Tourist Information Chile - S |
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Safety
Compared to most Latin American countries, Chile is very safe for travelling. Exceptions are, as everywhere, the slums and the centers of the big cities. Beware of (well dressed) pickpockets who practice their swift tricks especially on buses, on the Metro and in crowds on busy streets. Since as a foreigner you will stick out anyway, you should heed the following:
- Do not flaunt valuables, cameras, jewelry, etc.
- Leave larger amounts of cash, travelers checks, credit cards, airline tickets, passport, etc. in your hotel's safe, or carry them around your waist or on your chest in a special money belt/pouch.
- Always keep your eyes on your bags and luggage, clutch purses and daypacks in front of your body.
- Do not allow anyone to distract you (a popular ruse) in a crowd, i.e. when getting on and off the Metro or a bus.
- In Cafés and restaurants, never hang your bag over the back of your chair, and never leave it unattended.
- Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a safe place (separate).
On the other hand, cases of robberies at gunpoint or muggings are rare. When in doubt, don't try to be a hero; hand over your money! It is better not to go for walks alone on Cerro San Cristobal in Santiago, as well as on some of the hills of Valparaíso, and also avoid Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago at night.
Leaving your luggage where you are staying is usually not a problem, even if they should not have a safe.
When valuables are missing, go to the nearest police station, have a report filed (dejar constancia) and make a note of its number (for your insurance company).
Travelling alone
Chile is safe even for those travelling alone, as long as they use common sense and safety rules. Women need to be resolute enough to get rid of unwanted attention. Chilean machos are usually only a nuisance when in groups and verbally; otherwise, they are quite harmless. Never hitchhike alone!
Shopping
Stores open between 9 AM and 10 AM and close around 8 PM; smaller stores observe a siesta between 2 PM and 4 PM. Department stores and supermarkets stay open longer in the evening (until 9, 10 or 11 PM) and they are also open on the weekend.
Over the past few years, numerous malls have sprouted all over the place. And the atmosphere alone is worth a visit to one of the typical fruit, vegetables and fish markets (i.e. Mercado Central in Santiago, Mercado de Chillán). In smaller stores, at market stalls and in the streets it's OK to try and haggle a bit.
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