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SECURITY   

• In the city
• Hotels
• Back country

• Women traveling alone
• Emergency numbers

In the City

Santiago and most Chilean cities are fairly safe. As in any city however, there are certain neighborhoods along the outskirts that are a little more dangerous and should be avoided at night. In all cities, it is not advisable to let strangers approach you, or wear expensive jewelry. Keep valuables out of sight. Be particularly alert to pickpocketers on the Metro and buses. In restaurants and cafes, especially on the street, never leave your valuables behind your seat or unattended.

Hotels

Valuables should be deposited in the hotel's safe, as well as passports. Keep your Migration card at hand (stamped by customs when you enter the country,) as well as some form of photo ID such as your driving license in case local authorities request to see them. In the event of theft you should immediately contact the police, "Carabineros de Chile" (call 133), and report the lost documents to your consulate.

Back country

Back country areas are quite safe, in established campgrounds as well as out in the wild. The most common danger is getting lost or stranded when hiking in the mountains. The mountains can be very cold even in summer time and weather is unpredictable and treacherous, so be prepared. If you are traveling without a guide, inform the police or the Andean Rescue Service ('Cuerpo de Socorro Andino') of your itinerary. Go prepared.

Women traveling alone

It is becoming much more common to see women traveling alone in Chile, especially in places frequented by tourists. Many consider Chile a good country to travel solo.

It is very normal for Chilean men to be very open with compliments, ("piropos") and these can sometimes be rude. The best action is ignore such behavior, although if you are irritated by these types of propositions, it is best to avoid construction sites especially, as workers are known to be particularly vociferous with these "piropos". There is an instinctive (or cultural) need to protect women here, especially if they are alone, which can be strange to Western women.

Generally speaking, Chilean people are friendly and welcoming to foreigners, so you will be warmly received, especially in small cities. 

We don't recommend hitch-hiking to solo women travelers, unless there is a family.

Emergency Numbers