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Some scams

South America

Tourist scams in Chile

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.
  1. 1 TheftCommonPickpocketing and wallet theftThieves take wallets, phones or other valuables. Crowds give them cover. Taking out your wallet before you know a price can also expose your cash.Santiago, Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, Antofagasta, Concepción 3Read
  2. 2 TheftOccasionalStreet robberyA robber threatens you and demands your valuables. People walking alone are more likely to be targeted.City streets, especially at night and in areas such as Bellavista. 3Read
  3. 3 Cards and ATMsOccasionalATM card skimmingCriminals attach a hidden card reader and a tiny camera to an ATM. They copy your card details and record your PIN so they can clone the card.ATM facilities with little surveillance.Read
  4. 4 Cards and ATMsOccasionalPayment card fraudCard details may be misused for fraudulent payments. No specific method beyond ATM skimming is described.Businesses taking card payments. 3Read
  5. 5 NightlifeOccasionalDrink spikingSomeone adds a substance to a drink without the drinker's knowledge. Reports of spiked drinks have increased.Bars and clubs. 1Read
  6. 6 Changing moneyOccasionalStreet money-exchange approachesSomeone offers to change your money on the street. A supposed helper may ask you to follow them elsewhere. The exact fraud method is not described.Street money-changing offers. 1Read
  7. 7 Changing moneyCommonPoor exchange rates at hotels, airports and tourist businessesAn unfavourable exchange rate gives you fewer pesos or makes a purchase cost more. Some tourist businesses accept foreign currency at poor rates. A poor rate alone does not prove fraud.Punta Arenas 1Read
  8. 8 ShoppingOccasionalOffers of stolen electronicsPeople at the bus terminal try to sell stolen goods. Phones and music players are specifically mentioned.SantiagoRead
  9. 9 TheftOccasionalCar hijackingCriminals take a vehicle by force or threat. Car hijacking has increased, but no specific setup or location is described.Across the country 2Read
  10. 10 Online bookingsOccasionalHigher flight prices on English-language airline pagesEnglish-language airline pages may charge in US dollars at a higher price than the Chilean pages charging in pesos. This is a pricing difference, rather than a described fraud.Airline booking websites. 2Read

Where to stay alert

  • Terminal Santiago / Estación Central / former Terminal SurPickpockets and people selling stolen electronics operate here. Holiday crowds can be especially heavy.
  • Bellavista, SantiagoThe safety advice identifies this area as one to avoid, particularly when going out at night.
  • Crowded streets and public areas, SantiagoCrowds increase the risk of pickpocketing and theft of visible valuables.
  • Crowded streets and public areas, Viña del MarVisitors are warned to take extra care with valuables in crowded areas.
  • Crowded streets and public areas, ValparaísoVisitors are warned to take extra care with valuables in crowded areas.
  • Crowded streets and public areas, AntofagastaVisitors are warned to take extra care with valuables in crowded areas.
  • Providencia, Vitacura and Las Condes, SantiagoPetty theft still happens in these otherwise safer areas.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Take a taxi instead of walking alone at night.
  • In Santiago, official taxis are black and yellow.
  • A radiotaxi is another option for late-night journeys.

Money

  • Use established exchange bureaus with clearly displayed rates.
  • Keep coins and small notes separate from larger notes.
  • Wait for the price before taking out your wallet.
  • Check the note value before handing it over. Confusing 1,000 and 10,000 pesos can be costly.
  • Compare peso prices before paying in foreign currency.

Cards and ATMs

  • Check that the ATM card slot looks normal and is firmly attached.
  • Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
  • Read the withdrawal fee before accepting it. A displayed fee is not itself a scam.
  • Use cards with reputable businesses and check your transactions.
  • Keep your card issuer's contact details somewhere separate from your wallet.

Your belongings

  • Wear your backpack in front in crowds.
  • Keep expensive phones, laptops, watches and jewelry out of sight.
  • Keep bags close while waiting at bus terminals.
  • Go out with other people where possible, especially after dark.
  • Keep a separate copy of important documents.

Nights out

  • Watch your drink from preparation through to drinking it.
  • Choose bottled drinks where possible.
  • Avoid very cheap, poorly made drinks.
  • Arrange a safe journey home and stay with trusted companions.

Police and officials

  • Contact Carabineros, the National Police, if you need police help.
  • Call 133 for emergency police assistance.
  • Do not offer police a bribe.
  • Keep the details of any police report for your insurer.

What travellers say about Chile

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

How worried should I be about scams in Chile?

Stay alert without assuming every interaction is a scam. The main concerns are pickpocketing, robbery, card fraud and drink spiking. Crowds and walking alone at night need extra care.

Where should I watch most closely for pickpockets?

Take extra care in crowded parts of Santiago, Viña del Mar, Valparaíso and Antofagasta. Concepción also has pickpockets. Terminal Santiago has a specific warning about theft.

How can I spot an ATM skimmer?

Check whether the card slot looks unusual, moves easily or seems detachable. Skimmers can be hard to spot, so cover your PIN even when the machine looks normal.

Is an ATM withdrawal fee a scam?

A clearly displayed withdrawal fee is a normal charge. Read it before accepting. Suspicious hardware or account withdrawals you did not make are separate warning signs.

Where should I exchange money?

Use an established exchange bureau with a clearly displayed rate. Avoid street offers and anyone asking you to follow them. Hotels and airport counters can give poor rates.

Are taxis a sensible choice at night?

Yes. Taking a taxi is advised instead of walking alone at night. Santiago's official taxis are black and yellow, and radiotaxis are another late-night option.

How can I reduce the risk of drink spiking?

Watch your drink while it is prepared and served, and keep it in sight afterwards. Choose bottled drinks where possible. If you feel unwell, tell someone you trust and seek medical help.

Should I buy a cheap phone offered at a bus terminal?

Decline unsolicited offers. People at Terminal Santiago sell stolen electronics, including phones and music players. Use an established shop.

What should I do during a robbery?

Follow instructions and hand over valuables. Do not resist. If you do not speak Spanish, avoid eye contact. Once safe, call 133 if you need emergency police help.

Could the airline website make my flight cost more?

Yes. English-language pages charging in US dollars may cost more than the airline's Chilean page charging in pesos. Compare the full price for the same flight, including baggage, before booking.

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