Safety warning?

Old Oct 20th, 2016, 04:10 PM
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Safety warning?

As my trip departure date looms, I have received final details from the cruise company (Antarctica). The information includes a sheet of safety information including a warning to NOT use any ATMs in Argentina. Also warnings about increased petty crime, robberies, taxi scams, and crimes related to personal safety in Buenos Aires.

As a woman traveling alone, this gives me pause for concern. I have a guide for one day in BA - but thought I would be on my own for the rest of my visit. Thoughts?
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Old Oct 20th, 2016, 04:44 PM
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Did it actually say no ATMs in all of Argentina or just Buenos Aires...just wondering.
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Old Oct 20th, 2016, 05:42 PM
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"Do not use ATM machines in Argentina while traveling" are the words. So where will I get cash???
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Old Oct 20th, 2016, 10:06 PM
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I experienced no problems with safety whatsoever on our visit last month, or indeed on previous visits. However, I did find it very difficult to find ATMs that were a) working and b) would accept my card. To get cash I had to go to Banco Nacion and queue for around an hour in their fx department.
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Old Oct 21st, 2016, 02:21 AM
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I'll ask http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/jody316/ who described herself as "a single, mid life woman, traveling alone for the first time outside of the US (other than Canada)" and was in BA quite recently for her experience on safety, ATMs, etc.

I have posted any number of times in this forum on the subject of safety in BA. Click on my screen name to find my advice, which could be summed up as follows: 1) As in any large town, there are areas of BA you should avoid, particularly at night. 2) If ANYTHING strange happens near you, assume it is intended as a distraction, ignore it and simply walk away. 3) Obviously, do NOT wear or carry VALUABLE watches, jewelry or cameras and keep your cell phone out of sight.

If you follow this simple advice, you'll be just fine and you'll have a great time in my town, MyBaggage.
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Old Oct 21st, 2016, 07:02 AM
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I used an ATM inside the commercial complex connected to the Palacio Duhau in Recoleta (Park Hyatt). If you are staying or visiting nearby I'd recommend that one.. no line, good security, no fraud on my account. Another option would be to ask if your hotel could do a small exchange for you. A lot of places do accept credit cards, we were able to pay for meals with those at larger places.

It is difficult to acquire ARS in the US, unless you order it ahead of time. It isn't typically kept on hand at currency places (they told me there is little demand)

Arriving by cruise ship you can pay the official taxis at the port with USD. They do charge very high prices as it's a monopoly which some call q mafia ( they start at $25 unless you can talk them down which isn't easy especially if you are alone with big luggqge. So, you will be able to get to your hotel without ARS. It's possible your hotel could do a small exchange (good idea to write ahead and ask). If your guided tour is the next day they may be able to help you get to the ATM I mentioned above or another one).

The above general advice is good. If you are alone you should avoid too much strolling alone on unpopulated streets. I always try to discuss travel routes with hotel reception... Assuming you can find staff able and willing to communicate with you. I had mixed experience with hotel desk staff. They should at a minium call a taxi for you if you want to go to dinner and don't feel comfortable in the neighborhood after normal business hours when streets might be too quiet.
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Old Oct 21st, 2016, 08:13 AM
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Crellston, Avrooster, and mlgb - thank you. I always practice your recommended cautions. If I wander to a place with few people, I turn around, and I am never out at night alone other than to take a taxi to dinner perhaps.

I love to take photos and although I don't use a DSLR, my "hybrid" canon is too big for for my purse and I guess I should not carry it openly. So I will be taking along my small pocket Canon to use in BsAs.

My ship disembarks in Ushuaia, and I then fly to BsAs. I wonder about an ATM in Ushuaia?? Or should I just take more USD (which I don't like carrying) and exchange it? A small amount until I can get to mlgb's ATM.

Thank you!.
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Old Oct 21st, 2016, 08:24 AM
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If you are flying into BsAs, surely there is some currency exchange at the airport. Note that ATMs have a pretty low limit and high fee on WDs so using a cambio/currency exchange booth at the airport may get a similar net rate.

Ushuaia is pretty small. There may be even more issues with finding working ATMs there.

I didn't have time to try and find one.
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Old Oct 21st, 2016, 08:26 AM
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There SHOULD be safe ATMs in Ushuaia, but, in this case, I simply don't "have a clue", as a prominent poster says is the case. LOL!!!
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Old Oct 21st, 2016, 08:26 AM
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If I plan to use credit cards for restaurants and tours, I am thinking I don't need much ARS for 4nights/3.5 days, right?

I am getting excited about my whole journey which begins in two weeks!
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Old Oct 21st, 2016, 08:29 AM
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I wasn't concerned about any of this until I got that notice from the cruise company. I will carry on as if I did not get it. The Three of You have been most helpful as I planned this trip. I appreciate your advice.
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Old Oct 21st, 2016, 08:48 AM
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avrooster on Oct 21, 16 at 12:26pm
"I simply don't "have a clue", as a prominent poster says is the case."

On the subject that was in question in that thread, suggesting that a woman has good reason to be worried about solo travel, quite true !!!!!!!!!!!!!! No clue WHATSOEVER.

Regarding safe ATMs in Ushuaia, this solo female traveler has no worries about carrying cash on her travels, in addition to cards. Having more than one source of funds on a trip is a wise precaution. (That is, in fact, in the signature line of a prominent male poster on another forum, one whose advice is not mired in antiquated thinking about gender roles.
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Old Oct 21st, 2016, 09:29 AM
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Mostly I needed ARS for taxis.
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Old Oct 21st, 2016, 09:39 AM
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Also I try to carry $50 equivalent in local currency and/or USD because sometimes the credit card machines are down (can be due to the internet being out also)or your card is rejected. I bring both types of cards MC and Visa.one of each type in debit and one in credit. Some networks like one but not the other. Keep them in different places.

USD is a good backup in most SA Countries, perfect bills in $5 thru $20s and a handful of $1s.
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Old Oct 21st, 2016, 09:41 AM
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SC, when you say "this solo female traveler has no worries about carrying cash on her travels" are you referring to the OP or to yourself?
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Old Oct 21st, 2016, 12:25 PM
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Either, both, or even including the original OP Jody316, dear heart.
Would carrying cash be yet another reason for a certain overly involved elderly gentlemen with outdated thinking to further add to the stress he may already have caused to a solo female traveler by encouraging further worry?
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Old Oct 21st, 2016, 01:44 PM
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The reason this proudly "overly involved elderly gentleman with outdated thinking" asked this question is because the OP in this thread is MyBaggage (NOT Jody316) and she clearly says above she does NOT "like carrying" cash. Are you sure you are not reading another forum, SC?
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Old Oct 21st, 2016, 02:58 PM
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Ahem, avrooster, you are an "involved" gentleman in a most helpful way which I appreciate. I should clarify that I don't like carrying "lots" of cash. 50-100 USD in local currency is fine and mlgb suggests that amount.

My "worry" came from the message from the cruise company. Avrooster, Crellston, and mlgb have put my mind at ease.
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Old Oct 21st, 2016, 04:06 PM
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The biggest problem I have is finding an ATM that will actually accept my card! I often have to visit four or five before I get my cash and there is no rhyme or reason to it. My card will be accepted one day and the next day be rejected from the exact same ATM.

I would recommend trying to go into banks during the day when they are open, as there will often be a security guard around, and use the ATM in there. Take normal precautions - put your money away securely before you leave the bank and glance around to see if anyone appears to be watching you etc.

I would also recommend having US dollars on you, which you can exchange if your bank card fails. Do not rely on paying for things with credit cards - a lot of places don't accept them (even if there is a sticker on the door saying they do). I always ask if they accept cards before I sit down anywhere if I don't have cash on me. Don't worry too much - just take normal precautions and have a great time!
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Old Oct 21st, 2016, 06:21 PM
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Re paying with cards vs cash.. if you can pay in advance for hotels online when you book, that eliminates one worry. Or if it isn't possible, it isn't a bad idea to settle your bil the day prior to checkout just in case there is credit card failure you have time to try to get cash from an ATM.

Also check if you need ARS to pay to go back to the airport and set that amount aside in your hotel safe.

Myfavorite place for the emergency USD is inside the shoe.
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