Violent crime in B.A. is not as frequent as it is in Rio. However, tourists are a prime target and particularly those wearing nice watches. Advice from an Argentine friend: Leave your watch and jewelry at home and buy a Swatch in the airport. The Alvear hotel staff has even been known to check the wrists of their patrons as they head out the door and recommended that they leave their Rolexes in a safe. Unfortunately, a number of friends who have not been warned or failed to heed the warning, have had their watches snatched off of them in daylight on the nicest avenues. It’s always wise not to carry your passports with you but just a credit card and some cash. Be especially alert in the La Boca area, where pickpockets and muggers are more brazen than in the rest of the city.

Petty crime exists and tourists who wear expensive watches or jewelry are prime targets. Buy a swatch at the airport and leave your jewelry home.

Even in top hotels, it’s wise to put everything (laptop included) in your hotel safe.

Meal times are much later than in the U.S. Lunch never begins before 1 p.m. and dinner before 9 p.m.; 10 p.m. is standard.

Because taxis are so easy to find and inexpensive (it costs between $3 and $8 to get just about anywhere), they are the best way to get around. But use only those cabs marked with the words RADIO TAXI, indicating a two-way radio that lets drivers take calls from a dispatcher.

Porteños are as passionate about their ice cream as they are about their beef, so you shouldn’t leave BA without sampling both. My pick for ice cream: the dulce de leche at Volta. Best steak: Cabanas las Lilias.