'Security of Americans in Argentina' Expat

Brad (63.176.159.58) -

This is what the U.S. Embassy says about security of Americans in Argentina.

What is the real story?

What are the real dangers?

Where are the safe places?

How much risk is there for expats?

Individuals and organizations with ties to extremist groups, including some known to provide financial support to designated foreign terrorist organizations, operate in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, in the tri-border area between Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. No operational terrorist activities have been detected in Argentina, however, and the governments of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay are engaged in a coordinated effort, supported by the U.S. Government, to combat illegal activity in that area. Americans crossing from Argentina into Paraguay or Brazil may wish to consult the most recent Consular Information Sheets for those countries.

In recent years, there have been a number of small bomb/incendiary incidents in metropolitan Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata, Santa Fe, and other cities. The bulk of the targets have been bank branches (ATMs), fast food restaurants, and Argentine government-affiliated offices. These incidents usually occurred in the middle of the night and appeared intended to cause only property damage. There has been no indication that these incidents were connected to international terrorism.

• travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1130.html

Comment #1 Sarah (67.175.135.147) -

I lived in Argentina for 6 months...during which there were the riots in Mar de Plata when Bush was in town. All told, everyone was wonderful, and I never had a problem with anyone. Generally felt safer from robbery and petty theft etc. than europe. Great experience!

Comment #2 John from Istanbul (Contact Member) -

I think you will find a big difference between those that "hate America" and those that "hate Americans".

That is as a traveller you will not usually have any trouble from those that "hate America".

Comment #3 Mark G from Hendersonville, TN (Contact Member) -

In my two trips to Argentina recently I have never once felt as thought I was in danger of being robbed or assaulted. I stayed about twp weeks each time while I was visiting my wife , who is Argentine, and her family. I was in Buenos Aires in the airports and bus stations and on the streets. Also was in Resistencia where my wife and her family are now. Of course I tok precautions, was careful. But I think also if you don't creat problems there won't be any in many circumstances. Everyone welcomed me there. I enjyed it and am looking forward to my next trip.

Comment #4 Brad B. (170.51.152.41) -

I've been in Mar del Plata for 4 months, and I have never had any kind of awkward situation. Almost everyone I meet is very cool and kind, especially with the cheek kissing. ;)

Comment #5 Dave Expat to Ph (63.176.159.113) -

The Best thing to do if you're an expat is always keep in touch to your families for your country. Don't try to vigilant about things around you. Always update yourself with current events especially with local news.

Comment #6 Akeem (63.176.159.111) -

I agree usually people who hate america, hate the president and his ways and choices of doing things, but they do not hold it against us as americans. Now, those who hate Anericans, stay as far away from them as you can!

Comment #7 jeannie (68.37.132.29) -

do you think Argentina will be overwhelmed with disillusioned Americans if McCain wins this election? please -- anyone with information about living in Argentina -- I would appreciate any info. Thank you

Comment #8 DanDan (63.176.159.91) -

I believe that Americans living in Argentina is safe unless they are not that cautious and careful about how they act in a foreign country. Advisory are just there to serve as guidelines but not a law to be completely be followed. As long as you are in harms way, a keen observer of the things and happenings around you and the country you're at you will be secure. The last thing you would do is insult a people's culture or God in a war-thorn country.

Comment #9 Lisa (63.176.159.155) -

I don't believe Argentina is anything that could be called a war torn country.... its problem stem from bad leadership. But it is a leadership based on bad economics not religion or dictatorial abuse.

You will find yourself treated like a PERSON there... regardless of what the locals think of American politics.

I find the Argentineans in Buenos Aires to be arrogant and stuck up too. You may find service in restaurants and hotels to be tourism friendly. It's not you, it's their culture. I would go to Brazil over Argentina any day... and since Argentina will start charging Americans US$130 to enter...you have no financial incentive to go there rather than Brazil (get your Brazil Visa BEFORE you leave the USA).

Comment #10 Danjake (63.176.159.233) -

What is the latest news regarding Argentinian politics? How about its tourism? I am researching on to what better tourist destination me and my family will go to next summer.

Comment #11 Courtney (63.176.159.119) -

I would also like to know more about Argentina. Does anyone know a good site to go and learn about this country. I need to do a research paper for school and would like to know a good website that offers a lot of facts.

Comment #12 Frits (63.176.159.118) -

All this discussion about Argentina and the issues of security and privacy. Why don't you just try or pick any country in Asia and maybe you have better luck than these barbaric South American countries. They are a part of South America but they hated the Northern American countries. funny isn't it. They are all Americans and they hated each other. The many enigmas of Americans and their sickening views and perspectives.

Comment #13 Blunt Hit (63.176.159.235) -

Couldn't agree with you any better Frits. I am an Indian studying here in the United States of America. Really funny on why the countries from the leaders of Southern American regions are trying to resist the imposed laws of UN and the United states of America. If I know any better they wanted to replace the name of their continent to something without any Americans on it. I believe there is a better peaceful retirement paradise out there and not in any the South American Regions.

Comment #14 Mel (68.238.104.106) -

I am planning a one week trip to Argentina in July and trying to learn as much as possible before I go. Most of my time will be in BA.

Comment #15 Friends of the Santa Ana River Trail (115.127.15.26) -

Explore California’s Santa Ana River Trail – A Bicycling Adventure

The Santa Ana River Trail spans over 120 miles through Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties in Southern California. The trail is one of the largest non-motorized social boulevards in the United States. It is utilized by school kids, workers, walkers, runners, bicyclists, horse riders, bird watchers and its parks and open spaces are social gathering places for kids, families and communities. It is a favorite bicycling route in California. The Santa Ana Rover Trail is paved with handicap accessibility. Along the Trail there are parking areas, picnic tables, restrooms and local restaurants.

• Friends of the Santa Ana River Trail

Comment #16 cwemoy (63.176.159.18) -

They say that if you can't beat them, join them. In this case, now that you cannot seem to beat the Americans, why not join them. All the same, if you cannot join them, leave them altogether.

Anyway, what sets US residets apart? Is it only in Argentina that they feel insecure?

Comment #17 Johan Beyers from Windhoek, Namibia (Contact Member) -

I sometimes wonder if it's not a question of paranoia with the citizens of the USA. When they leave the safety of the cocoon of "The Great American Way", it seems as if they become totally disorientated. They live in constant fear of being attacked, robbed or even bombed. They call the inhabitants of other countries arrogant if those people do not treat them as "God's gift to this earth", especially when they loudly demand to be served in American (no one can call it English). I believe that they'll die of hunger and thirst if there's no Mac Donalds or Coke anywhere to be found. And when they do not understand the culture of the people, they call them backward or uncivilized. Wake up, there is much more out there than just the United States of America.

Comment #18 moy (63.176.159.188) -

That is quite blunt but interesting to read at the same time John. There is a notion that makes the US residents insecure in any other part of the world that they do not call home.

However, I think it is unfair to subject all Americans to some kind of stereotype. We should just deal with people as individuals.

It is just akin to prosecuting offenders; you do not give blanket amnesty even though they are not found guilty. You deal with each one of them on their own.

Comment #19 Tom (173.190.150.83) -

The company I work for has an employee that lives in Argentina and he brought his family and sister in law to the US for a conference. It is apparent that outside of politics Americans, Argentinians and many of us that live in foreign lands live with and have many similarities.

We want to be successful in business and in taking care of our families. We want to be safe and secure in our homes and in our travels. We seek happiness for our families and we want to live in peace while enjoying a quality life. Our languages and cultural systems might be different but our aspirations and dreams are very much alike. We are all often afraid of differences but when we sit down together and we share our ideas and thoughts we soon learn that we are not that much different.

I enjoy working and socializing with my friend from Argentina and I especially enjoyed having our families get together. He will always be my friend and I will someday soon look forward to a trip to Argentina.

Comment #20 Alex (69.171.174.25) - 12/29/09 00:50

"Just a US guy, wanting to check out other Countries."

I don't know who it was that said the negative things about people from the US. What I would like you to know, is there are many places in the US, that are dangerous.

In fact, it's almost sure death, if you walk their at night. The fact that the US is fighting in wars, doesn't make us a bad nation. Do you think we like our young men and woman getting killed every day?

We all, or most of us have tears in our eyes when we see the faces of our new dead young people. Sure we could just pack it up and go home, then what??

It is very well known, millions would be killed by factions in those Nations, if we just leave. We are trying to secure or help the people secure their Nation before we go.

We, as a people hate war. If you would, please tell me, WHO is going to help the millions of people in Africa being killed right now?? South America is closer, heck, it's next to Europe.

Will you send over your sons and daughters to save them? O, I know, they have OIL and DIAMONDS their, we will go. No, if we go, it's to save those that can't protect them self's.

Has the US intention's always been good, I don't think so. Do most the people have good intentions, yes! I love all good people, and will protect them. In the US, it's a law, you must protect good people, from the bad. I do it, cause it's the way my family is.

Am I worried if it will be safe, where ever I go, heck ya. That also includes thousands of places in the US. I have found Latin people to be wonderful, my father spent his last 27 years working, trying to save the gang bangers around LA. Why, because that's just the kind of a man he is.

I have blond hair and blue eyes, so my dad, was pretty white, yet he chose to save mostly Latin, darker skinned people. Color or Nation has nothing to do with the hearts of men. All men should be treated the same, until they prove different yes?

You are no better then I, as I am no better then you. When we leave this earth, I believe we all will be judged according to our deeds here. Nations, creeds, colors, wealth, status, will mean nothing after this life is over. To me, here and now, it means nothing, I'm not a respector of persons. Good is good, and bad is bad.

Now, I would like to check out Argentina, cause I can't afford to live near a beach, and surf all the time in the US. Do you think there is a place for a guy like me their???

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