Argentina : Safety by City
- Buenos Aires
- Cordoba
- La Plata
- Mendoza
- Neuquen
- Puerto Iguazu
- Puerto Madryn
- Rosario
- Salta
- San Miguel de Tucuman
- Ushuaia
Nestled along the Paraná River, Rosario is a hidden gem in the heart of Argentina’s landscape.
Located in the province of Santa Fe, this bustling metropolis has a rich history and even richer architecture.
Travel websites describe it as a city that prides itself on a dynamic cultural scene, with bustling markets and lively festivals, and your travel agent may already be rushing to book your flight.
But if we look away from what the websites say, we may see things just a bit differently.
The locals may offer a bit of a different perspective, as would the U.S. Embassy, for that matter.
And on that note, let’s take a look at just how safe Rosario, Argentina is for travelers.
Warnings & Dangers in Rosario
OVERALL RISK: HIGH
According to the official website of the U.S. Embassy in Argentina, the city has a Level 2 travel advisory, which means that visitors should "exercise increased caution." Rosario has earned a Level 2 due to its high rate of violent crimes related to the trafficking of narcotics.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
The two main ways of traveling through Rosario are buses and taxis, and they are both fairly reliable. Buses cover most areas of the city and are relatively safe; if you take a taxi, your best bet would be booking one to ensure you find a car in time and avoid getting scammed by an untrustworthy driver. To avoid getting scammed by your taxi driver, you should map out your trip beforehand to ensure that the driver is not driving you in circles, and you should make sure that the meter is on throughout your entire trip.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Rosario's petty crime rate is high, especially in the busier parts of the city. If you plan on visiting this city, you should avoid carrying large sums of money around the city and keep your essentials - like your phone and wallet - close at all times. Additionally, make sure that you do not showcase expensive items (e.g., jewelry or watches) when traveling around Rosario.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
Similar to most areas in Argentina, Rosario has a high risk of natural disaster. According to the Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley, the country ranks 55 out of 180 countries in the Global Climate Risk Index 2021. The country faces high risks of storms, floods, and drought. Additionally, due to Argentina's high earthquake risk, tourists and visitors should be aware that an earthquake may hit Rosario during their visit.
MUGGING RISK: HIGH
Rosario's high violent and property crime rate is one of the reasons this city is not a usual tourist destination. Being the third-largest city in the country, Rosario has a violent crime rate that is five times higher than the national average and is struggling with a continuing rising crime rate. Last year, Lionel Messi's sister-in-law fell victim to a violent mugging in Rosario, in which the perpetrators used firearms to commit the crime.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
The overall terrorism threat in Rosario and the rest of the country is low. However, before visiting this area, you should know that due to Argentina's overall high crime rate and the fact that Rosario is in the top three most violent cities in the country, there is still a small chance of a terrorist attack directed at a specific person or organization.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
Scams are another type of crime to be aware of if you plan on visiting Rosario. These scams can take many forms, and here is one example. First, be aware of a stranger asking you to take a photograph of them with their camera. The way this scam goes, they will drop the camera, blame you for breaking it, and demand that you pay for the damages. This type of scam puts the victim in an uncomfortable situation, and the scammers know this. Other scams involve the scammer "befriending" you for the sake of stealing your money, or taxi drivers overcharging.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Rosario is a relatively safe destination for solo female travelers, but precautions are essential. This means avoiding going out alone at night, especially around certain parts of the city. Plan your trip ahead of time to avoid getting lost or finding yourself in the dangerous parts of the city. It is also advised that you avoid carrying large sums of money or expensive items when traveling alone.
TAP WATER RISK: MEDIUM
Rosario's tap water is continuously treated and meets the local and national safety standards. However, the water in Argentina contains minerals that may be foreign to visitors, thus possibly causing some stomach issues. Because of this, you should only drink store-bought water or use a water purifier if you think this may be a concern.
Safest Places to Visit in Rosario
It’s true that Rosario does not pride itself on being Argentina’s safest city or biggest tourist destination.
But one thing it does pride itself on is Parque de la Independencia.
This quaint neighborhood, which includes the actual Parque, houses the Museum of Fine Arts, and Rosario’s hidden gem – the National Flag Monument.
And on that note, next on our list of the most interesting spots for tourists and visitors is the National Flag Monument, which lies at the city shore and hides a fascinating artifact – the tomb of Manuel Belgrano, the monument’s creator.
If you plan on visiting Rosario, the National Flag Monument is a must-see.
Another spot worth visiting is Barrio Santa Fe. Located in the north of the city, this classy neighborhood is a hotspot for visitors who wish to enjoy a picturesque view, do some shopping, go to a movie theater or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.
Barrio Santa Fe houses multiple embassies and, through its architecture, distinguishes itself from other areas of the city.
Places to Avoid in Rosario
Due to the high crime rate in Rosario, it’s advised that you do your research before taking a trip here.
This means informing yourself ahead of time of the areas you should avoid.
For example, tourists and visitors should stay away from the slums.
Known by the locals as the “villas,” these have a negative reputation for their high rate of violent crime.
These villas are generally located outside the city, though one may come across them even close to the city center.
If you plan on visiting Rosario, there is one thing to understand – the dangerous places are scattered throughout the city.
Some areas – such as the villas – should be avoided at all costs.
Other areas, however, are moderately safe for travel during the day.
To be cautious, avoid going out past dusk, and venturing into unknown areas.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Rosario
- Avoid the villas at all costs: Located mainly on the outskirts of the city, the villas (or slums) are some of the most dangerous areas in and around Rosario. Mixing poverty with gangs and drug crime, the slums are a hotbed for criminal activity, and you should avoid them at all costs.
- Don’t carry valuables or large sums of money: While this may be a good tip when traveling to any new city, it is especially good when visiting Rosario. The residents of Rosario are no strangers to muggings, thefts and robberies, especially in the more dangerous parts of the city.
- Keep your car doors locked: Rosario has a high rate of muggings and robberies, and visitors can fall victim to these while stopped in traffic at a stop light. Always make sure that your windows are up, and your doors are locked when the car is stopped.
- Stay away from large crowds: Rosario’s petty crime (like theft) happens mainly in busy places; avoid crowds as much as possible.
- Remain skeptical of strangers: Rosario has a reputation for its high rate of scams. Avoid sharing personal information with strangers, and generally steer clear of people who look in need, as they may be trying to scam you.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Avoid going out alone, especially in unknown areas. Preferably, travel with someone who is familiar with the city and culture.
- Sign up for STEP: The U.S. Department of State advises visitors to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)” to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.”
- Plan according to your health needs: The water, food, and temperatures may be different from what you’re used to. Plan accordingly.
- Avoid taking any substances: As mentioned earlier, it’s imperative that you are aware of your surroundings at all times, which you can’t do unless you’re sober as a judge the entire trip.
- Hope for the best, prepare for the worst: Make sure you have the numbers for the local police, embassy, and consulate in your contacts; you may need them – let’s hope you don’t.
So... How Safe Is Rosario Really?
In short, Rosario is not a safe city for locals or visitors.
In fact, Argentina’s U.S. Embassy has designated this city a Level 2 (Exercise Increase Caution) warning.
Rosario’s growing crime rate has placed this city in the top 3 most dangerous cities in the country.
With a population of 1.3 million residents, Rosario’s homicide rate is five times higher than the national average, with 22 homicides per 100,000 people.
How Does Rosario Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Rosario | 32 |
| Cordoba | 61 |
| Buenos Aires | 60 |
| Puerto Iguazu | 73 |
| San Miguel de Tucuman | 32 |
| Salta | 54 |
| Neuquen | 58 |
| Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | 43 |
| Sofia (Bulgaria) | 73 |
| Siem Reap (Cambodia) | 63 |
| Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | 61 |
| Niagara Falls (Canada) | 87 |
| Calgary (Canada) | 82 |
Useful Information
Visas
U.S. visitors and tourists do not require a visa to visit Argentina as long as their trip does not extend 90 days. However, all international visitors are required to have a valid passport to travel to Argentina.
Currency
The currency in Rosario - and the rest of Argentina - is the Argentine Peso. One US dollar is worth 834.292 Argentine Pesos. Similarly, one Argentine Peso is worth 0.0012 U.S. dollars.
Weather
Located in the Southern Hemisphere, Argentina has multiple climates, from a temperate climate to a subpolar one. The coldest months in Rosario are June and July; the warmest months are January, February, and December. Rosario experiences its rainiest time of the year in January, February, October, November, and December.
Airports
Built only two decades ago, in 2003, the Rosario - Islas Malvinas International Airport offers local and international flights to and from the city. Most of the flights are between Rosario and Panama City, and most of the airlines that fly out of this airport are Aerolineas Argentinas and Gol Areos Ltda.
Travel Insurance
Although acquiring travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for traveling to Rosario, it's advisable that you do so, anyway. Ideally, opt for the type of insurance that covers unexpected medical expenses. As stated above, it's wise to hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
Rosario Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 31 | 30 | 28 | 24 | 21 | 17 | 17 | 19 | 22 | 25 | 28 | 30 |
| Low °C | 19 | 18 | 16 | 12 | 9 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 12 | 15 | 17 |
| High °F | 88 | 86 | 82 | 75 | 70 | 63 | 63 | 66 | 72 | 77 | 82 | 86 |
| Low °F | 66 | 64 | 61 | 54 | 48 | 41 | 41 | 43 | 46 | 54 | 59 | 63 |
Argentina - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Buenos Aires | 60 |
| Cordoba | 61 |
| La Plata | 68 |
| Mendoza | 68 |
| Neuquen | 58 |
| Puerto Iguazu | 73 |
| Puerto Madryn | 70 |
| Rosario | 32 |
| Salta | 54 |
| San Miguel de Tucuman | 32 |
| Ushuaia | 68 |
It's a little misleading
Rosarino right here. The city is not as bad as they tell you.
First of all, the erathquake stuff is bollocks, never heard of by any argentine in the litoral area. The only natural disaster that can happen is when the islands over the paraná river get on fire, not nice but neither a big deal.
mugging is not unheard of, nevertheless IT’S A LOT LESS THAN PEOPLE MAKE IT TO BE.
Petty crime is not uncommon but if you don’t flash your stuff in the middle of the street you are good to go.
AVOID ZONA SUR, SOUTH OF 27 DE FEBRERO AVENUE, WEST OF BOULEVARD AVELLANEDA AND NORTH OF THE ALTO ROSARIO SHOPPING.
In the touristic areas(specially between Boulevard Oroño and Pellegrini Avenue) is as safe if not more than anywhere in the country.