Chile Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Chile.
Healthcare System
Chile has a dual healthcare system with public (FONASA) and private (ISAPRE) options. The public system serves most Chileans, while private healthcare offers faster service and is commonly used by tourists. Major cities have excellent medical facilities with well-trained doctors, many educated internationally.
Hospitals
Major private hospitals in Santiago include Clínica Alemana, Clínica Las Condes, and Clínica Santa María, all offering excellent care with English-speaking staff. Private clinics require payment upfront or proof of insurance. Public hospitals (hospitales) provide emergency care regardless of ability to pay, but quality varies and wait times can be long.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmacias) are widely available in cities and towns. Major chains include Cruz Verde, Salcobrand, and Ahumada, with many open 24 hours in urban areas. Many medications available over-the-counter in other countries require prescriptions in Chile. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and can provide basic health advice. Common medications are readily available and affordable.
Insurance
Travel insurance is not legally required but strongly recommended. Medical care, especially private healthcare, can be expensive for foreigners. Ensure your policy covers emergency evacuation, as some remote areas require air transport to reach adequate facilities. Adventure activities like skiing, mountaineering, and trekking may require additional coverage.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry copies of prescriptions for any medications you bring, with generic names rather than brand names
- Private clinics require payment or insurance guarantee before treatment; keep insurance documents accessible
- Altitude sickness medication (acetazolamide) is available at pharmacies in northern Chile and Andean regions
- Tap water is safe to drink in most urban areas, but bottled water is recommended in rural regions
- Sun protection is essential due to high UV levels, especially in northern Chile and Patagonia
- If you need emergency care, private clinics offer faster service but public hospitals must treat emergencies regardless of payment ability
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles are the most common crimes affecting tourists. Thieves often work in teams, with one creating a distraction while another steals belongings. Theft from rental cars and buses is also common.
Rare but possible incidents where victims are forced to withdraw money from ATMs. Typically involves unauthorized taxis or rideshare imposters.
Card skimming at ATMs and fraudulent charges at restaurants or shops. Chile has largely transitioned to chip cards, but fraud still occurs.
Aggressive driving, speeding, and poor road conditions in rural areas. Long-distance buses are generally safe but accidents occur. Winter driving in southern regions requires snow/ice experience.
Chile experiences frequent seismic activity, including major earthquakes. The country has strict building codes and good emergency preparedness, but visitors should know safety procedures.
Rapid ascent to high-altitude areas can cause altitude sickness (soroche), with symptoms including headache, nausea, and shortness of breath. Severe cases can be life-threatening.
Chile has some of the highest UV levels globally due to the ozone hole over Antarctica and high altitudes. Sunburn can occur quickly, even on cloudy days.
Chile has numerous active volcanoes. Eruptions are relatively rare but can occur with little warning, affecting air travel and local areas.
Patagonia's unpredictable weather and strong winds can create dangerous conditions. Temperatures can drop rapidly, even in summer. Remote locations make rescue difficult.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers approach tourists, claim to be investigating counterfeit money or drugs, and ask to inspect wallets or bags. They may steal cash or cards during the 'inspection.'
Unlicensed taxis or dishonest drivers quote inflated flat rates, claim meters are broken, or take unnecessarily long routes. Airport taxis are particularly prone to this scam.
One person creates a distraction (spilling liquid on you, asking for directions with a map, dropping items, pointing out 'bird droppings' on your clothing) while an accomplice steals your belongings.
Extra items appear on bills, or service charges are added multiple times. Some establishments charge tourists higher prices than locals or add items never ordered.
Currency exchange operators (especially street changers) use sleight of hand to short-change tourists or swap real bills for counterfeits during counting.
Online listings show attractive properties, but upon arrival, guests are told the property is unavailable and offered inferior alternatives at the same or higher price.
Unlicensed operators offer tours at suspiciously low prices but provide poor service, use unsafe equipment, or cancel at the last minute without refunds.
Someone offers to help with an ATM (in English), watches you enter your PIN, then either distracts you to steal your card or follows you to commit theft.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers during daylight hours
- Carry only what you need; leave passports and extra cards in hotel safes
- Distribute money across multiple locations (wallet, hidden pouch, hotel safe)
- Use credit cards rather than debit cards when possible for better fraud protection
- Keep small bills handy; breaking large bills can be difficult and marks you as a tourist
- Notify banks of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Photograph important documents and store copies digitally
- Chilean pesos come in bills of 1,000 to 20,000; familiarize yourself with them to avoid confusion
Transportation Safety
- Use official taxi services or registered ride-sharing apps (Uber, Cabify, DiDi)
- Santiago Metro is generally safe but watch for pickpockets during rush hours
- Long-distance buses are reliable; choose reputable companies like Turbus, Pullman, or Cruz del Sur
- Avoid night buses on rural routes when possible
- Rent cars from established companies; ensure comprehensive insurance
- Carry emergency supplies when driving in remote areas
- Winter driving in southern Chile requires experience with snow/ice
- Fill up gas frequently in Patagonia; stations are far apart
- Carretera Austral requires careful planning; some sections are unpaved
- Never hitchhike or accept rides from strangers
Accommodation Safety
- Book through reputable platforms with verified reviews
- Check that accommodations have working locks and safes
- Know emergency exits and evacuation procedures
- Keep ground floor windows locked
- Don't announce room numbers publicly
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and electronics
- Meet new acquaintances in public spaces, not your room
- Verify staff identity before opening doors
- Hostels are generally safe but use lockers for valuables
Communication and Connectivity
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication; major providers are Entel, Movistar, and Claro
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for emergency notifications
- Share itineraries with family or friends, especially for remote area travel
- Download offline maps for areas with limited connectivity
- Learn basic Spanish phrases; English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone
- WiFi is widely available in cities but limited in rural areas
- Consider a satellite communicator for extreme remote areas like Patagonia
Food and Water Safety
- Tap water is safe to drink in most urban areas but bottled water is recommended in rural regions
- Chilean food standards are generally high in established restaurants
- Wash fruits and vegetables or peel them
- Seafood is fresh and safe in coastal areas but ensure it's properly cooked
- Be cautious with street food; choose vendors with high turnover
- Altitude can affect cooking times and food safety in high areas
- Restaurants include 10% tip in bills; additional tipping is optional
- Food allergies: learn Spanish terms for allergens as awareness varies
Outdoor Activities and Adventure Safety
- Hire licensed guides for technical activities (mountaineering, ice climbing, volcano ascents)
- Verify that tour operators have proper insurance and safety equipment
- Weather in Patagonia and mountains changes rapidly; always prepare for worst conditions
- Register with park rangers when entering national parks
- Carry emergency supplies: first aid, extra food, water purification, emergency shelter
- Don't underestimate distances or difficulty; Chilean terrain can be challenging
- Tell someone your plans and expected return time
- Respect closure signs and restricted areas
- Cell coverage is limited or absent in remote areas
- Consider personal locator beacons for serious backcountry travel
Health Precautions
- Bring adequate sun protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, lip balm
- Pack a comprehensive first aid kit including altitude sickness medication
- Ensure routine vaccinations are current; no special vaccines required for Chile
- Bring prescription medications in original containers with copies of prescriptions
- Stay hydrated, especially at altitude and in northern desert regions
- Hantavirus risk exists in rural areas; avoid rodent-infested buildings
- Tick-borne diseases are rare but possible; use insect repellent in rural areas
- Rabies exists; avoid contact with wild animals and stray dogs
- Bring any specialized medications you need; availability varies outside cities
Cultural Awareness and Respect
- Chileans are generally friendly and helpful to tourists
- Greet with a handshake or kiss on the right cheek (among friends)
- Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially indigenous communities
- Respect private property and indigenous territories
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants (often included), round up for taxis, tip guides
- Punctuality expectations are relaxed but tourists should be on time
- Avoid discussing politics or the Pinochet era unless invited to do so
- Learn basic Spanish; efforts to speak the language are appreciated
Technology and Cyber Security
- Use VPN when accessing public WiFi networks
- Avoid online banking on public networks
- Keep devices password-protected
- Back up important data before traveling
- Be cautious about displaying expensive electronics in public
- Use security cables for laptops in hostels or shared spaces
- Keep software and apps updated for security patches
- Be wary of public charging stations; use your own chargers
Border Crossings and Remote Areas
- Carry passport at all times; photocopies may not suffice at checkpoints
- Border crossings with Argentina can close due to weather; check status before traveling
- Declare all food items at agricultural checkpoints; Chile has strict biosecurity
- Some border areas have military presence; follow instructions and don't photograph
- Remote areas may have limited or no services for hundreds of kilometers
- Carry sufficient cash in remote areas; ATMs and card readers may be unavailable
- Easter Island (Rapa Nui) requires special planning; it's 5 hours by flight from mainland
- Some indigenous territories require permits; arrange in advance
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Chile is relatively safe for women travelers compared to many countries, and solo female travelers commonly visit without major incidents. However, women should be prepared for catcalling (piropos), which is culturally common though declining among younger generations. While usually verbal and not threatening, it can be uncomfortable. Chilean society is somewhat conservative but modernizing, especially in urban areas. Women hold significant positions in business and government. Exercise standard precautions, trust your instincts, and be aware that machismo culture still exists to some degree.
- Catcalling is common but usually not threatening; ignore and keep walking; responding typically escalates attention
- Dress modestly in rural and conservative areas; urban areas are more relaxed but revealing clothing may attract unwanted attention
- Use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps rather than hailing taxis on the street, especially at night
- Book ground-floor accommodations with secure locks; hostels and hotels are generally safe
- Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas; use taxis even for short distances after dark
- Join group tours for activities in remote areas rather than going solo
- Chilean women often travel in groups; solo female travelers are less common but not unusual
- Bars and nightclubs: watch your drinks, go with others, and arrange safe transportation home
- Wedding rings (real or fake) may reduce unwanted attention in some situations
- Connect with other travelers through hostel communities or online groups
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Santiago and tourist areas are generally safe during day; standard urban precautions apply
- Beach harassment can occur; choose beaches with families and lifeguards
- Public transportation is generally safe but watch for inappropriate touching in crowded spaces; don't hesitate to call out offenders
- Chilean women are increasingly assertive about harassment; locals will often support you if you need help
- Emergency helpline for women: 1455 (24-hour support)
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Chile. Civil unions have been recognized since 2015, and same-sex marriage became legal in 2022. Anti-discrimination laws exist in employment and services. Chile is one of the most progressive South American countries for LGBTQ+ rights, though legal protections are relatively recent.
- Santiago has an active LGBTQ+ scene, particularly in Bellavista and Providencia neighborhoods
- Gay-friendly accommodations and businesses are common in major cities; look for rainbow flags or online listings
- Public displays of affection: common in Santiago and tourist areas but use discretion in conservative regions
- Valparaíso is known as Chile's most bohemian and LGBTQ+-friendly city
- Pride events occur in Santiago and other major cities, typically in June-July
- Movilh (Movement for Homosexual Integration and Liberation) is Chile's leading LGBTQ+ organization; website has resources
- Rural areas and small towns are more conservative; exercise discretion
- Transgender individuals may face more challenges; legal gender recognition is possible but bureaucratic
- Gay bars and clubs exist in Santiago (Bellavista, Providencia) and Valparaíso; check online for current venues
- Younger Chileans are generally more accepting than older generations
- Hotels rarely question same-sex couples sharing rooms in urban areas
- Dating apps are widely used and generally safe in cities
- Some traditional or religious accommodations may be less welcoming; book LGBTQ+-friendly places
- Chilean Spanish uses some terms that may be offensive; 'gay' is acceptable, 'maricón' is slur
- Overall safety is good but awareness of surroundings remains important
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for Chile despite the country's good healthcare system. Medical costs for foreigners can be extremely high, especially at private clinics which offer the best care. Chile's diverse geography and adventure tourism opportunities increase risks of accidents requiring expensive medical care or evacuation. The country's seismic activity and weather extremes can cause trip disruptions. Many adventure activities require proof of insurance. Emergency evacuation from remote areas like Patagonia can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries