Bridge Survivor Guide: Safety

Chile is one of the safest countries in Latin America. However, like in any other big city of the world, you should take all the usual precautions to protect your valuables and personal belongings while in Santiago.

For the most part your own common sense should suffice, but just as a reminder, here are some useful tips:

Carry a ‘fake’ wallet or purse with a few pesos in it. In the event that someone tries to rob you, you can give them that.

For men in particular remember to keep your wallet in your front pockets rather than your back. Likewise with a money belt remember to have the ziplock compartment against your stomach, not your back.

Never wear a lot of jewellery or carry around valuables you can’t replace. Whilst it is advisable to leave them in your family’s home or in the hotel safe, a better option is to leave them at home. You will have a better trip if you aren’t worried about losing precious belongings.

When carrying cameras and laptops, please try to not make them visible, especially while taking public transportation. Specially designed laptop bags and camera bags are a dead giveaway.

If you carry a daypack, put your valuables in the largest pocket, because this tends to be a safer place to keep things from pickpockets. If you absolutely must set your bag down, try to maintain physical contact with it (i.e. wrap the strap around your leg), however always try to avoid this.

Do not flash around large amounts of money and always hold on firmly to your purse or wallet. If you are going out and know you will be needing money consider putting small bills into your pockets or somewhere you can access without pulling out your wallet. It is highly recommended that you do not pay taxis with $20.000 or $10.000 peso bills, instead once again try to carry smaller denominations.

Always be aware of the situation around you and try to look in control. A forceful purposeful walk or look can often deter would be thieves.

Keep the entrance doors and any windows without bars at your accommodations closed and locked at all times.

Never invite strangers or even newly made acquaintances into your accommodation. Instead always meet out at a public place and if possible take someone with you or inform someone of your plans.

Driving in Chile is quite different from the US and other countries in respect to velocity, general rules, regulations and pedestrian rights. As a pedestrian you are advised to pay close attention when crossing the road (even on crosswalks), as often pedestrians are not given right of way!

Avoid any kind of public demonstration. Although these are rarely violent, there is always the possibility that one could turn violent.

Chilean law requires that all persons carry ID on them at all times. A police official can stop you at any time for any reason and ask to see your ID. A photocopy of your passport is best in the city. When traveling outside of Santiago you must take your original passport but always be sure to have photocopies in a different location from your original passport.

Women should try to be fairly formal in their interactions with men that they encounter in everyday situations (taxi drivers, shopkeepers, etc.) because sometimes men may mistake informality for an interest in forming a romantic or sexual relationship. For the same reason, it’s also a good idea to ride in the back seat of a cab instead of next to the driver.

Leave your passport, tickets, valuable belongings and extra cash in the hotel safe or in a safe place in your home. As a safety precaution, make a photocopy of any important personal documentation. This includes the first page of your passport, your passport’s entry stamp, return plane tickets, credit card contact information, health insurance, etc. If you want to be especially secure, it is a good idea to make electronic or scanned versions of your documents, and send them to yourself via email. In whatever case, separate the original from the photocopy, but always keep one form of documentation (preferably the photocopy) on your person.

What to do in the unlikely event you are mugged or a crime is committed against you.

If you do happen to find yourself a victim of a crime while in Chile, the local U.S. embassy suggests that the loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

In addition to reporting crimes to local police you should also contact your nearest Embassy or Consulate for assistance.  The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred.

Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

Bridge Language Center in Providencia, Santiago specialises in both English and Spanish lessons for individuals, groups and companies. Follow Bridge’s Chile Survivor Guide every Friday, only on I Love Chile.