It’s no wonder that Buenos Aires vies with Rio de Janeiro for the title of ‘Party capital of Latin America.

‘In Buenos Aires clubs often don’t open until 12:00 a.m., don’t fill up until 3:00 a.m., and party nights can easily last until 7:00 a.m.

Travelers from sleepy towns where the pub closes at 11:00 p.m., or who aren’t even old enough to drink at home (the drinking age is 18 in Argentina, and even that is ignored) can easily get swept up in Buenos Aires-style marathon party nights that end with them headed home blurry-eyed — just as others are going to work.

Amateurs entering the Buenos Aires party scene are jumping into the deep end first.

For foreigners, women and men, it’s important to keep your wits as much as possible.

In the huge clubs and notorious pick-up joints of Buenos Aires — some of the Irish bars of the Retiro neighborhood jump to mind — women may receive unwanted random groping from young men who can’t handle their alcohol.

The best reaction is a firm reproach or even a yell, “No!’

This will attract attention and usually embarrass the man enough that he will desist.

In a quality establishment a man aggressively harassing women will be thrown out. Don’t be afraid to inform the bartender or bouncers if a man in a bar is seriously pestering you.

A Word About Drinking While Out on the Town

Most sexual crimes that occur in Argentina among foreign women involve alcohol.

Unfortunately, morality aside, the law of the jungle is: drunk woman alone=easy prey.

Staying relatively sober is one of the most important things a woman can do to keep on top of things and avoid getting into an ugly situation.

If you’re going to drink in excess, make sure you are with people who have your best interests in mind and won’t ditch you.

In Argentina, lone drunken foreigners, especially women, are extremely conspicuous in public at night on the street alone and will inevitably draw unwanted attention.

Although the time when Argentine women sipped one drink all night long seems to be ending sometimes (if money isn’t tight), it is rare to see an average middle-class single female here more than a little tipsy.

Being intoxicated and unfamiliar with the language and customs is a dangerous combination anywhere.

When in doubt, call a taxi or Ride share service like Uber to get home instead of using public transport.

Adulterated Drinks

If you are offered a drink, make sure it is handed to you by the bartender or cocktail waitress and not by the man who ordered it for you.

The alcohol is good quality, Argentina has not had cases where the alcohol sold is adulterated as in the cases in the Dominican Republic and Mexico.

But being ‘slipped a Mickey’ is used to be considered an urban myth in Buenos Aires, but it becoming increasingly common.

Area hospitals have reported a few isolated cases of patients who had been intoxicated without their knowledge by valium, the usual method in Buenos Aires or date rape drugs such as Rohypnol.

Perpatrators using scopolamine, also known as burundanga or Devil’s Breath to render victims unconcious for the purpose of theft is NOT common in Argentina as it is in Colombia.

Men are also vulnerable to this.

➡ See our page on the top Scams in Buenos Aires to learn about the Black Widow Scam (it’s more than a scam, it’s a serious crime that is unfortunately quite common.)

Club Drugs

The use of club drugs has surged in Argentina, particularly among young adults frequenting nightclubs and electronic dance music festivals.

While concerns about adulterated drugs exist everywhere, reports indicate that the presence of highly dangerous adulterants like fentanyl in club drugs is rare in Argentina.

This relative safety may be attributed to the local drug market dynamics and the nature of consumption within the club scene.

Be cautious of the purity and composition — talk to friends — these substances can vary significantly.

Dating Safety in Argentina

Ladies, keep cultural differences in mind on the dating scene.

Argentine men are superficially chivalrous and charming but can come on very strong.

Having your date briefly meet a couple of your friends, your housemate, or a family member before going out can do a lot to make sure they will be on their best behavior.

At the very least, let a friend know where you will be going and with whom.

In Argentina, inviting a man up to your apartment or hotel room after a date will be interpreted as a clear indication that you are ready and willing to take things further.

That’s not to say that he will force himself on you if you obviously resist advances, but keep in mind that cultural misunderstandings can create awkward situations.

Prevention is your best defense: choose your dates well and clearly state your limits and expectations before your date’s inner vampire arrives on the scene.

Sometimes they will take protest as a challenge and still be overly aggressive no matter what you do, especially if you reject advances.

If that is the case, just get away from him as soon as you can.

It’s a bad idea to invite a complete stranger to your home or hotel room in South America.

Traditionally, even Argentines who want to engage in casual relations, they don’t typically bring strangers home or go to their home but instead go to telos — hotels specifically designed for sex which are abundant throughout the country.

If you do invite a man or woman to your home or hotel, make sure you know him well enough to at least know where he lives or works.

Nightlife Safety Roundup

When enjoying the vibrant nightlife in Argentina, particularly in cities like Buenos Aires, safety is always number one!

While the atmosphere is lively and welcoming, it is crucial to remain vigilant.

Be mindful of your belongings; keep valuables hidden and close to your body to deter pickpockets. (Clothes with inside pockets are a life-savers –> see our What to Pack List for suggestions).

Opt to travel in groups, especially late at night, and avoid poorly lit or isolated areas going home

If you find yourself feeling uneasy at a party, gather around others, or ask the staff for help if someone is bothering you.

Additionally, when consuming alcohol, stay aware of your surroundings and ensure that drinks are received directly from bartenders to avoid any tampering. With a bit of precaution you can dive into the exhilarating nightlife that Argentina has to offer while minimizing risks.

Remember you can always call 911 or head to any public hospital if in trouble.