Is Rosario Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

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

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?

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

Argentina - Safety by City