Chile : Safety by City
Chile - safety as a country Santiago de Chile is the capital city of Chile with a great number of citizens which makes it very densely populated.
Besides all this, it is a peaceful, clean and wealthy Latin American city that is developing fast and the city’s economy is very prosperous.
Even though many people tend to visit Santiago de Chile on their way to the Atacama Desert, the city has recently become a tourist destination itself and it is on a constant rise.
Travelers that decide to start an adventure in this gorgeous city can explore its lively parks, culture, and architecture, and enjoy the perfect view of the city from some of Santiago hills.
Some of the attractions are the Parque Metropolitano, The Museum of Human Rights, and the Festival del Barrio Brasil.
Warnings & Dangers in Santiago de Chile
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Santiago de Chile is a beautiful city and a safe place to visit only if you are watchful enough and practice your common sense. The threat of crime exists and to avoid displeasing situations, minimum safety precautions are enough.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Even though taxis are considered safe in Santiago, some are unlicensed, so it is better to take the licensed one since it was reported that some tourists had been attacked by taxi drivers. The licensed taxis have the logo of the company on their car. While you are at the airport, you should pay attention to your things, due to a large number of robberies in recent years. Buses can also be risky after dark.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Theft of personal belongings is very common in Santiago and grabbing of wallets and purses are extremely popular. You have to hold onto your bags at all times and do not put it away from your sight. Since tourists are the ones usually carrying bigger amounts of cash, thieves target them. So, when paying for something, do not show your wallet or cash in public.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Besides the occasional flooding that can be caused by heavy rains, air pollution is the main problem in Santiago.
MUGGING RISK: HIGH
Muggings are frequent in Santiago, and the main targets are drunk people outside of clubs, especially foreigners, that walk alone at night. In the case of being attacked, do not resist, but give them what they want, because thieves tend to be impatient and can become violent, which can lead to further more serious consequences.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
The threat of incidents of terrorism exists in Santiago since anarchist groups tend to occasionally use small explosives around the banks and in public transport. Tourists just need to follow the advice from authorities and tour guides.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
Taxi drivers are the most usual scammers, once they realize that they are driving the foreigner. Travelers are often overcharged. Different strategies of robbing are used, so be aware that the possible threat is the individuals who are asking for help or directions.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
The crime against women tourists is not frequent in Santiago and they usually have no trouble. What each woman should know is that men from Santiago tend to comment or make some gestures that are not pleasant to alone women on the street. The best advice is not to dress provocatively and not to walk alone at night. As long as you do not attract attention, everything would be fine.
So... How Safe Is Santiago de Chile Really?
Santiago de Chile is full of beautiful landscapes and natural wonders which makes it a lovely place to visit. Its clean, modern and safe streets attract tourists worldwide.
Nevertheless, the dark side of each major city is a crime.
Popular areas, such as Plaza de Armas or Bellavista, can be risky since the police are not present there during the night.
Serious crimes against tourists are not common, so the visitors just need to pay attention to thieves and other petty crimes and can consider the city of Santiago a safe city.
How Does Santiago de Chile Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Santiago de Chile | 71 |
| La Serena | 76 |
| Punta Arenas | 77 |
| Iquique | 42 |
| Temuco | 31 |
| Calgary (Canada) | 82 |
| Buenos Aires (Argentina) | 60 |
| Vancouver (Canada) | 82 |
| Cordoba (Argentina) | 61 |
| Toronto (Canada) | 81 |
| Melbourne (Australia) | 80 |
Useful Information
Visas
Because tourists from some countries do not need a visa when they come to Chile, you can visit certain websites and get all the necessary information. The Tourist Visa lasts for 10 years, but you can stay in Chile for less than 90 days at one time.
Currency
The Chilean peso is the official currency in Chile. ATMs can be found in the majority of cities and credit cards are accepted. Tourists need to pay attention to the people around them when using credit cards since there is always a risk of being mugged.
Weather
Santiago has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are usually hot and dry. The period from November to February is the summer season with temperatures about 30°C. July and August are the coldest months. Even during the winter, temperatures rarely fall below 0°C.
Airports
The major airports in Chile, which are also used when coming to Santiago, are Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, Diego Aracena International Airport, and Cerro Moreno International Airport. 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. The facilities inside the airport are parking areas, VIP lounges, Duty-Free shops and restaurants among many others.
Travel Insurance
Tourists usually expect never to use travel insurance policy while spending time in a foreign country, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Most travel insurances cover medical problems in case of emergencies as well as theft and robbery.
Santiago de Chile Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 30 | 30 | 28 | 24 | 20 | 16 | 15 | 18 | 19 | 23 | 27 | 29 |
| Low °C | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 10 |
| High °F | 86 | 86 | 82 | 75 | 68 | 61 | 59 | 64 | 66 | 73 | 81 | 84 |
| Low °F | 54 | 52 | 48 | 43 | 39 | 36 | 36 | 37 | 39 | 45 | 48 | 50 |
Chile - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Iquique | 42 |
| La Serena | 76 |
| Punta Arenas | 77 |
| Santiago de Chile | 71 |
| Temuco | 31 |
Mugging Santiago
On March 14th 2019 at 11:00 am were visiting Santa Lucía Hill walking up to the top when we realized we were being observed by 4 young men dressed in designer clothes. We left the park and got back on the main road. We felt safe as we were no longer isolated on the hill and there was lots of traffic and other people. WRONG they attacked us pulling one of the women to the ground trying to get a cross body purse. They fled across the 8 lanes of traffic causing a car to swerve and hit a motorcyclist. There was no police presence. Santiago is not a safe place even in daylight
Overall safety and transportation
My husband and I have visited Santiago several times during summer as well as beautiful southern Chile and Atacama region, and never experienced any issues with crime. Took long walks all around Santiago and enjoyed our visit….food is great, plentiful and cheap. For transportation we used the Metro train which can take you all around the city, or Uber. From the airport Shuttle services are good. Like in any other big city use precaution and common sense. Chile is a beautiful and safe country to visit.
Liar
Anonymous Eponimous
Can you shed some light as to why you claim that the Brown’s are liars? Is it because you know the Brown’s personally and are saying they are known as people who frequently tell lies, although not necessarily about the safety of Santiago, Chile? Or are you saying that the Brown’s are lying when they say “Chile is a beautiful and safe country to visit” because they know, in fact, that Chile is NOT a safe country to visit? Don’t you see that without details, your reply carries no weight? You should probably keep such vapid responses to yourself in the future as they do lack credibility and insight. Thank you.
My opinion.
I do not know where yo went, the money does not cover anything, everything is extra expensive, mostly food. Is not safe to be here. And Europe is a lot more beautiful than here, and also safe to go everywhere and any time, day or night.
So fly to Europe do not spend time here gogogo…..
No thanks
My friend was attacked by a gang – strangled to the point of blackout, and beaten savagely. He got 4 broken ribs.
I’ll not be visiting Santiago – in this lifetime.
Good People
This is not a tip just what occurred a couple of years ago during a student protest in Santiago. We were driving into Santiago unaware that there was a student protest underway. The police diverted traffic from the major street we always used to find our way in this HUGE city. We were directed into an area that with which we were completely unfamiliar. Streets were blocked, there were exits with burnt tires, fires and general chaos one would expect. The students were running all over. We were completely lost. Finally we stopped and I called to the rioting students, Oye, por favor, pueden ayudar me? Hey, please can you help me. Two came over pulled their scarves down – and asked “do you speak English”? Yes, can you tell us how to get back to the freeway? Soon we had four students telling us how to get to the freeway. So, my opinion is that I have only experienced help from people in Chile even during a riot.
Avoid the epicenter of the protests.
Hello. Travel alert for Santiago!! The city is impacted by protests. Not safe anywhere near plaza Italia. Was walking back to the hotel from climbing the mountain trying to avoid the protest. came across riot police charging Toward my wife and us. To our back was the outskirts of the protest. Had to duck down a side street as blasts were heard. How can a site called ‘travel safe’ not address the crisis in this post???!!!!
thanks for telling your story
When did this happen?
On Recent Protests
Santiago has recently (December 2019) experienced protests. These have died down now, but may resurface later in 2020 when political changes (a new constitution) that are being made in response to the protests are being negotiated.
If they do start again, the (amusing) comment above about student riots above is, in my experience, absolutely on the money. The protests are internal and not targeted at foreigners. Burning barricades in the street and masked young men look terrifying when you first see them, but they’re concerned with the police, not you, and if you talk to them you’ll likely find them helpful.
The most serious risk during protests is from being caught in cross-fire from the police, who are currently being criticized by human rights groups for firing rubber shot at peoples faces, causing blindness in many cases.
But this is all hypothetical – currently, all of Santiago is “normal” and anywhere that tourists normally stay is as safe as it has ever been (which is pretty safe if you don’t have anything obviously expensive that can be snatched). The centre for the protests has been Plaza Italia so it would be prudent to avoid any hotel within a few blocks in case things flare up again.
I was born in England, but have lived here in Santiago for twenty years now. In my opinion there is nothing currently happening here that would be a problem for a reasonably aware tourist.
Thank you for current information.
Santiago Taxis are a SCAM
1/4/20 We had a confirmed prepaid transfer from Santiago Airport to San Antonio Port. Our driver was not at the airport; when we called he said his car had broken down, but he would be there in 2 hours. We were swarmed with drivers who said they worked at the airport and for our cruise line.
So we got into a dinged up van and taken into a barrio in Santiago to charge the fare (must have a PIN). My husband and the driver went into a bank, but soon returned because “It was too crowded.” (?) We drove off in the opposite direction and the driver locked the backseat doors.
I had enough and started screaming “Help, Police!” out the window. The driver was infuriated and pulled up on the sidewalk. Some college students from a nearby bus stop came over to help.
Somehow we got out and retrieved our luggage and the driver streaked off. Another cab took us to our cruise ship. Later at home, I read that the scam is that somehow TWO guys get your credit card number and PIN. Since wi-fi is almost non-existent in this area it would be days before you know your card is being used.
Unless you have friends or family in Santiago or a transfer from your cruise line (we were ineligible) this taxi scam is almost unavoidable!
No wonder! Your actions were textbook wrong, and against all advised given to any tourist in the world. Learn from your stupid mistake.
If you don’t know what you are doing you should have paid the cruise line take care of everything for you. Very stupid and this could have ended much worse for you
DON’T WEAR JEWELERY IN SANTIAGO
When walking through the Central Mercado in Santiago, a thief grabbed my neck and ripped off my pearl pendant. I screamed and he ran off with my husband in hot pursuit. Bystanders pointed out the way the thief fled. My husband stopped running after him concerned that he could be a target for the thief’s friends. I should have known better than to wear any jewelery. The incident has left me shaken.
The front desk staff at our SOLACE HOTEL were so sorry and embarrassed about the incident, they brought me chocolate covered strawberries to try to sweeten my day.
reply to ashley
thanks for sharing your story. seems to confirm the warning information provided, to be aware of/ or even expect/ this kind of petty theft in Chile. I’m sure it was traumatic at the time and left you pretty shook up. also sounds like it could have been even worse if it had caused a serious injury to you. hope you have recovered from the experience.
One of us 😀
Thank you Andrew. I love the way you have described protests in Chile so far.
I’m chilean living in Ñuñoa.
Amazing City, never encountered any issues even in Bellavista late at night. People super friendly, food cheap and overall a great city. Yes be aware, but you have to be aware in any major city not just Santiago. We got caught up in the Friday night Riots the last night we were there. I asked the riot police how to get out of the area and to my hotel, he responded “Oh you speak English” and then proceeded to tell me in English how to get out of the way and that no one will bother us as they were only interested in rioting and not tourists. Loved this city and cant wait to go back.
Safety Index SHOULD be 35
How could such a dangerous city and country have such a high rating? Are you being paid off? The number doesnt match your warnings!
Chile is very prompt to earthquakes. You might want to add that to NATURAL DISASTERS RISK