Argentina : Safety by City
- Buenos Aires
- Cordoba
- La Plata
- Mendoza
- Neuquen
- Puerto Iguazu
- Puerto Madryn
- Rosario
- Salta
- San Miguel de Tucuman
- Ushuaia
Ushuaia, Argentina just so happens to sit in one of the most unique spots on the planet.
If you’ve heard of this South American town, you probably know what it’s famous for.
Ushuaia is also known as the end of the world.
That’s because it’s the last place you’ll come across before hitting the end of the continent.
The only place that exists beyond the tip of Argentina is Antarctica.
So, if you ever plan on making that frigid and dangerous journey south, it’s likely that Ushuaia is the last stop before boarding a shop.
Aside from this being where adventure seekers come together to make a trek over icy waters, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.
Tourists can take a scenic train ride, tour a once-packed prison, or even see a glacier up close and personal.
But just how safe is it?
Warnings & Dangers in Ushuaia
OVERALL RISK: LOW
All topics considered, Ushuaia is a relatively safe place to travel. Crime is extremely low, weather can be planned around to a degree, and the water is drinkable. As a traveler, you should feel confident going and spending any amount of time at the end of the world.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
The biggest risk on public transportation in Ushuaia is the fares. It's a bit more expensive to get a taxi or hop on a bus here than in other parts of Argentina. As far as safety goes, there is no reason to assume there is anything to fear. There aren't reports of any violence or thievery going on while catching a ride.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Ushuaia is fortunate enough to have a very low level of petty crimes. If someone were to run into any type of trouble, it would be pickpocketing or purse snatching. While it's rare, it should still be noted.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
Ushuaia is at the very southern tip of Argentina. This is the last stop on the way to Antarctica, a dangerous trek in itself. Naturally, some of that danger comes to Ushuaia. For one, extreme weather can completely reroute an entire expedition. In recent years, the town was hit by a massive snowstorm. Other issues that can strike in Ushuaia or have consequences in other parts of the country are flooding, volcanic activity, earthquakes, landslides, drought, and even desertification.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
Similar to pickpocketing, mugging is something that happens in Ushuaia but rarely. There are enough police around to keep it from being a serious problem. Occurrences can take place in busy areas and crowds.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Thanks to being far from a big city, threats of terrorism are non-existent in Ushuaia. People come here to check out the scenery or prepare to depart for Antarctica. Coming here to make terroristic threats would not make a lot of sense. Not that any terrorism is logical, it just would be less so in Ushuaia.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Being far from a big city helps keep scammers at bay. There's not a whole lot going on outside Ushuaia and not a big population going in within. So, it would be hard for a stranger to be scammed and not be known to citizens or authorities.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Women are typically considered welcome and safe when they arrive. Crimes against women who call Ushuaia home are already almost non-existent. So, even women traveling solo should not be worried about encountering someone up to no good. As we'd always stated, no matter the area, it's always smart to stay hyper-vigilant nevertheless.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
Water can be a great risk anywhere you head. Fortunately, Argentina goes to great lengths to make drinking water a safe prospect. Locals and travelers alike can enjoy ordering water at a restaurant or drinking from the hotel in Ushuaia.
Safest Places to Visit in Ushuaia
Ushuaia has a population of 80,000 spread out over a narrow strip of land on Beagle Channel.
Crime is pretty unheard of.
So, we look to other factors.
The safest places in Ushuaia could be considered anything inland.
Coastal areas are more likely to cause problems than anywhere else.
Places to Avoid in Ushuaia
For a city that’s only nine square miles, there isn’t a whole lot to work with.
Luckily for residents and travelers alike, Ushuaia is a pretty safe place already.
So, there really aren’t any places specifically in the town that people need to avoid.
What you do need to avoid, though, is where dust has been raised.
After arriving, ask locals if there have been any pockets of bad weather left on the land that you should avoid.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Ushuaia
- Learn a Little. Before heading out to Argentina, consider the language. If you aren’t at least familiar with Spanish, it never hurts to pick some up. Sure, languages are hard and no one expects you to be fluent to take a trip. However, it takes very little time to learn a few common phrases that will be helpful when traveling. Even better, download a language app such as Google Translate. Having an app that works offline is best, you just never know what the reception is going to be like. Being able to pull out an instant translator can help those you are talking to as well as those trying to communicate with you. Keep a pad and paper on you with some phrases written down, too. Just like reception, you never know how long your charge will hold.
- Get Social. Ushuaia is isolated. That might have something to do with why it’s so safe in a country that isn’t always considered as such. Locals are exceptionally excited to welcome foreigners and world travelers to their town, regardless of the reason for visiting. Get out there, show your face, and try to chat with the citizens. The more people expect to see you, the more of a temporary network you’re creating. If something were to happen, there would be plenty of witnesses there to give descriptions of you and more.
- Stay Connected. Whether you’re a solo traveler or with a big group, it never hurts to stay connected to someone stationary. Pinpoint open or two people back home who are comfortable with technology. What you want to do is send them your location. As discussed, reception may not be fantastic while in Ushuaia. Hopefully, it won’t even be something you need, in the long run. However, in the unfortunate event that something did happen, those designated people would have your location. If not the location you were currently in, at least a trail of locations that have been pinged back to your account. Any info is helpful in a situation such as a disappearance would aid the authorities.
- Travel Light. This isn’t just in the amount of luggage you’re shuffling around. Travel light also refers to what you’re carrying. For example, if you have a bracelet full of bling, you probably should avoid showing it off. Leave any expensive items back home. They won’t do you any good on the road and are more likely to bring unwanted attention. If there are some items you can’t live without, do your best to leave them in your hotel room. While walking about, try to keep covered, so valuables are less likely to be spotted.
- Hire a Guide. If you have the room in your budget, you might want to consider a local to be with you as you go exploring. That can apply to staying just a couple of days or weeks. The beauty of having someone who speaks the language and is intimately familiar with the businesses and culture can only enrich your stay. It can also help you obtain great deals on souvenirs.
- Shop at the Airport. Goods vary from country to country. There are things in the airport that you can’t get after heading out to the hotel. Take a look around for things such as painkillers and snacks.
- Observe Business Hours. Just to be on the safe side, if you don’t need to be out at night, stay in. If there is going to be crime happening, that’s most likely when it would occur.
- Pocket Protector. Not the kind that protects pockets from exploding pens. We mean clear pockets you can put important info, such as passports and hotel keys. Typically, they are worn around the neck and can easily be hidden under a shirt.
- Plan Ahead. No matter what time of year Ushuaia is on the agenda, be sure to pull up current weather maps. Just because the average says nearly warm doesn’t mean it will be warm enough to walk around without a jacket. Cold doesn’t feel the same everywhere you go. Bring appropriate protective clothing, hats, gloves, and raincoats.
- Protect Gear. In the likely event you plan to bring electronic gear, keep them covered. Wind can be unpredictable, as can the rain. Don’t just bring your equipment, be sure to carry around covers so they won’t get damaged.
So... How Safe Is Ushuaia Really?
Ushuaia is considered safe for all types of travelers.
No one visiting should be worried about being a witness to or victim of any crime.
How Does Ushuaia Compare?
City | Safety Index |
---|---|
Ushuaia | 68 |
Cordoba | 61 |
Buenos Aires | 60 |
Puerto Iguazu | 73 |
San Miguel de Tucuman | 32 |
Salta | 54 |
Neuquen | 58 |
Brussels (Belgium) | 60 |
Shanghai (China) | 66 |
Belize City (Belize) | 37 |
La Paz (Bolivia) | 52 |
Sao Paulo (Brazil) | 45 |
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | 43 |
Useful Information
Visas
As long as you plan to keep your visit to Ushuaia under three months, a visa most likely won't be necessary. Of course, that means you will need to provide proof that the plan is to exit. Typically, a return flight that has already been purchased is sufficient. That is if your passport is from the US or most European nations. Have a passport from outside these areas? Contact the nearest Argentinian embassy or consulate for more info.
Currency
Don't let the $ confuse you. The currency used in Ushuaia is the Argentine Peso. They just so happen to use the same monetary symbol. Comparative rates are always in flux, so be sure to check exchange rates before departing.
Weather
Knowing what the year looks like temperature-wise can make a big difference in when you want to go. If rain is a problem, you might want to avoid what we consider summer in the Northern Hemisphere. That's winter in Argentina and the rainiest time of the year. Looking for sunnier days? Between December and March would be your best bet. The highs during this period are around 57° with lows at 40°F. Generally speaking, on average, the temperatures in Ushuaia do not typically go above 57° or below 30°.
Airports
The most direct way to fly to Ushuaia is Ushuaia International Airport. Located a mere 2.5 miles from the city center, UIA has been serving the province of Tierra del Fuego for almost 30 years. If you fly directly, it can be 18 hours or longer from the US. You can find cheaper airfare, and more breaks, by factoring in layovers. Flying in from Buenos Aires can add an extra Argentinian stop to your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not required to go to Argentina. However, there are just too many variables that could get in the way. You just never know what could happen on a trip. So, it would be wise to think ahead and get some insurance. It would also behoove you to shop around. Travel insurance in South America is often higher than in other places. Get the best deal by looking around well in advance.
Ushuaia Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
High °C | 14 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 |
Low °C | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | -1 | -1 | -1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
High °F | 57 | 57 | 54 | 48 | 45 | 39 | 39 | 43 | 46 | 50 | 54 | 55 |
Low °F | 41 | 41 | 39 | 36 | 34 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 34 | 36 | 37 | 41 |
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 |