and public transport). The
tourist police
(ComisarÃa del
Turista; 0800-999-5000, 4346-5748; Av Corrientes 436; 24hr) may be of some help.
Using your head is good advice anywhere: don't flash any wealth (including expensive jewelry), don't
stagger around drunk, always be aware of your surroundings and look like you know exactly where you're
going (even if you don't). Be careful showing off expensive electronics like laptops, smart phones, iPods or
iPads. But realize that if you're reasonably careful, the closest thing to annoyance you'll experience is being
shortchanged, tripping on loose sidewalk tiles, stepping on the ubiquitous dog pile or getting flattened by a
crazy bus driver. Watch your step.
ELECTRONICS WARNING
Note that buying a smart phone, especially an iPhone, is extremely expensive in Argentina due to im-
port restrictions - and they are not widely available. If you do bring your smart phone, don't flash it
around unnecessarily or leave it unprotected somewhere. This goes for iPads, iPods and laptop com-
puters too.
Taxes & Refunds
One of Argentina's primary state revenue-earners is the 21% value-added tax known as the Impuesto de Val-
or Agregado (IVA). Under limited circumstances, foreign visitors may obtain IVA refunds on purchases of
Argentine products upon departing the country. A 'Tax Free' window decal (in English) identifies parti-
cipants in this program, but always check that the shop is part of the tax-free program before making your
purchase.
You can obtain tax refunds on purchases of AR$70 or more made at one of these participating stores. To
do so, present your passport to the merchant, who will make out an invoice for you. On leaving the country
keep the purchased items in your carry-on baggage. A customs official will check them and stamp your pa-
