Malaysian Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina

TRAVEL ADVISE TO ARGENTINA

Civil unrest/political tension

The Plaza de Mayo and Congreso areas in Buenos Aires are often the focal points for protests and demonstrations. Malaysians are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations as they may become violent. During demonstrations, streets may be blockaded and public transport disrupted.

Crimes

Malaysians are advised to exercise normal safety precautions in Argentina. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Violent crimes, such as armed robbery, continue to be a problem in major tourist areas, particularly in Buenos Aires and Mendoza. Kidnappings occur in Buenos Aires. To date, these kidnappings have tended to target locals rather than tourists. Incidents of 'express kidnappings' involving tourists have occurred where individuals were forced to withdraw funds from ATMs to secure their release. Criminals are known to pose as taxi operators at the airport and may operate in collusion with other taxi drivers.

When travelling by taxi we advise that, whenever possible, you book in advance. If it is not possible to book in advance and you need to hail a taxi, you should take care only to hail a 'radio taxi'. The only noticeable difference between radio taxis and others is that they have a clearly visible company logo on the rear passenger doors of the vehicle. We advise against hailing any taxi that does not display a logo. If you are being met at the airport and you do not know your greeter, ensure you confirm their identity before accepting a lift. Alternatively use a "remise" service from the official stand in the centre of the arrivals concourse.

Petty crime, including pick-pocketing, bag snatching and bag slitting, is common, particularly on public transport. Distraction thefts (e.g. throwing mustard on people) occur in public areas such as internet cafes, the subway system, and train and bus stations. Criminals have been known to rob tourists while an accomplice pretends to help remove ketchup or mustard that has been 'accidentally' sprayed on them and have been known to use force if they encounter resistance from tourists.

In Buenos Aires, travellers should be cautious in tourist areas, particularly in La Boca, San Telmo, downtown and in the Retiro bus terminal, where robberies are common. Travellers should stick to the main tourist area in La Boca and avoid the area after dark.

Passports should be left in a hotel safe or security box except when being used for identification purposes such as purchasing expensive items or cashing travellers’ cheques. Always keep and bring photocopy of the details page of your passport with you at all times. However, passports are required as identification for internal flights. Tourist should avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing ostentatious items/jewellery.

The Argentine police operate a 24-hour police helpline in English for tourists in Buenos Aires, which can be accessed by dialing 101. Tourists can also contact the Comisaria del Turista (Tourist Police Station) Corrientes 436 on the multi-lingual toll-free number 0800 999 5000 or by dialing direct on 4346 5748.