If you’re read my post on things to do in Santiago, you’ll know I’m a big fan of Chile’s capital. I found it varied, easy to get around, and safe – especially when comparing to other South American capitals. That said, Santiago is still a huge metropolis, and with that come certain rules to follow.
I’ve gathered the most frequently asked questions around safety in Santiago below, alongside general information on safety and areas to stay. I hope that by following a few simple precautions, you can dramatically lower your risk of anything bad happening, and increase the chances of having a fantastic time.
For more on safety, you can also read my ten tips for travelling solo to South America.
Is Santiago, Chile safe? Rankings
First things first: Santiago consistently ranks as one of the safest major cities in Latin America. According to the 2021 Safe Cities Index, Santiago placed higher than any other South American capital; its position was immediately ahead of Buenos Aires, Dubai, Beijing and Istanbul.
The Safety Index 2025 ranked it at 101, which places it higher than San Jose (Costa Rica), New York, Quito and Athens, and behind Cairo, Riga and Istanbul.
It’s worth noting that Chile also maintains a lower crime rate than many of its neighbors. The 2024 Global Peace Index ranked Chile as the most peaceful nation in South America.
That said, as with many countries, most of the trouble will be in the capital. Any local will tell you that Santiago has more than its fair share of crime, and that it is sadly on the rise.
I will also say that my partner and I spent two weeks in Santiago in March 2025, and loved it. We had no problems at all and will happily return.
Common safety concerns in Santiago
The good news is that the problem you are most likely to encounter is pickpocketing. While this can be incredibly frustrating, you will walk away safe, unharmed, and probably oblivious than anything even happened until later.
More serious crime does occur, and like anywhere, you can be unlucky. But you can also dramatically lower the chances of anything happening by:
- Not taking taxis (more on that below)
- Not wandering around at night
- Avoiding problematic neighborhoods (again, more on that later)
This next section covers the most common safety issues that happen in Santiago.
Petty theft and pickpocketing
As I mentioned, the most likely issue that you may encounter in Santiago is pickpocketing when you are distracted. It’s most likely to strike in crowded areas, such as the metro during rush hour, popular attractions (like Plaza de Armas), or busy shopping areas like the Mercado Central. Moped phone theft also happens in Santiago, and you’ll see people clutching their phones tightly in busy areas.
Keeping an eye on your belongings, being savvy with where you keep your valuables and when you take them out will help lower your risk of petty theft and pickpocketing by a lot. You can also:
- Use anti-theft bags with lockable zippers
- Hold your phone tightly if you’re using it in public, especially if on the street
- Hold on to your bag with your hand or arm (you will see locals doing this everywhere)
- Keep valuables in front pockets or hidden money belts
- Don’t carry more cash than you need to
- Be especially alert in crowded areas and on public transportation
- Avoid displaying expensive phones, cameras, or jewelry
- Leave valuable items you don’t need for the day in your hotel safe
Taxi scams
Taxi scams are super common in Santiago, and tourists are specifically targeted. Scams include:
- Drivers claiming the meter is broken
- Taking unnecessarily long routes
- Claiming to not have change for large bills
- Using counterfeit bills when providing change
- Adding extra zeros on the bill in hopes tourists won’t realise, since the exchange rate can be confusing
Locals will tell you over and over to avoid taking taxis. You’ll see hundreds of stories of people getting scammed online. We saw one or two happening when we were there, where tourists were screaming back and forth in broken Spanish about a ridiculous rate.
As with anywhere in South America, do not take taxis unless you know what you are doing. Uber is widely established as the much safer alternative, and it works well in Santiago. When coming in from the airport, I also always use a pre-booked (and paid) car service, so there can be no room for misunderstandings.
Protests and demonstrations
Santiago has a history of political demonstrations, particularly since the social unrest that began in late 2019. While most protests are peaceful, they can occasionally turn confrontational, especially around Plaza Italia/Baquedano. The advice is to avoid demonstration areas, as police may use tear gas or water cannons to disperse crowds. Before you swear off the entire centre of Santiago though, check in with locals, who will tell you if there’s anything to worry about.
You may want to be cautious on certain notable dates, such as September 11th (the date of the 1973 coup).
We saw a peaceful, large workers’ march in the financial quarter we were there, and there was no trouble at all. That said, when it’s a big protest, things can turn quickly, and it’s best to be elsewhere.
Earthquakes
Chile is in a seismically active region, which means earthquakes are pretty regular. The great majority will be small, to the extent that you won’t even notice them. Still, it’s good to know what to do in the very unlikely event that a serious earthquake strikes. Essentially: drop, cover, and hold on under a sturdy piece of furniture. Don’t try to go outside.
Santiago’s extensive experience with earthquakes means it is exceptionally well-equipped to handle them. The city enforces some of the world’s strictest building codes, requiring structures to withstand magnitude 9.0+ earthquakes. Even in Santiago’s deadly 2010 earthquake, the city performed remarkably well despite the circumstances and proximity to the epicenter.
If you think you are feeling an earthquake and you’d like to check online, the Spanish words used in Chile are ‘temblor’ and ‘sismo’. Keep in mind that Santiago isn’t just a city in Chile, but in Cuba and Spain as well – so make sure you look up the right one.
Violent muggings and express kidnappings
While violent crime against tourists is much less common in Santiago than some other South American capitals, it can occur. Most violent incidents happen in less frequented areas, particularly after dark.
Express kidnappings (where victims are briefly abducted and forced to withdraw money from ATMs) are rare but have been reported. These typically occur when:
- Walking alone at night in deserted areas
- Using unauthorized taxis, especially those hailed on the street late at night
- Displaying signs of wealth (expensive cameras, phones, jewelry, etc.)
Most injuries occur when victims try to fight back. If confronted, comply rather than resist. Remember, your valuables are replaceable, while you are not. You can also manage risk by:
- Traveling in groups at night
- Sticking to well-lit, populated areas after dark
- Not withdrawing cash from ATMs in isolated areas or at night
- Avoiding areas that are known for being problematic at night (see next section)
- Using only official taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber and Cabify
- Carrying a dummy wallet with cash that you can hand over
- Bringing multiple cards on your trip and keeping them in different places
You may also want to place a lock on your card so that you are not able to withdraw too much in one go.
If something does happen, report any incidents immediately to the Carabineros (police) by calling 133. They may not be able to help, but the data is important and your report will be key if you’re claiming on insurance or through your bank, which you should contact if something happens. They may be able to give you some of the money back.
Areas to avoid in Santiago, Chile – especially at night
There are a few areas of Santiago where you should be extra vigilant – or just avoid – especially at night.
- Centro: while the historic center is generally safe during daylight hours, certain streets can become deserted and less secure at night.
- Plaza de Armas: the main square is lively and well-patrolled during the day, but attracts questionable characters after dark (specifically, trafficking drugs and sex).
- Bellavista: Though this is a popular nightlife district with many restaurants and bars, parts of it can become really dodgy at night, particularly on the fringes. These are well-known mugging hotspots, as it’s where people tend to be as they’re walking back to their accommodations, often after drinking. Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps rather than walking if you’re out late. They are inexpensive and quite reliable.
- Estación Central: The area around the main bus terminal can be sketchy (again, prostitution is a problem here), particularly at night. Be extra cautious with your belongings and stick to well-lit areas.
- La Pintana, El Bosque, Lo Espejo, and San Ramón: These peripheral neighborhoods have higher crime rates and are not typically visited by tourists.
Putting it all into context: is Santiago, Chile Safe in 2025?
Santiago is generally safe for tourists who exercise reasonable caution, and a lot safer than other capitals in South America. As with anywhere, you can have bad luck, and the city has its share of petty crime. But violent incidents targeting tourists are rare. By staying alert, avoiding high-risk areas (especially at night), and following the tips outlined above, you can hopefully enjoy everything Santiago has to offer.
During my visit over two weeks in March 2025, I never felt unsafe, even when using public transportation and exploring different neighborhoods. I did follow a lot of safety precautions and found there was the occasional odd character eyeing up my bag (mainly in busy public transport), but I never felt threatened.
The biggest risks remain pickpocketing and taxi scams, which can be largely mitigated with awareness and preparation.
I really believe that Santiago offers an excellent introduction to Chile, with its spectacular Andean views, fascinating museums, and delicious food and wine. Be cautious, but try not to let safety concerns take over your trip and stop you from enjoying what this capital has to offer. Just stay in a safe area, use Ubers, and don’t go wandering around at night – and you should have a wonderful time.
Tips for staying safe in Santiago, Chile:
If you’re skipped down to here, here are a few final tips for enjoying a trip to Santiago, Chile.
🚕 As mentioned before, don’t take taxis. Use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Cabify, which provide driver information and track your route
📍 Stay in a safe area (see FAQs) and don’t go wandering alone at night
🚇 When taking buses or the metro, have your bip! card ready before boarding to avoid displaying your wallet
⌚️ Be aware of your surroundings during rush hour when trains get crowded
💎 Keep valuables secure, preferably in front pockets or under clothing
👀 Don’t leave valuables unattended
🛜 Purchase an E-Sim or buy a local SIM card to stay connected
📲 Save emergency numbers: 133 for police, 131 for ambulance, 132 for fire
☀️ Finally use sunscreen, as Santiago’s proximity to the Andes means strong UV rays, even on cloudy days
and most important of all… enjoy your time there!
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a question around Santiago’s safety? Drop in the comments or email it to hello@stubborntravel.com and I’ll try my best to answer it.
What are the safest neighborhoods to stay in Santiago?
Las Condes is an upscale residential area with good lighting, and visible security (basically, where the Santiago wealthy live). This is considered super safe, but some complain it’s boring and too far from the action (we didn’t think so, but don’t tend to stay out late so perhaps are not the best judges).
Providencia is also great. It’s a middle to upper-class residential/business area with more restaurants, parks and shopping. It’s a bit closer to the center, but is actually a huge area, so it’s best to scope each accommodation out individually.
Ñuñoa is a more residential neighborhood that still maintains good safety standards. It’s popular with young professionals and is not far from Barrio Italia. El Golf and Vitacura are also worth checking out.
As always, check reviews for individual accommodations, and check specifically what people say about location.
We stayed in Providencia, Ñuñoa and Las Condes (in that order). Our favourite was Las Condes – we stayed a ten-minute walk from Hernando de Magallanes, so it was a bit more far out, but we didn’t mind.
Is Santiago, Chile safe for solo female travelers?
In my experience, Santiago is one of the better (perhaps best?) South American capitals for female solo travelers. The city has reliable public transportation, many well-lit areas, and a relatively low violent crime rate. I would only recommend the standard precautions:
- Stay in well-reviewed accommodations in good neighbourhoods
- Don’t take taxis
- Be cautious about sharing too much information with strangers
- Consider joining free walking tours to meet other travelers
- Avoid being out after dark alone, particularly if using public transportation
Can you drink the tap water in Santiago, Chile?
Tap water in Santiago (and Chile) is generally safe to drink. BUT I will say that it tasted really funny to me, and I ended up drinking bottled water. This is rare for me, as I’ll almost always drink tap water if it’s potable. The moment I moved south of Santiago, the tap water was delicious.
It’s worth noting that Santiago tap water has a lot of minerals. For people with sensitive stomachs, bottled water is recommended.
Have you visited Santiago? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below.
Or, if you’re looking for inspiration on things to do in Santiago, check out 10 things to do when you get there.
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