Crime in Santiago, Chile

Just back from 6 weeks. Comparing to Brisbane, Australia. Santiago seems pretty low crime. There is a lot of security including door-men everywhere and houses are often heavily secured with bars, barbed-wire and even broken bottles in cement on top of walls. I walked everywhere including after midnight and was fine. There are often bags of rubbish lying around with animals picking through them but I believe this happens in the US also. People were generally friendly and keen to chat, even when I had no Spanish. Plenty of people will overcharge foreigners but that is an issue in all developing countries.

Great article, thanks for the tips! Indeed, Chile is one of the most interesting countries in South America, with its diverse, pristine landscape second to none! However, the country is also afflicted by tourist targeted scams and crime: https://travelscams.org/south-america/common-tourist-scams-chile/

Do be wary of the bird poo/mustard scam, poor student scam, border crossing scam, drink spiking, pickpocketing, robberies, muggings, pirate taxis, airport fake taxis, taxis with two occupants, carjackings, snatch thefts, flat tire scam and many more!

I love Chile. I wish I could move there. I love the country, the wild life, the people. I don't know how I'd be received as an American wanting to become a citizen, but it is on top of my list of Countries to become a citizen in.

I have many stories, almost all good ones about my trip to Santiago. Do beware of the cab drivers, some great, some a disguised to rob you, as they say they have no change, that's because they want the whole thing as a tip. Always have exact amount ready to pay the cab. yes, if the bill is 11,000 pesos, you better have 11,000. if you hand him two 10"s or a 20,000 note, they act as if they have no change, the first thing they say is oh thank you thank you like you'll just let it go.. then they can't speak Spanish or English, no comprendo. Don't get out till they give your change, or your $ back, no one argued with me for too long, I'm sure they realized quick i want getting out without the change. (but it was hard to get change anywhere in that town, seemed only grocery stores would oblige). happened again at a cafe, they made me wait seriously 15 minutes while i stood at the counter, as if they waited long enough i would just go. Got one cab driver twice, he did it to me two days in a row. he didn't recall me but i remembered him. had no issues with Uber there however, probably a better way to go.

We are just back from a month in Argentina and Chile and had a wonderful time until our last day - riding the metro in Santiago a team of thieves got my husbands iPhone 7 from a secured Velcro pocket and were gone in a flash. We could not locate any police in the station nor at street level when we exited. We were told by the hotel that the police would file a case but we would have to attend the court in 2 weeks - impossible. We live in Chicago - and travel major cities of the world and in 35 years this is the first time we have been robbed. The city is beautiful and the people are just lovely - but don't let your guard down because from our experience and those I have read there is an active crime scene and you must stay very aware.