Santiago is also known as Santiago de Chile, the capital and largest city of Chile and one of the largest cities in the Americas. It is the center of Chile’s most densely populated region, the Santiago Metropolitan Region, whose total population is 7 million. More than 6 million live in the city’s continuous urban area.
Warnings & Dangers in Santiago de Chile
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
Santiago can be quite safe if you follow certain security measures and keep an eye on your surroundings. It is better not to visit districts remote from the city center at night and not to walk alone.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM
Public transport in the city is well developed, but pickpockets can be used at rush hour. Taxi is a reliable and safe way to travel. Use only licensed taxi services.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM
Pickpockets can be found on public transport and in crowded places. Also, be mindful of your belongings and surroundings in popular tourist destinations. Don't leave things unattended.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
Santiago de Chile is located in a seismically active area, so there is a high risk of earthquakes. Study the weather conditions before your visit here.
MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM
Serious robberies and attacks in Santiago de Chile practically do not happen; it is scarce. Be discreet late at night in remote areas of the city and not get involved in street fights.
TERRORISM RISK : MEDIUM
The risk of terrorism in Santiago de Chile is low. Of course, the risk of attacks still exists due to local gangs' actions and the squabbles between them. Study the political situation in the country before your visit.
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
The most common fraud in Santiago de Chile is associated with unlicensed taxis, which increase tourists' price of travel. Also, be careful with those who ask or offer you help on the street - often, this person distracts you from the actions of another scammer.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW
In general, women traveling to Santiago de Chile can feel secure if they follow certain precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night and use a taxi to return to your hotel.
How Safe Is Santiago de Chile for Tourists?
Santiago is an average city in terms of safety.
The main problems here are associated with theft, car theft, and vandalism.
Santiago is a safe city by South American standards, but visitors should be aware of pickpocketing and other petty crimes.
It is better not to walk alone in the city late at night, and it is better to keep expensive things and devices in the hotel safe.
In the event of an attack, give the criminals what they demand to save their lives.
Be careful with taxi drivers: they can often cheat you with change or overcharge your fare.
Use only licensed taxi service.
Try staying away from the following comunas: Lo Espejo, La Pintana, Puente Alto (especially the Plaza de Armas), La Cisterna, San Joaquín, El Bosque (not to be confused with a neighborhood located around metro El Golf, which is in Las Condes), San Ramón and La Granja unless you know exactly where you’re going.
Though these places are not completely unsafe for the most part, they can have a few unsafe spots and don’t have much touristic significance.
The safest comunas are Providencia, Vitacura, Ñuñoa, La Reina, and Las Condes.
All of them have lots of local security guards, besides Carabineros, and locals are more likely to speak English, especially young people.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Santiago de Chile?
Holders of passports of the 92 jurisdictions can visit Chile without a visa for up to 90 days. A valid passport is a must.
Which Currency Is Used in Santiago de Chile?
The peso is the currency of Chile. The code for the present peso is CLP. It is officially subdivided into 100 centavos.
How's the Weather like in Santiago de Chile?
The best time to visit Santiago is from September to November or March to May; these months mark the spring and fall shoulder seasons in Chile.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Santiago de Chile?
Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, well known as Santiago International Airport, is 15 km away from Santiago, and it is the busiest one in the country.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.
What Are Some Things to Do in Santiago de Chile?
Plaza de Armas, the grand heart of the city’s old colonial core, is home to 2 neoclassical landmarks: the 1808 Palacio de la Real Audiencia, housing the National History Museum the 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral. La Chascona is the home-turned-museum of poet Pablo Neruda.
Is the Water in Santiago de Chile Safe to Drink?
The tap water in Chile’s cities is generally safe but has a high mineral content that can cause stomach upsets; bottled water is a way to drink water safely.
Is Uber Safe in Santiago de Chile?
There is an Uber taxi in Santiago de Chile. You can call a taxi from the app on your phone. The cost of the trip will depend on the distance and time of day.
