Skip to content
Common in Chile

Scam in ChileTheft

Pickpocketing and wallet theft in Chile

Crowded streets, public places and bus terminals, especially Terminal Santiago.

How it works

Thieves take wallets, phones or other valuables. Crowds give them cover. Taking out your wallet before you know a price can also expose your cash.

Warning signs

  • A crowd presses close around you.
  • Your backpack or wallet is within easy reach of other people.
  • Your phone, jewelry or cash is on display.

How to avoid it

  1. Wear your backpack in front in crowded places.
  2. Keep small notes and coins separate from larger notes.
  3. Wait until the seller gives you the price before reaching for your wallet.
  4. Keep expensive devices and jewelry out of sight.

If it happens to you

Move somewhere safe. Report the theft and block any stolen cards.

  1. Get to a safe place. If someone threatens you, follow instructions and hand over valuables rather than resisting.
  2. Call 133 if you need emergency police help. Seek urgent medical care if you are injured or suspect drink spiking.
  3. Freeze stolen or compromised cards. Contact your card issuer about any payments or withdrawals you did not authorise.
  4. Save receipts, transaction records, booking details and messages. Write down what happened while you remember it.
  5. Report the incident to police and ask for a report reference or copy. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen.
  6. Contact your insurer promptly. If your phone was stolen, use its remote lock tools and secure the accounts it could access.
Where it happensCrowded streets, public places and bus terminals, especially Terminal Santiago.Santiago, Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, Antofagasta, Concepción

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in ChileStreet robbery: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the pickpocketing and wallet theft scam in Chile?

Thieves take wallets, phones or other valuables. Crowds give them cover. Taking out your wallet before you know a price can also expose your cash.

How can I spot it early?

A crowd presses close around you. Your backpack or wallet is within easy reach of other people. Your phone, jewelry or cash is on display.

How do I avoid pickpocketing and wallet theft in Chile?

Wear your backpack in front in crowded places. Keep small notes and coins separate from larger notes. Wait until the seller gives you the price before reaching for your wallet. Keep expensive devices and jewelry out of sight.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Move somewhere safe. Report the theft and block any stolen cards.

Where in Chile does this happen?

Crowded streets, public places and bus terminals, especially Terminal Santiago. It has been reported in Santiago, Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, Antofagasta, Concepción.

How common is this scam in Chile?

Common. The main risks for visitors to Chile are pickpocketing, robbery, card fraud and drink spiking. Crowded city areas need extra care, while street money changers and poor exchange rates can also put your money at risk.

Are there similar scams in Chile?

Yes: street robbery, car hijacking.

Who can I report it to?

Carabineros — National Police: call 133 from any phone for emergency assistance. Report theft, robbery or suspected fraud to police and ask for a report reference. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze the card and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service listed in your policy. Keep police records, receipts and proof of loss. Bar or club staff: tell staff immediately if you suspect drink spiking. Ask for help and stay with a trusted companion.

What number do I call in an emergency in Chile?

Carabineros — emergency police assistance: 133.

Reviewed by