South America
Is Chile safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Chile safe?
Among South America's safer countries, though street crime in Santiago has risen. Watch phones and bags in crowds and use ride apps at night.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-05-19.
- Homicide rate: 6.3 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 14.9 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 133 · Ambulance 131 · Fire 132.
- Solo women: Solo women travel widely; street harassment happens. Use ride apps at night and stay in central, busy neighbourhoods.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Phone and bag snatching in central Santiago and Valparaíso
- Earthquakes; learn tsunami evacuation routes on the coast
- Summer wildfires, especially around Valparaíso and the south-centre
- Altitude and cold nights in the Atacama highlands
Common scams
- Distraction tricks, such as a stain on your clothes, then bag theft
- Unofficial airport and bus-terminal taxis overcharging; use counters or apps
Laws visitors break by accident
- Undeclared fresh food, plants or animal products bring heavy fines at entry.
- Drinking alcohol in streets, parks and other public places is illegal.
Safety by place in Chile
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Easter Island | 5/5 · Very safe |
| San Pedro de Atacama | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puerto Natales | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Pucón | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puerto Varas | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Viña del Mar | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Chiloé | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Punta Arenas | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| La Serena | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Santiago | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Valparaíso | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Chile safe for tourists?
Among South America's safer countries, though street crime in Santiago has risen. Watch phones and bags in crowds and use ride apps at night.
Is Chile safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women travel widely; street harassment happens. Use ride apps at night and stay in central, busy neighbourhoods.
What is the emergency number in Chile?
Police 133 · Ambulance 131 · Fire 132.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- Servicio Nacional de Migraciones
- Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (SAG)
- EFE Trenes de Chile
- Speedtest Global Index: Chile
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.