14 Of The Safest Countries in Africa

A lot of people assume that the continent of Africa is unsafe. This has mainly been caused by false and bias portrayal by the media. When the average person hears of Africa, they automatically think of the worst, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. We have been to many countries in Africa and each country has its own unique gift and vibe and we have never had our lives in danger at any moment. We have even extended our stays in some of these countries because we were simply having too much fun. We believe that every single place on Earth should be visited at least once and it would be unfair to miss out on experiencing the beautiful continent of Africa. 

In recent years, Africa’s profile has been steadily rising due to the big media push surrounding Ghana’s Year of Return. This has put Africa on people’s radar as another destination to explore. For many, visiting anywhere in Africa will be a first-time experience so we decided to write a full list of the 20 safest countries in Africa. This list will highlight the places to see, what to expect and places to stay if you are a tourist visiting for the first time.

1. Rwanda

Rwanda is by far the safest country in Africa. The vibe of the country is very relaxed. If you want to travel solo to an African country. You have to start by visiting Rwanda. The crime rate is so low. According to the Gallup Global Law and Order Report, Rwanda is ranked as the 11th safest country in the entire World since 2017. In addition to this, the people are so warm and welcoming.

The place to visit in Rwanda is the city of Kigali. The city is very beautiful and a great display of African modernity. While you are in the city, we suggest you should visit the Genocide Memorial, the Inema Arts center, the Grand Presidential Palace, and many more. You will get a strong sense of the countri’s past, present, and future.

The nightlife in Kigali is unforgettable, there are many bars and clubs playing live music. There is always an event every night. For a night to remember, visit Iriba Bar, Pili Pili, K Club. The atmosphere, the drinks, the music, and the food will make you want to visit Rwanda every year. 

In terms of where to stay in Kigali. Definitely stay Kigali Serena Hotel. There are also some beautiful boutique hotels you can stay in such as the Heaven Boutique Hotel.

If you love to shop. You should visit the Kigali Cultural Village. There are so many stalls selling everything from clothing to art to food. The atmosphere is truly an unforgettable experience. I’m sure you will find something that catches our eye that will be the perfect gift for yourself or someone else.

One tip to note is that on the final Saturday of every month is Umuganda. It is basically a day of nationwide community service. So everyone does their part for the community by cleaning the streets and helping out with other general stuff. During this time a lot of places are closed or have limited opening hours. So be aware of this day when you are booking your flight and hotel. 

2. Botswana

Botswana has amazing political stability. As a result of this stability, it has led to a very low crime rate in the country.

One of the most exciting things about this country is the Wildlife. You will be immersed in the natural world so quickly. It feels like you are in another World. Kalahari Desert and many other areas offer epic views that have you photographic every single moment of your trip. There are other parts such as Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park.

There is so much diversity in terrain. If you enjoy outdoor activities a trip to Botswana is much needed as there is a wide range of outdoor activities, you can get involved in. One of the things you have to experience is the Moremi safari so you can have an opportunity to see the Big 5 which are the rhino, elephant, lion, leopard, and buffalo.

Botswana is one of the friendliest and safest African countries and I am sure you will enjoy it thoroughly.

3. Mauritius

The beaches in Mauritius are absolutely beautiful. It is very safe and is known to have some of the most beautiful beaches in the World. There is also plenty of opportunities to see different varieties of wildlife. There are also opportunities to go hiking. The terrain of the country is made of mountains and dunes. It’s perfect if you like to be at one with nature while going on a hike.

In terms of where to, we recommend you stay in Balaclava. When it comes to which accommodation to choose, the best places to stay in Mauritius is Maradive Resort and Spa, Degrees Sud, The St Regis Mauritius Resort. Mauritius has many instagrammable boutique hotels that will make any guest feel like they are the King or Queen of The World.

When it comes to partying, the best place to party is in Grand Baie. There are so many cool beach parties with world-class DJ’s to enjoy. There are also many beach bars, sports bars, and clubs to choose from to ensure you have an epic night every night.

4. Seychelles

 Seychelles is absolutely stunning. It is located off the east coast of Kenya. It is made up of over 115 islands. Seychelles is mostly pretty safe. Most people that go and visit actually experience no problems. However, you still should remain very vigilant and don’t create opportunities to attract petty thieves. Just in case, it is advised to carry your High Spirit Anti-Theft Backpack to prevent any pickpockets from taking your most valuable items.

 Seychelles has a wide range of accommodations to suit any taste. The best places to stay in Seychelles are Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue.

These places are very tourist-friendly and have many bars and clubs so you can fully experience the Seychelles nightlife without holding back.

 In terms of getting around, you can island hop by using the island’s reliable ferries.

5. Ethiopia

 Ethiopia is extremely safe. Violent and Non-violent crimes are very rare. However, you have to still be vigilant of petty crime or pickpockets. It is important to have your anti-theft bag or High Spirit Bag with you to ensure your stuff is safe and secure while you travel.

 In terms of accommodation, hotels in Addis Ababa are really cheap. One of the places to stay in is Biruk Bed and Breakfast in Bole, which is an upscale neighborhood in the city. Also, you can consider staying in The Sheraton Addis. It’s a huge luxury hotel and will give you the experience of living like a celebrity for the entirety of your trip.

When it comes to the nightlife in Addis. It is second to none. All the best clubs and bars are in Belo or in Piazza. Due to the proximity, it makes it a little easier to bar hop and get a full taste of the Ethiopian nightlife.

6. Zambia

 Zambia is generally very safe. As with anywhere in the World, it is still important to still be vigilant especially in large cities.

 Lusaka is the capital of Zambia and there are loads of bars and clubs to get your boogie on. There are a few places we would like to recommend that will enable you to have an unforgettable night. We suggest you visit the Alpha Bar. There is always something exciting happening there. It is definitely worth checking out. Lusaka is a buzzing city, so we are sure that you will find some cool bars and clubs to have a good time.

 In Zambia, it is best to stay in a hotel that gives you easy access to different places in the city. Hotels like the Neelkanth Sarovar Premier and The Hilton Garden Inn are great suggestions for places to stay in Lusaka, Zambia. Their service and location are fantastic elements to ensure you have a wonderful time in Zambia.

7. Ghana

 Ghana is currently number 44 on the Global Peace Index. This is a huge indicator of how safe the country is and how modern and forward-looking the country is.

I remember being in Accra, which is the capital city of Ghana walking at night and it felt so safe. I didn’t feel unsafe for one second. Everyone is focused on their own thing and really welcoming and friendly.

 If it is your first-ever trip to Africa. We would suggest you visit Ghana first to get an experience of how great African cities and societies function. They say that Ghana is Africa for beginners. Once you have visited Ghana it will set the precedent of what you can expect when you visit other countries in Africa.

 For a number of years, the country has had great political stability and it is currently going through a transformation where it is opening itself more to the World. Which is a very exciting opportunity for the country and its people. As mentioned before, one of the things I loved about Ghana was how friendly and peaceful the people were.

 In terms of the nightlife. It is absolutely epic. There are so many bars, clubs, and restaurants in Accra, especially on Oxford Street in the Osu area. The vibe of the city feels positive, energetic and you feel very safe and secure.

 Places to stay are in Osu, Oxford Street, or East Legon. These are great locations as you will be in the center of the action and buzz in the city. Also, there is easy access to upscale bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to sink your teeth into.

8. Swaziland

 Swaziland is very safe. Swaziland actually has a low population. It currently only has over 1 million people in the country. The people are very friendly and welcoming.

 In terms of where to stay, you can stay at the Summerfield Botanical Garden or Mountain Inn. These are places where you will be embraced by the natural beauty of Swaziland.

 The nightlife is mainly in Ezulwini and Mbabane. There is live music, bars, restaurants. There are many places that give you the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere, culture, and the positive vibes of the country. 

9. Senegal

 Senegal is politically stable. As with anywhere in the World crime is usually a petty crime, which is mostly made up of pickpocketing. It is still important to take the necessary precautions and carry your anti-theft backpack with you, so you do not become an easy victim. But according to our experience, crimes against tourists are very rare.

 Senegalese are very positive and welcoming people. They are also very keen to share their culture with you. They treat people, especially tourists with respect, and are willing to go over and beyond to ensure you have a positive experience in their country.

 As you visit Senegal. We suggest you stay in the capital, Dakar. In the city, there is so much to do and you will get a full offering of the country’s vibrant culture and its people.

 In terms of places to stay. We would suggest staying in the Radisson Blue hotel. It is absolutely beautiful. The décor of the hotel is truly amazing and inspiring. It’s got an infinity pool, which gives you a beautiful view of the ocean. The rooms are state of the art and very modern. If you decide to stay there, you will definitely have a splendid time. If you want to stay in a boutique hotel. There are plenty of gorgeous boutique hotels that offer an elegant and vibrant experience. Boutique hotels such as The Djoloff Hotel and The La Residence Dakar are great choices for a unique and beautiful experience.

 The Senegalese love to party. The nightlife in Dakar is absolutely brilliant. There are so many bars to choose from. There is literally a bar or a club to suit every taste. If you decide to go on a night out in Dakar, check out Le Phare des Mamelles. The view in that bar is outstanding. Also, check out Le Patio. There is nothing more to say except that you will definitely have a night to remember there! 

10. The Gambia

 The Gambia is the smallest country on the African continent. It’s nickname is ‘The Smiling Coast of Africa.’ It is a very fitting nickname as The Gambia is actually one of the safest countries on the African continent. For tourists (travelling in groups or solo travellers) it is totally safe to travel around and it is trouble free. However, it is still important to take the necessary precautions because The Gambia does have a small issue with pickpockets. But if you remain aware of your surroundings or wear your anti-theft backpack in crowded areas you will be fine.

 In terms of where to stay. We would suggest you stay anywhere on the Senegambia strip as there are a lot of hotels, bars and restaurants. It is pretty busy, so we are sure you will be able to find some cool places to be entertained and get your groove on. We suggest staying at the Woodpecker resort or the Ocean Bay Hotel and Resort. A lot of the hotels in Banjul are pretty nice, so definitely find one that will give you then best deal.

 When it comes to the nightlife in The Gambia. A lot of the nightlife is mostly concentrated in Serrekunda, in the resort town of Kaloli. There are also plenty of wonderful bars and clubs in the township of Kotu to chack out as well.

 11. Malawi

 Malawi is a landlocked country. It is bordered by Zambia, Mozambique, and Tanzania. It is nicknamed as the ‘Warm Heart of Africa.’ It is very safe and is very popular amongst solo travellers. According to its history. It has never had a civil war. Which is very rare in the continent of Africa. In comparison to the region and its neighbouring countries, the crime rate is very low. According to the World Economic Forum Malawi is said to be one of the safest countries in Africa. However, as I keep mentioning. It is still important to take the necessary precautions to protect your belongings, just in case. There is nowhere on the planet that has no crime of pickpockets. So, it’s crucial to still be aware wherever you are in the World. 

If you are thinking of where to stay in Malawi. If you are staying in the capital city of Lilongwe. We suggest you stay at Latitude 13 degrees. The hotel is simply gorgeous. If you want to experience beachside luxury during your trip, definitely check out Kaya Mawa. It Is located on Likoma Island.

When it comes to nightlife, it has little bars and clubs that will satisfy the typical party animal. But it is very modest. However, there is an abundance of dancing displays and live music events that will be provided by the hotel or nearby bars in the area. 

12. Uganda

 Uganda is a very safe, secure, and politically stable country. According to the Government, there has been an increase in police on the streets. This has proved to be very effective as it has caused crime to be reduced by over 50% especially in the city of Kampala. The efforts in increasing police response and ensuring there is no civil unrest has solidified Uganda as a safe haven for group tourists and solo travellers from around the World.

 When it comes to choosing accommodation for your trip. Kampala has a wide range of luxury hotels and stylish boutiques to choose from. One luxury hotel that made a positive lasting impression on us was the Kampala Serena Hotel. The rooms are so beautiful and elegant. It has restaurants in the hotel that serve the most delicious meals. Definitely try some Ugandan cuisine and also try some authentic Ugandan coffee. It tastes like heaven. That is the best way I can describe it. There are other hotels such as the Kabira Country Club that also provide you with a luxurious African experience during your stay.

 Kampala’s nightlife is very well known amongst other African’s living in the continent. It is known that people from all over Africa travel to Uganda to experience Kampala’s wonderful nightlife. The clubs actually don’t close at 3 am, they are open till the next morning. Speaking from personal experience, the only times I have ever partied from night until in the morning (like 10 am in the morning) has been in Africa. African’s definitely know how to party. Especially Ugandans. If you are looking for some cool spots in Kampala to let your hair down. Definitely visit Hollywood in Kampala, also check out Guvnor. There are so many little bars and clubs where you can easily club hop and make your night one to remember

 13. Madagascar

 Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the World. Madagascar is a truly unique and beautiful island. The overall crime rate in the country is low so it is considered safe to travel to. If you are the type of traveller that likes an adventure Madagascar is the perfect destination. It has the World’s most unique biodiversity. During your visit, you will definitely see some rare plants and animals. In addition, the people are so friendly and kind. A trip to Madagascar will be a life-changing trip.

If you are looking for a place to stay in Madagascar. We suggest you stay in the North-Eastern part of the island, such as Nosy Boraha. Hotels such as Les Lemuriens and Samaria Lodge are great choices to have a unique and pleasant stay in Madagascar.

 When it comes to the nightlife. You should check out Taxi Be and Le point d'exclamation. They are both in the capital of Antananarivo. There are also loads of bars and clubs you can enjoy. There are also a lot of great spots for live music if you want a more immersive experience.

 14. South Africa

South Africa overall is very safe to travel to and explore. The country has so much natural beauty. There are many big cities within South Africa such as Johannesburg, Capetown, Durban, and many others that offer something different and special. There are some bits of petty crime such as pickpockets but as long as you have your anti-theft backpack with you and you keep your belongings close you will be fine. No country on Earth Is perfect and to expect perfection in a country is totally unrealistic. Another thing to be aware of is that tourist hotspots are controlled and protected by the authorities, so you will feel safe and secure during your trip.

South Africa is a very large country. It is the 9th biggest country in Africa. So when it comes to choosing a place to stay you will be spoiled for choice. If you are staying in Capetown, you may want to consider staying in the Atlantic View Capetown Boutique Hotel or Raddison Blu Waterfront. If you are staying in Johannesburg, you may want to consider staying at the Munro Boutique Hotel or Villa Simmone Hotel. If you are staying in Durban, you may want to consider staying at the Hilton Durban. Ensure you stay at a hotel with great customer service and great security. That is super important.

 South Africa has so much variety when it comes to the nightlife. There are so many clubs and bars in Capetown. In Capetown, there is an area called Long street, which has a lot of bars, clubs, and restaurants. Johannesburg has Rosebank and Durban has a lot of jazz clubs. There is something for everybody in these cities.

 Visiting Africa will be a unique experience. It will be like nothing you have experienced before. So, when you travel to any of the African countries, remember to immerse yourself in the culture, the vibe, and the activities. It will definitely make a positive impact on your life.

How to avoid pickpockets in Prague

Prague is known for its breathtaking sunsets, eerie cathedrals, and medieval buildings. However, all that it offers its visitors are quickly maligned by pickpocketing. According to many travel publications, the city of Prague always comes top of the list as the most pickpocketed city in Europe. If you are considering visiting Prague it is important to be aware of the potential risks you may be exposing yourself to. I have been to Prague numerous times and I have had a lot of incidents where pickpockets have tried to steal from me unknowingly, but luckily they haven’t succeeded. It is a problem especially during the months when tourist visits are very high and there are large crowds of tourists everywhere in the city.

 Despite all this, it is still a beautiful city to visit and experience the culture. In this blog post, I will list out the things you need to do in order to avoid pickpockets in Prague, Czech Republic. These are tips and tricks to guide you. These tips and tricks are the things I learned organically from my trips to Prague and I had to learn by trial and error. Luckily, you don’t have to learn by trial and error. These tips and tricks will ensure you stay safe, protect your belongings, and stay self-aware during your trip. If you implement these tips you can pretty much roam around the city, experience its culture, and take in all its wonders without any worry or paranoia.

But first,

Where do visitors lose their valuables the most?

I found from personal experience and conversations with people in the travel and tourism community that most of them lost their belongings at main tourist attractions. This is actually the best opportunity for pickpockets to strike because the unsuspecting tourist is most likely going to be in a crowd and will completely be distracted by a tourist attraction. For example, the tourist might be trying to take pictures of the tourist attraction and their focus may not be on protecting their belongings. This can make them an easy target and that’s why pickpocket incidents mostly happen at major tourist attractions.

So, when you are viewing the Prague Astronomical Clock, Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, or Wenceslas Square, always be vigilant and aware of potential pickpockets around you. Also, know that these areas are not the only ones where you’d see pickpockets. Try to avoid any large gatherings and crowds. If you find yourself in a crowd, make sure you are fully aware of where your belongings are so you are not easily caught off guard.

Tips to avoid pickpockets

1.   Do not let your guard down.

Always stay alert. Of course, you cannot keep an eye on everyone at the same time. You also have to enjoy your time. Having too much paranoia about potential pickpockets may rob you of being in the moment and enjoying your vacation. Just be aware of what’s going on around you. Or at least pretend to know where you are going. Pickpockets are deterred by that expression. They rarely target the tourist that walks with a sense of purpose. They usually target tourists that are wide-eyed and walking around aimlessly. Pickpockets always watch and assess their victims before making a move. Do not allow yourself to be a potential target.

 

2.   Don’t be overconfident and too care free.

Remember that pickpockets have been stealing for far too long. So they can easily assess and judge an unaware tourist that is too care-free. Try not to bring too much attention to yourself. This is especially true of you are travelling alone.

3.   Always be specific in what you carry around with you.

Do some calculations before leaving your hotel room. Calculate how much money you’d need for the day or even if you need to take out your cards and tech gadgets or not. This way, you could save yourself from a pickpocket having access to too much stuff. Being a victim of pickpocketing is devastating especially if they steal your most valuable items. This can ruin your holiday or knock you off balance, especially if you are using your smartphone or laptop to explore and research on things to do in the city. When we visit a new country or city. We are very reliant on our technological devices for directions, language translations, and timings. Having any of these things stolen can pretty much end a whole trip. So it is important to take stock of the things you are taking with you before you go out to explore the city. Be aware of which items are high value and low value and decide from there. If you are worried about taking your expensive smartphone with you. You can consider carrying a cheap smartphone or a sim free basic phone for under £15 . So you can reduce the potential risk of losing a high-value item during your trip.

 

4.   Do not pick anything up from the ground, even if it’s a $100 dollar bill.

Pickpockets do a number of tricks and strategies to catch their victims off guard. One of their most effective tricks is to glue valuable items to the ground, hoping an unsuspecting tourist will pick it up. The minute that tourist picks it up. They expose themselves as the perfect target and this is when a pickpocket or a group of pickpockets will steal from that person. Also, another thing about this tactic is that when you stoop down to pick the item up, it gives them a better view of your pockets. So if they spot your wallet, purse, or phone they will directly go for it without you suspecting anything. This is a very common trick that pickpockets do, so keep this in the back of your mind if you happen to see a $100 dollar note on the ground. Don’t fall for their trap.

Please note that pickpockets’ tricks and tactics are always evolving in order to catch more victims. The best thing to do is to avoid anything that is out of the ordinary that may falsely require your attention.

5.   Always make sure you are distracted less by anyone around you.

As mentioned before, pickpockets are very intentional with their tricks and tactics in order to steal from you. Another trick that pickpockets do is that they will spill something on you to divert and hold your attention. As we all know, when something spills on us, all we care about is the stain and getting it off our clothes. We are single-mindedly focused on getting rid of the stain. This single-minded focus, they use it to capture our attention so they can easily steal from the tourist. Whenever this happens (intentionally or unintentionally), just say it’s okay and move along swiftly. Do not try to respond to their conversational tactics.

Please note, these tactics are carefully orchestrated. So if this happens to you, ensure you get out of the situation as quickly as you can.

6.   There are plenty of money exchangers on the streets of Prague. Do not use them.

They are the hubs of scams. Instead, use well-known and assigned cash exchangers to save yourself from being ripped off.

7.   Always carry your money close to your waist.

If you have to carry large sums of money with you. To ensure you have it protected, you can put your money in a stylish anti-theft backpack that has loads of inner zipped pockets. This will allow for easy access when you want to make purchases. Also, make sure you buy one that is made out of thick leather so pickpockets will be unable to cut through the material. This will help in keeping the pickpocket away from your stuff as you travel.

8.   Distribute your money.

Another thing you could do is distribute your money. So what you can do is put some money in your pocket, some in your bag, some in your wallet or inside jacket pocket. So that if a pickpocket steals anything at least it is not the bulk of your belongings. It is just another strategy to mitigate and spread any potential losses. When you enter crowded places, put your hands in your pocket so you create a blockage of entry so pickpockets will be unable to reach into your pockets. Pickpockets are very skilled, so by blocking any entry to your pockets, it destroys all of their attempts at stealing from you. Most of the time pickpockets are non-confrontational in their attempts to steal from you, so the likelihood of anyone using any force to remove your hands from your pockets is very slim.

9.   Carry a fake wallet.

If you want to play the pickpockets at their own game. Carry an empty wallet.

10. Separate your bills into their respective categories and keep change in one place.

Make a mental note of where each category is placed and take out cash from them according to the purchase you’re making. This enables you to stay organised while you are making purchases. This is so you don’t lose track of your spending. Sometimes, vendors may give you the wrong change or you may overpay for something and the seller will refuse to alert you. Make sure you can record your purchases in your notes so you can easily categorise them. If you find you are spending more money on one thing (for example food). Whenever you go out, keep your food money safe and spend that amount so you don't have to worry about your food money getting stolen.

Prague is a beautiful city full of amazing food, culture, and people. Don’t let this guide cause you restrain yourself due to fear of pickpockets. Just use it as a resource so you stay aware so nothing catches you by surprise.

How to Avoid Pickpockets In Buenos Aires

When travelling alone or in a big city. There is always the threat of pick-pocketing ruining your whole day or your whole holiday. Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital city is known to have an ongoing issue with pickpockets. Buenos is a huge city. It has a population of over 2.9 million people.  According to government travel advice websites, there are frequent warnings of petty street crime being a common occurrence in the city. In a bustling city like Buenos Aires where your sense will be overstimulated, a petty street crime such as pickpocketing can happen in the blink of an eye. Especially when your guard is down.       

If data is to be believed, the majority of tourists who have been to the city have been robbed at least once or experienced a close shave where it could have been a totally different ending. The most shocking part is that thieves in Buenos Aries are plentiful and they are unbelievably good at their role of stealing.

Being aware of these facts will enable you to be vigilant and to quickly recognise and avoid any situation that may be detrimental to your safety.

Pick-pockets in Buenos Aires take advantage of the bustling nature of the city and use it to successfully operate in crowded areas such as markets, buses, and trains. These places are perfect places for pickpockets to strike and steal from someone without them even realising. Just to give you an insight into their pickpocketing techniques. Most of the time they carry a jacket or a newspaper with them so that they can cover one arm and conceal what they are doing to others. This gives you an insight into how quick and effective they are if you do not take the necessary steps to protect yourself.

A lot of people think that they will never get their stuff stolen. But it usually happens to those that never saw it coming. Unfortunately, those type of people are the perfect targets for pickpockets. When travelling to a new city or new country. It is very easy to be distracted and for your attention to be diverted elsewhere. But it is important to have in the back of your mind that pickpockets may be zoning in on you. We have been travelling for a number of years and we have been victim of pickpockets ourselves so we wanted to share with you the top tips that have helped us stay safe and keep our belonging safe and protected from pickpockets in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

If you are preparing to travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina very soon or thinking of going. Make sure you take some notes from this article as I believe the tips here will save you and your possessions and prevent you from being a victim of pickpocketing or tourism fraud out there. Below are the tips. Enjoy:-

1) Speak Out Loud

It’s a useful practice of taxi drivers in the city to change the bill denomination you give them for instance 100 bills would be claimed as a 10 bill or a 50 to be 5 bill. To avoid such kind of scenarios either you can speak out loud the amount you give to the driver or try to give the exact amount.

If the driver is stubborn, call the police for assistance.

2) Don’t Seek Strangers’ Help

In case anyone approaches you offering help, or giving you some lucrative offers, deny instantly and stay away from them. If the person seems innocent, maintain distance while communicating with strangers here. 

Also, make sure you apply this rule of avoiding strangers to anyone because pickpockets are known to use children to steal from tourists.  A lot of people assume that pickpockets are mostly young men, but pickpockets can also be the elderly, women, and children. Although children are cute and endearing, don’t fall for this strategy because pickpockets are well aware of pulling the right heartstrings in order to make the tourist not vigilant in their behavior.     

It is a very powerful strategy used often by pickpockets to hijack your attention through emotion and once they have your attention, you will hardly notice that they are stealing from you.

If you do need help for directions or anything like that, make sure to ask someone in a shop, a tour guide, hotel, or information point and they will be able to point you in the right direction.

In summary. If you do not know them and they approach you for anything, just ignore and keep walking, because the minute you engage, that is the same minute you will find yourself in a pickpockets trap.  

3) Avoid Bumping Into People

In order for a pick-pocket to be successful, they have to be in very close proximity to you. It is a crime that is up close and personal. It cannot be done from a distance. So in order to steal from you, they will do everything and anything to get very close to you even if it is for a second because that’s how much little time they need to successfully steal from you. In order to get close to you to steal they will often bump into their target. Sometimes, it will be done multiple times to a target from different people so it doesn’t cause any suspicion. This strategy is effective in very crowded areas and train stations as this activity can happen often and very quickly.

If you find yourself approaching a very crowded bar, restaurant or area be attentive because people intentionally bump into you so they can steal from you. If you are carrying things with you make sure to put your stuff in a sturdy anti-theft bag so you can walk freely in crowded areas without worrying about getting your stuff stolen. The anti-theft bag’s design makes it impossible for pickpockets to gain access so even if you get bumped into, their efforts of trying to steal from you will fail.

4) Don't Use Cell Phones on the Street While Walking

It is advisable to avoid using a cell phone on the street because you will be an easy target for the criminal locals of the city. If you are not careful, they will simply grab it and run away into narrow streets. Even if you decide to run after them, you will lose track of them as they will know their area a lot better than you. So to prevent it from happening in the first place, try to take a call in a safe place such as a hotel or restaurant. Also, a lot of pickpockets are now using a technique where the pickpocket speeds on a motorbike and takes your phone out of your hand and speeds off where you will have no hopes of catching them. This is very common not just in Buenos Aires, but in other major cities around the World. This is because pickpockets are well aware that most people are addicted to their phones will be caught off guard when someone grabs their phone. To protect yourself, make sure you don’t take calls in public and also don’t walk around with your phone. These are very simple tips, but you would be so surprised the at the number of travellers that walk around with their phones out unknowingly advertising it to thieves.

Keep your phone secure and hidden as much as you can and only take it out if you believe it is safe to do so.

5) Distribute Your Money in Your Apparels

While traveling in a crowded place make sure to carry your anti-theft backpack. This will enable you to get rid of any paranoia or worry when you go into very crowded areas in Buenos Aires. The High Spirit anti-theft bag actually gives you peace of mind. You will be safe in the knowledge that no pickpocket (it doesn’t matter how skilled they may be) can gain access to your bag. By having your anti-theft bag with you it gives you a central point at which you can get your stuff in an organised and secure way.

If you want to further ensure that your belongings are safe, you can spread your money into different pockets in your bag, jeans, or top. You can be as creative as you want with your storage options. You may want to use every single pocket available to you, so if someone does steal from your pocket. At least they haven’t taken all of your money in one go.

You can take it a step further and use the same strategy in storing your belongings in your hotel or hostel room. Try not to put all your valuables in one place. Distribute its storage to give yourself peace of mind.

Another tip to outsmart pickpockets is to chain your wallet with a belt loop or carry an empty wallet with a minimal amount of cash or coins. You want to think one-step ahead of pickpockets in order to ensure that they don’t succeed in trying to steal from you.

6) Be Extra Careful At Café Bars

Even though the cafe’s in Buenos Aires is quite safe, thieves in the city may still target areas and establishments where tourists will be relaxing. Usually, tourists will be distracted by eating, drinking, and surfing the internet and their guard may be down. This temporary loss in vigilance will make it the perfect opportunity for a pickpocket to grab your laptop, phone, or iPad and runoff. This happens mostly due to the fact that the target has been watched from the moment they entered. In most cases, the thief will be watching from a discreet distance. Make sure you keep your handbag or backpack in your lap or in between your legs so it won’t be easy for them to grab. Alternatively, you can clip the strap with something under the table or table leg to remove any chance of a grab and run event happening to you.     

Also, avoid sitting outside the cafe, and while sitting inside choose a quiet corner so that it is hard to snatch and runoff.    

Final Piece of Advice

The best way to keep your belongings safe in this city is to carry minimal things while on a sightseeing spree. Don’t carry too much cash, credit cards, or ID’s when leaving your accommodation. Only take the necessary things with you as you explore the city. If you have to carry these things with you, such as your camera, or phone, laptop, etc. Make sure to carry it in your anti-theft bag as it will give you that peace of mind so you can truly enjoy your vacation without feeling like you will be a victim of pickpocketing.

In addition, feel free to print out this blog article and carry it with you to remind yourself while you are in Buenos Aires. We hope you apply our tips and advice. Buenos Aires is truly a beautiful city with so much to offer. We want you to protect yourself so you can enjoy the city to the fullest.