BA Basics: Emergencies

In case you run into a sticky situation in Buenos Aires, here’s a quick guide to help with emergencies.

Crime
For criminal emergencies call 911 or 101, locate the local Comasaría (Police Station) or find a police officer that is walking the streets nearby. Many of the comasarías have an officer on staff that speaks basic English.

For a map and listing of comasarías:
Be sure to report the crime to the local police. Report any stolen credit or bank cards immediately to your credit card companies.

Medical
For medical emergencies call 911 or 107. There are several public hospitals located throughout the city that are free. The only drawback to these public institutions is that you may be waiting for a while. Many private hospitals have affordable prices for one time visits ($50 pesos, June 26, 2009), and have shorter waiting periods.
Swiss Medical Center: Avenida Pueyrredón 1441, near Pueyrredón and Santa Fe
Hospital Alemán: Avenida General Juan M. De Pueyrredon 1640/5 near Pueyrredon and Santa Fe
Hospital Britanico: Perdriel 74, near Avenida Santa Fe and 9 de Julio.
Hospital Italiano Gascón 450, in Almagro near the Medrano subway station

If you are staying in Buenos Aires for an extended period of time, you might consider buying health insurance. See Madi Lang’s article regarding health insurance in Argentina.

Diplomatic
If you lose your passport, find yourself in a legal conundrum or any other miscellaneous issue that your home country may need to help resolve, visit your country’s embassy. Remember, your home country’s government must be notified before any local prosecution takes place. Here’s a short list of embassies:

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