Safety

Safety in Chile

Chile has historically been South America's safest country, and despite increases in crime since 2019, it remains safer than most regional neighbors. However, the situation has changed enough that the US State Department raised Chile to "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution" in January 2025.

Current Safety Situation

What's changed since 2019:

• Increase in street crime and muggings
• More carjackings reported
• "Motochorros" (motorcycle thieves) operating in Santiago
• Some previously safe areas (Bellavista, Lastarria) now riskier at night
• Civil unrest can occur (protests, strikes)

What remains true:

• Violent crime against tourists/expats is relatively rare
• Most crime is opportunistic theft
• Expat neighborhoods remain safe
• Day-to-day life feels secure in good areas
• Police presence in key areas

Safety by Neighborhood in Santiago

Very Safe:

• Vitacura
• Lo Barnechea / La Dehesa
• Las Condes (El Golf area)

Safe (normal precautions):

• Providencia (eastern end)
• Ñuñoa
• Las Condes (general)

Variable (extra caution at night):

• Providencia (western end)
• Bellavista
• Barrio Lastarria
• Barrio Italia

Higher risk:

• Santiago Centro (downtown)
• Plaza de Armas area at night
• Estación Central
• Most areas outside the eastern "expat bubble"

Common Crimes

Pickpocketing: Most common issue

• Crowded metro during rush hour
• Tourist attractions
• Busy markets
• Distraction techniques common

Phone snatching: Increasing problem

• Motochorros grab phones from hands
• Avoid using phone visibly on streets
• Be especially careful at red lights in cars

Tire puncture scam:

• Criminals puncture rental car tires
• "Help" while accomplices steal bags
• Common in Valparaíso and Santiago

Home break-ins: Occur but less common in secured buildings

Safety Tips for Expats

Daily precautions:

1. Don't display expensive phones, jewelry, or watches
2. Keep phone in pocket, not in hand while walking
3. Use crossbody bags, not shoulder purses
4. Avoid using ATMs on the street - use ones inside banks/malls
5. Be extra vigilant at night, even in "safe" areas

Transportation safety:

1. Use Uber/Cabify over street taxis
2. Don't leave valuables visible in cars
3. Be alert on metro during rush hour
4. Avoid empty metro cars late at night

Home security:

1. Choose buildings with 24/7 security (conserje)
2. Use all available locks
3. Don't buzz in unknown visitors
4. Consider extra locks on ground-floor units

Emergency Numbers

• Police (Carabineros): 133
• Ambulance: 131
• Fire: 132
• General Emergency: 112

Natural Disaster Awareness

Earthquakes: Chile is very seismically active

• Buildings are well-designed for earthquakes
• Know "drop, cover, hold on" procedures
• Follow local guidance

Wildfires: Increasing in summer (Dec-Feb)

• Central Chile affected periodically
• Monitor air quality during fire season