Chile : Safety by City
Chile, or officially – the Republic of Chile, is located in South America.
When in Chile, visit Los Pingüinos Natural Monument where is the largest colony of penguins in Chile.
Valparaíso is the place to go if you like street art.
Cajon Del Maipo is a paradise for people who wish to hike, ski or go horse riding.
One of the things that Chile is famous for is definitely its wine – make sure you try one of the best wines that are made here.
Patagonia Glaciers amaze every tourist that comes to witness this magnificent sight.
Romantic tourists will enjoy gazing at the stars at the Atacama Desert.
Warnings & Dangers in Chile
OVERALL RISK : LOW
Most tourists won't have issues while in Chile but some caution is advised especially against pickpocketing. It is necessary to keep an eye on your things and be alert if someone tries to distract you. Use common sense to protect yourself.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW
The public transport in Chile is pretty safe. Tourists can choose between a bus, taxies, Colectivo - which is similar to taxies and is cheaper than a bus, commuter rail, and metro. Taxies are usually metered, just take the registered ones.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM
Pickpocketing occurs in Chile mostly in tourist areas, busses, and restaurants. Make sure not to leave your bag in plain sight when dining, since there are cases of stealing the entire bag. Don't leave your personal belongings in the bus compartment.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
Chile is susceptible to earthquakes. Usually, there are no warnings, so it is a little bit hard for tourists to prepare, but familiarize yourself in advance with the safety protocol. There is also a risk of vulcanos erupting, but the activity is closely monitored.
MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM
Mugging can occur in areas such as Valparaiso and Santiago. It can sometimes be accompanied by violence. Be careful and don't resist as this may make the situation worse. Don't carry too much money or the original passport, the copy is sufficient.
TERRORISM RISK : LOW
The risk of terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out, but there are no recent cases of attacks. Anarchist groups occasionally use small explosive devices and target mainly public transport and ATMs.
SCAMS RISK : LOW
There are some common scams for tourists that occur in Chile as in many other tourist places. Taxi drivers may drive you longer than necessary and charge you more. A way to protect yourself is to arrange the price in advance.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW
Chile is pretty much safe for female solo travelers, but some caution is advised. Make sure to be careful in crowds, keep your belongings close to you and don't walk alone at night. Men may sometimes be too straightforward when approaching women.
How Safe Is Chile for Tourists?
Chile is generally safe and most tourists spend the vacation without any incidents.
However, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with possible issues before you go so you can protect yourself as much as possible.
Petty crimes usually occur in urban areas with a high concentration of people.
Make sure not to leave the things unattended and keep in mind that thieves use various distraction techniques to get what they want.
If someone spills something on you and a stranger approaches with a helpful attitude, they are probably working in groups and targeting your belongings.
Avoid political protects since they can be problematic and become violent pretty fast.
Choose hotels with good ratings and put all the expensive items in the safety deposit box.
Be careful when choosing a taxi, since there are cases of fraud and overcharging.
Use only licensed taxies.
Also, be very careful if you rent a car.
There were cases of scams when the driver gets approached on the traffic light with the story that there is a flat tire.
Don’t fall for that and keep the windows and doors looked.
In case something like that happens make sure you cooperate so the situation does not escalate.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Chile?
Most tourists can visit Chile for a period shorter than 90 days, but before making arrangements make sure you check your visa status.
The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the planned stay.
Which Currency Is Used in Chile?
The official currency in Chile is Chilean peso.
The symbol is $.
One U.S. dollar equals 764,40 Chilean Pesos.
There are lots of ATMs and exchange offices where you can exchange money.
How's the Weather like in Chile?
Chile has a climate that is very much similar to the Mediterranean.
The summers are dry and warm, while the winters are cool and somewhat wet.
It snows sometimes, but very lightly.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Chile?
There are 125 airports in total in Chile.
The main one is Aeropuerto Internacional Arturo Merino Benítez.
It is located 15km away from Santiago.
It handles more than 23 million passengers a year.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
Travel insurance is highly recommended no matter how long you plan to stay.
Take the basic insurance that includes coverage for the medical expenses, theft, loss of luggage and cancelation of the vacation.
What Are Some Things to Do in Chile?
Torres del Paine National Park is something you shouldn’t miss when in Chile.
The best time to visit is during October and November because the temperatures are mild.
The fresh air and nice view are worth the visit.
Is the Water in Chile Safe to Drink?
Tap water in Chile is generally safe for drinking, but tourists with a sensitive stomach may have issues due to high mineral content.
Either use bottled water or boil it for a few minutes.
Is Uber Safe in Chile?
Uber is not legal in Chile but exists.
The situation is quite confusing for tourists and if you want to be on the safe side, use the local taxi services.
