Most hotels, as pointed out, have a safe, either in-room or at the front desk, to keep larger amounts of cash and other valuables.
Given that I started traveling before credit/debit cards were widely in use, and travelers checks were not accepted in many places ( or required hours in line at a bank to exchange), I don't feel much risk carrying cash. It is in a Velcro-sealed pocket sewn/pinned inside my waistband, unlikely to be noticed or discovered, when moving from place to place (between safes). For me, walking on a dozen 100s is not very comfortable, and not particularly practical in any climate more suited to sandals.
It is wise, IMO, to have more than one source of funds/ method of obtaining funds when traveling.

I don't carry $1,000s in cash, no need to.The "shoe money" is backup daily spending money. If I expect poor climate, rainy or hot I will wrap in plastic. i usually put it under the insole for cushioning.

When traveling between hotel safes, I use an uncomfortable money pouch around the waist, but I also don't carry $1000's in cash..that's where I keep one set of credit cards. The passsport is usually under my arm.

Perhaps no need to -- where you travel. Where I travel, credit/debit cards and ATMs/seller POS are not always reliable. I do not like being without money in a foreign country. The suggested U$50 isn't much for such emergencies.

The shoe thing still sounds uncomfortable, and insecure with sandals in hotter/wetter climates/seasons, but YMOV.

I travel extensively in Peru and Ecuador. I've been caught out with bad ATMs and down networks in Ecuador mostly, but it's so cheap ($1/mile for buse, a few $ for a meal, and $15 to $20 for a room) that $50 goes a long way. Perhaps you travel to more expensive places. X

Also, I prepay accomodations when possible so don't need to carry cash for lodging. Just food, local transport and museum entries in local currency.

Correction.I often mistype when writing about the cost of buses in Ecuador. it is actually $1 per HOUR (not mile).

I never carry more than a day or two's spending estimate in cash. And that would never be $1,000. or $1000's. If I know I will be away from a city with banks I might carry more under my clothing as i said above. I reach the next hotel safe. Shoe money is just walking around money. I don't wear sandals except at the beach.

I agree with what avrooster has recommended. There are dangerous parts in every city at night. So if you stay within the city centre of BA, keep your money in a money belt under your clothes and try to stay away from loud events or strange people, you’ll be fine.

IF by 'City Center'you mean Recoleta, Palermo Soho and San Telmo, then I agree with AmandaHathaway. The 'Centre' itself deserves a bit more vigilance, as do most downtown areas in big cities.

The centre of BA (as in the microcentro and surrounding areas) is where I take the most precautions!

Lots of good info. Mlgb has advised me well in other areas, too. My BsAs hotel is in Palermo. I will carry local currency in $50usd equivalents and some USD, too, in my waist wallet, my bra, my shoe, my front pocket, back pocket, neck wallet. And may likely end up doing as I have after arriving in other cities. Just carry it in my regular wallet in my handbag! And walk purposefully. As I mentioned earlier, I was not concerned until I got the advisory from the cruise company. One week until departure.......

Avrooster, perfect timing! I am fine tuning my details such as, "should I just wing it with a taxi from the airport, or book a transfer?" The taxi thing seemed fine a few weeks ago - now I am drawn to the idea of someone waiting for me. I will definitely contact Claudia. Gracias!

MyBagage: You can pre-arrange airport to town transport OR get the transport in the airport, after you walk out of the customs area.

The essential consideration is NOT TO TAKE THE TAXIS OUTSIDE THE AIRPORT !

Enjoy your visit.

Just came back from a month in Argentina. Used ATMs all the time-probably every other day on average as the withdrawal is low (now 2000 pesos max) and the Argentine peso is weak. Most ATMs are either within banks or are within locked extensions of banks that you must have an ATM card to enter. Never felt insecure

I would feel less secure walking around with large amounts of cash. Having said that, I did take $1000 in "crisp new US $100 bills" with me, of which I spent around $500.

Many places in the northwest (Salta and Jujuy provinces) do not take credit cards but will accept US dollars.

Experienced no crime--there are police everywhere, and I would not be worried about crime in most parts of Argentina. Maybe the Boca neighborhood of BA as the sole exception.

Crellston, I had few problems getting cash, once I caught on to the necessity to at least think about withdrawing pesos every time I saw a nice clean secure ATM.

Buenos Aires is one of the savest cities. Of course it`s enormous and it has neighborhoods a bit dangerous, specially at night but you can walk alone all aroun the downtown and the most places.

dwd - great that you managed to find ATMs that worked for your cards! When can we expect a trip report?

Same question. LOL!!!

Thanks for asking, folks. Posted it this morning.

If you want, I'll add some traditional comments.

Whew, back home after an amazing 38 day journey. Ended in Buenos Aires. Regarding safety - traveling alone, I don't usually go out at night. But I had two evening events - one at the Colon - and was able to flag a radio taxi after the show, although one of the last people to be successful at doing so! I carried only small amounts of cash - USD and ARG - and one credit card. All in different pockets. Only once did I use the annoying neck wallet - which I tie shorter and wear as a cross body because it is more comfortable. That was on Sunday in San Relmo. The only time I felt a bit insecure was on Sunday morning in Plaza de Congresso - not as attractive as it looks in photos - it is torn up, lots of street people. I noticed a man who appeared to be following me despite my crossing the street, doubling back, etc. I finally just turned around and stared him down. He left.

I always kept a hand loosely on my cross body bag and all was fine.

I used credit cards wherever possible - I found Visa is more widely accepted than MasterCard. I had accumulated enough pesos at ATMs from prior stops in Ushuaia and Iguazu that I needed only a few more at the end of my BsAs stay and my hotel changed a small amount of USD for me. But I saw lots of ATMs being used - so would have felt comfortable using those attached to banks.

Thank you, MyBaggage!

Plaza Congreso is, on weekends, one of the favorite areas for the "bird poop trick".

Should we hope for a complete trip report?

Good info. Would like to see a trip report if you have time.

Trip report. Yes, I "owe" one after all the great help I got here, especially from you two! I will work on one while I work on my 4000+ photos. And on Christmas. Maybe three separate reports - Chile, Antarctica expedition, Argentina.

Now, where to next?