Boys trip - Buenos Aires

[papasmurf]

Hi everyone - i and some buds (all americans) are spending a week in Buenos Aires starting this Tuesday. Was hoping to get some good insight on two things :

1) Is it safe to walk around with a Rolex on or should i just wear my Casio?

2) what are some good spots for sightseeing, eating, and boozing?

[LA_LEC]

Having just returned a few months ago from Buenos Aires I can tell you that is NOT safe at all to were a Rolex. I was there for 6 year living as an American expat and I saw many many tourists as well as natives attached and their Rolexes stolen. Please note that these thieves are professionals and you would never know them by looking at them.

They work in groups and can strike in seconds and then they are off on a waiting motorcycle. Totally robbery time about 10 seconds. Do not think it can not happen to you. Sitting at an outdoor cafe is the typical place I have witnessed these robberies.

You might visit and have no problems but no it is not safe overall to wear it out as you will stand out and make no mistake that there are a million eyes watching you as a tourist waiting for the right opportunity to strike.

[papasmurf]

Thanks La_Lec! these are great points and especially helpful as my group will definitely stand out as tourists. I will safely leave my rolex at home then.

some of us are single guys, so if anyone has suggestions on good bar and club scenes that would be helpful. no wife/gf on this trip.

[GerardoG]

Puerto Madero is always fun, great restaurants. I could eat daily at Las Lilas. Anywhere you go, prices for Malbecs will blow you away (wines that we buy in the US for $75us can be had for a little over $15us!)

[Watchdog]

Have a great time, but you're nuts if you risk wearing your Rolex and attracting unwanted attention.

[JasoninDenver]

I wore mine to Italy last summer as I am in the "insure it and forget it" camp.

I had the pleasure of an extended cab ride from Orvieto to Florence thanks to a rental car breakdown and the cab driver had a 16610 strapped to his right wrist. I asked him why and he said that he never drives in Florence with the watch on his left wrist as thefts of watches from the driver's window are commonplace.

You can get nabbed anywhere so I just wear it where ever common sense tells me it is okay. I prefer not to be in shady neighborhoods either at home or overseas.

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

I wore mine to Italy last summer as I am in the "insure it and forget it" camp.

I had the pleasure of an extended cab ride from Orvieto to Florence thanks to a rental car breakdown and the cab driver had a 16610 strapped to his right wrist. I asked him why and he said that he never drives in Florence with the watch on his left wrist as thefts of watches from the driver's window are commonplace.

You can get nabbed anywhere so I just wear it where ever common sense tells me it is okay. I prefer not to be in shady neighborhoods either at home or overseas.

There was a post long ago from a member explaining that they burn your hand | wrist with a cigarette . . . and gone is your watch in the commotion . . .

HAGOne

[kultschar]

I would never wear a Rolex in South America (I visit every year)

[luv2fly]

Never wear a Rolex anywhere in S America. Period. Enjoy it stateside and even here you need to be sensible. Go to Recoleta for cool night vibe. Safe. Relatively.