Chile Travel Safety

Road safety

Driving standards are poor. Accident rates, particularly in Santiago, are high due to careless or aggressive drivers.

Landmines

Demarcated minefields are a danger in remote areas, including in Chile's northern regions of Antofagasta, Arica and Panicota, and Tarapaca, which are near the borders with Bolivia and Peru, and in the southern region of Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, near the border with Argentina. Minefields are generally marked, but some signs may be damaged or not clearly visible. Check with local authorities before entering less-travelled areas, use official border crossings only and observe all warnings.

Taxis

Taxis are plentiful, relatively inexpensive and generally safe. Avoid using unmetered taxis. If you do use one, agree to a fare beforehand, as there have been incidents of overcharging. Book a taxi in advance rather than hailing one from the street, especially late at night. Taxis with illuminated signs indicating their destination are called "colectivo" taxis and are generally safe.

Public transportation

Tourists travelling on inter-city buses, particularly from Calama to Antofagasta or San Pedro de Atacama, have been robbed while sleeping.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Chile, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a normal degree of caution during travel.

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, particularly in Santiago, Calama, Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. Small bags and purses have been stolen from hotel and hostel lobbies, crowded tourist locations, the subway and taxis, as well as from the backs of chairs at bars, restaurants and cafés popular with foreigners. Muggings, sometimes involving the use of weapons, have occurred in Cerro San Cristóbal and other parks in the Santiago area, even during the day. Be vigilant in parks, and avoid them at night. Residential break-ins and robberies occur regularly, and are on the rise in the Santiago Province communities of Las Condes, Lo Barnechea and Vitacura.

LGBT

Chilean law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. While homosexuality is socially tolerated and increasingly accepted, much of Chilean society is still conservative.

Illegal drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Driving

You can drive with your local driver's licence if staying for fewer than 90 days, but you should still carry an International Driving Permit. Your insurance may refuse to settle a claim for driving without a valid international permit. If you are a resident of Chile, you must apply for a Chilean driver's licence from the municipality in which you live.