Elizabeth

Hi - I'm a US citizen who is planning to visit Buenos Aires in November 2002 with a friend. We keep hearing "horror stories" about how unsafe it is travel anywhere in Argentina right now... Has anyone been there this summer and experienced problems?? Also - we are planning to stay at the Milhouse youth hostel... Is this a good place to stay?? Thanks for the advice!

maria

Elizabeth,<BR><BR>See below Miranda's post -a few days ago- on this topic. I'm sure she won't mind I'm quoting.<BR><BR>Author: Miranda ([email protected])<BR>Date: 08/25/2002, 10:01 am<BR><BR>Message: I have just come home from a journey to Argentina, and it was AMAZING to say the least, I had read alot about this country and its situation before I arrived and found everything that I read to be very scary but also very untrue, the people the culture the food and the wine are the BEST in the world, on my flight home I was already planning my return trip. I am a young woman and traveled alone and found no problems, also the protests with the bank are more like an American parade, safety is an issue but the same as it is evrywhere in the owrld. I would recommend this country to everyone and anyone.<BR><BR><BR>

Andrew Charles

I am a US citizen from New York City and I just got back on Monday, September 2nd, from Buenos Aires and the City of Puerto Iguazo, Argentina, where the spectacular Iguazu Falls(Cataratas) are located. <BR><BR>Due to the bad news reports that I had heard prior to booking the trip, I was also very apprehensive. I'm really glad that I decided to go ahead with the trip. I was in Buenos Aires for 8 wonderful nights and spent 2 beautiful nights in Puerto Iguazu. In spite of what I had heard about the ongoing protests and the rise in crime, I never felt threatened or unsafe in any way, during my stay. During daylight hours, if you stay in the busier parts of town, you should experience no problems, provided that you take the appropriate traveler precautions. Such precautions are published for tourists on the respective US Consulate page of the country you intend to visit. They are also provided in the 'Safety/Crime' sections of travel books and/or websites, such as that of Fodors, Frommers, Time Out, Lonely Planet,etc.<BR><BR>In Buenos Aires, if you choose a hotel in the Recoleta or Barrio Norte neighborhoods, you'll feel at ease during the day and you might even feel comfortable walking the streets at night. I know that I did. Retiro and Palermo are other good altenatives. <BR><BR>I stayed at the Wilton Palace Hotel (www.hotelwilton.com.ar), Avenida Callao 1162 - near the intersection of Avenida Callao and Avenida Santa Fe. <BR>I felt quite safe in that area and there was a visible police presence in the area. If it's in your price range, I recommend this hotel (or one nearby) because it's conveniently located in a safe and charming neighborhood, the staff is courteous,friendly, and helpful, and the accommodations are clean, comfortable, and pleasingly adequate.<BR><BR>The hotel rates are a bit higher than in other parts of the city, but it's worth it; especially, when you consider what the other hotels in the area are charging. <BR><BR>I loved Buenos Aires and the Iguazu Falls and I am definitely planning to return to see more of Argentina. <BR>As previously advised, take the appropriate precautions for traveling to big cities and you'll greatly reduce any risk of misfortune. <BR><BR>If you need to take a taxi while in Buenos Aires, only take a "Radio Taxi" or a remise (unmarked livery vehicle) -summoned either by phone or the employees of a respectable establishment (i.e., hotel, restaurant). Radio Taxis are safer for tourists because they are subject to a greater level of regulation, and the vehicle operator is identified on a placard. There are numerous travel warnings related to taking non-Radio Taxis in Buenos Aires.<BR><BR>Have a great trip and, if you can combine it with a visit to the spectacular Iguazu Falls, you'll be even more impressed with your visit to Argentina.<BR><BR>P.S.<BR><BR>On another note, due to the current exchange rates, goods are extremely inexpensive for US and other foreign tourists. So be prepared to shop, shop, and shop to you drop. Leave extra room in your suitcases, or tuck another one inside them; you'll probably need it. You'll also find the restaurants and, just about everything else in Argentina, incredibly inexpensibe.<BR><BR><BR>

Merriem

We were in BA before all of the economic problems. It was just as safe as any big city anywhere. We enjoyed it so much that we are going back next Spring and the Chile for a month. Just enjoy yourself, use common sense, and stay in a decent hotel. One to stay away from (United Airlines put us there when our flight was canceled) is El Presidente. It is rated four stars, and was quite a dump. There are some good rates on five star hotels right now. Don't hesitate to e-mail me if you have any questions.

monica

I was concerned about the TV reports too, but I only saw a couple of peaceful demonstrations against banks during my stay. I think that there are problems in the suburbs, but not in the center. On the other hand, I live in another Latin America country where turmoil is the usual, and Buenos Aires is by far safer. <BR>

TheSaint

Totally safe as long as you stay in Recoleta. I just got back this week. I love that city! It's one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Tons of great restaurants, friendly people, much culture. <BR><BR>I know at least 12 friends that have been down there in the past 2 months due to my high praise. You won't regret it! <BR><BR>The city is on sale right now. I'd recommend against a hostel. There are better affordable choices with more privacy. Email me and I'll email you some photos I took of the city. <BR><BR>Try www.argentinago.com for some hotel choices or email the owner at [email protected] She is great! Can't say enough great things about her.<BR><BR>

TheSaint

I meant as long as you stay within the city..not necessarily Recoleta. There are lots of great areas only one of which was Recoleta. I really liked Puerto Madero too. It's the waterfront district with many great restaurants. Reminds me of San Francisco's area. Many great areas which you'll love.<BR><BR>I love that city!

Graziella

Hi Elizabeth, I agree with former postings stressing that you have to be alert and careful.<BR>The advise to take only radio taxis is very good, one company I used was<BR>"Pidalo"4956 1200 4932 2222, recommended to me by a friend, from the airport into town better take a bus , from one of the companies that a booth at the International Hall in the Airport the name is" Manuel Tienda Leon." You pay the ticket in the booth. They also have reliable cars with a choffer called Remises, now they shoud be very reasonable. It is up to you but never take one of the taxis standing there are needless to say one of the rides offerend by choffers.<BR>Getting back to the airport you can call Pidalo for a car.<BR>When you call for a radio taxi the guy answering the phone will give you the number of the car that will pick you up. The number is painted on the door. You do not want to get into the wrong car...<BR><BR>I f possible do not advertised you are a tourist.<BR>If you have any other question send me an e mail if I can I will give you the inf. Bye.<BR><BR><BR><BR>

Mary

Nowadays BA is not the most safe city in the world, but it is OK. You must not pay attention at all the horror stories at all, but you have to be careful for example with taxi driverss (never take a street cab, call a RadioTaxi or a Remise, and don´t go with all your money in the pockets, don´t walk "bad" neighborhoods at night... and all the precutions you would take in any city. <BR>I say you check WWW.ARGENTINAGO.COM and see the hostels there, they have pictures and rates, and you can do the reservations at better prices. <BR>Enjoy your trip !! (i certanly did !)