Chile stretches 4,300 km along South America's Pacific coast, offering stunning diversity from the Atacama Desert in the north to Patagonian glaciers in the south. Experience world-class wine regions, vibrant cities like Santiago and Valparaíso, and breathtaking natural wonders including Torres del Paine National Park.
Chile is one of South America's safest countries for travellers. Santiago is generally safe in tourist neighbourhoods with normal urban precautions. Major risks are petty theft and taxi overcharging rather than violent crime.
Current safety advisory
Low
Exercise normal security precautions. Be alert in crowded areas, use official taxis or rideshare apps, and register with your embassy. Occasional social protests occur in Santiago — avoid large demonstrations.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions
Exercise normal precautions in Chile with increased caution in certain neighbourhoods of Santiago
Yellow — Some Risk
Normal precautions advised; increased vigilance in Santiago city centre and border regions
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep valuables secured and avoid displaying expensive items
Stay aware in crowded tourist areas like Cerro San Cristóbal and Mercado Central
Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in Santiago
Keep copies of passport and important documents separate from originals
Be prepared for occasional demonstrations that may disrupt transportation
Register with your embassy or consulate before arrival — Chile experiences earthquakes; know the evacuation plan at your accommodation and heed official tsunami alerts near coastal areas.
Use only official taxis (yellow with black roof and license plate sticker) or rideshare apps like Uber or Cabify; unlicensed taxis at Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez Airport charge inflated fares.
Santiago metro is generally safe but pickpocketing spikes during rush hours (7-9am and 6-8pm); keep bags in front and avoid displaying phones or cameras on crowded Line 1 trains.
ATM fraud is a real risk -- use machines inside bank branches during business hours, shield your PIN, and check card slots for skimmer devices before inserting your card.
UV radiation is extremely high in the Atacama Desert and Patagonia -- apply SPF 50+ sunscreen every two hours, wear a wide-brim hat, and protect your eyes with UV-rated sunglasses.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Taxi overcharging
Unlicensed taxis at Santiago airport and tourist areas quote flat rates far above metered fares, particularly targeting new arrivals who don't know the correct prices.
How to avoid: Use only official black-and-yellow metered taxis with license plate stickers, or book Uber/Cabify before exiting arrivals — the fare is shown in the app before you board.
Mustard scam (distraction theft)
A stranger 'accidentally' spills mustard, ketchup, or bird droppings on you, then an accomplice offers to help clean up while picking pockets during the distraction.
How to avoid: Decline help politely and firmly; clean yourself at your destination. Keep bag in front and wallet in an inner pocket in tourist areas.
ATM card skimming
Card skimmer devices attached to ATM card slots capture card data, particularly at standalone ATMs near tourist sites and supermarkets. PIN cameras are placed above the keypad.
How to avoid: Use ATMs inside bank branches during business hours; shield your PIN with your hand; check the card slot for any loose or unusual attachments before inserting your card.
Currency exchange scam
Street money changers in Santiago centre offer attractive rates but may shortchange or substitute invalid notes. Some 'exchange offices' near Plaza de Armas are unlicensed.
How to avoid: Use official exchange bureaus (casa de cambio) on Calle Agustinas or Paseo Ahumada, or withdraw CLP from bank ATMs for the best effective rate.
Fake police officers
Strangers claiming to be plainclothes police officers ask to 'check' your wallet for counterfeit bills — a scam targeting tourists in Buenos Aires that also occurs occasionally in Santiago.
How to avoid: Real Chilean police (Carabineros) wear uniforms; politely decline to show your wallet to strangers and walk to the nearest uniformed Carabinero if concerned.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Routine vaccines (MMR, DPT), Hepatitis A, Typhoid (if visiting rural areas), Rabies (if handling animals)
- Water
- Safe to drink in most cities including Santiago, Valparaíso, and major tourist areas. Consider bottled water in remote regions and northern desert towns.
- Food
- Facilities
- Widespread in all cities. Major chains: Cruz Verde, Salcobrand, Ahumada. Many open 24 hours.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Chile is one of the best countries in South America for solo travel. Santiago is navigable solo with good metro connections and safe neighbourhoods. Recommended: stay in Providencia or Lastarria, use Uber after dark, keep your itinerary shared with someone at home, and register with your embassy before travelling to remote Patagonia or Atacama areas.
Female travellers
Female solo travellers report Chile as relatively safe compared to other South American destinations. Common sense precautions apply: avoid walking alone after midnight in Bellavista or the city centre, use rideshare apps at night, and trust instincts about situations. Chilean women are relatively assertive and direct in declining unwanted attention — tourists can adopt the same approach confidently.
Families
Chile is highly family-friendly with excellent infrastructure, safe beaches, world-class children's museums, and Chileans who are very welcoming to children in restaurants and public spaces. Main safety considerations: earthquake preparedness (know evacuation routes at accommodation), sun protection in the Atacama and Patagonia, altitude acclimatisation if visiting high-altitude Atacama with young children.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex civil unions have been legal in Chile since 2015, and same-sex marriage was legalised in March 2022. Santiago has an established and visible LGBT+ community centred on Barrio Bellavista, particularly around Plaza Italia. Public displays of affection are generally accepted in tourist areas and Santiago. More conservative attitudes prevail in smaller towns and rural areas. Chile Pride March occurs annually in June in Santiago.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 133
- Medical
- 131
- Embassy
- Tourist Police