Scam in ChileTheft
Street robbery in Chile
How it works
A robber threatens you and demands your valuables. People walking alone are more likely to be targeted.
Warning signs
- You are walking alone at night.
- Your route takes you into an unfamiliar area with few people around.
- Visible valuables may attract attention.
How to avoid it
- Go out with other people where possible.
- Take a taxi at night.
- Avoid displaying expensive phones, watches or jewelry.
- Avoid Bellavista at night.
If it happens to you
Do as the robber tells you and hand over your valuables. If you do not speak Spanish, avoid eye contact. Get to safety before calling for help.
- Get to a safe place. If someone threatens you, follow instructions and hand over valuables rather than resisting.
- Call 133 if you need emergency police help. Seek urgent medical care if you are injured or suspect drink spiking.
- Freeze stolen or compromised cards. Contact your card issuer about any payments or withdrawals you did not authorise.
- Save receipts, transaction records, booking details and messages. Write down what happened while you remember it.
- Report the incident to police and ask for a report reference or copy. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen.
- Contact your insurer promptly. If your phone was stolen, use its remote lock tools and secure the accounts it could access.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/Santiago2024Been attacked in broad daylight on Cerro San CristobalA solo European tourist reports being attacked around noon on Santiago's Cerro San Cristóbal despite other visitors being nearby.Read on Reddit
- Government adviceSafety and security - Chile travel advice - GOV.UKBritish authorities report frequent muggings in Santiago and Valparaíso, including daytime attacks involving guns or knives.Read on Government advice
- Government advice2026Chile travel adviceCanadian authorities report increased armed assaults and robberies, including attacks on tourists during daylight.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the street robbery scam in Chile?
A robber threatens you and demands your valuables. People walking alone are more likely to be targeted.
How can I spot it early?
You are walking alone at night. Your route takes you into an unfamiliar area with few people around. Visible valuables may attract attention.
How do I avoid street robbery in Chile?
Go out with other people where possible. Take a taxi at night. Avoid displaying expensive phones, watches or jewelry. Avoid Bellavista at night.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do as the robber tells you and hand over your valuables. If you do not speak Spanish, avoid eye contact. Get to safety before calling for help.
Where in Chile does this happen?
City streets, especially at night and in areas such as Bellavista.
How common is this scam in Chile?
Occasional. 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: pickpocketing and wallet theft, 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 @snuck