Is Santiago Safe for Women?

Like every city, Santiago has safer neighborhoods (the north-western part of the city, often called “Santiago Oriente” is much safer than other parts). Obviously, more touristy places are more dangerous (downtown) and there are pickpockets, purse snatchers and it’s very common to have your phone stolen (happened to me), BUT! Catcalling and sexual harassment has been banned by law and you can go to the police to denounce a person for making comments that made you uncomfortable, or for being too close without your consent, so that’s a plus. When you’re walking around somewhere always look like you’re sure about where you’re going, and pay a lot of attention to your stuff (don’t have your phone in your hand unless strictly necessary, have your bag crossed over your shoulders and on the front of your body, etc), and try to avoid wearing obviously expensive stuff. Use Uber or Cabify to move around instead of taxis, but be very wary of the rating of the drivers and check that their picture and the license plate of the car matches the pictures on the app. As for public transport, my advise is the same as the one for when you’re walking around: look sure, be careful of your personal stuff, don’t wear obviously expensive stuff. It doesn’t happen much to my knowledge, but it has happened that women have been drugged while partying, so never accept drinks from someone you don’t know and watch as your drinks are being mixed. People tend to “fool” foreigners, charging them more money for stuff, taking them places that are not safe (never go anywhere with someone you don’t know and feel weird about, but I know that sometimes that’s impossible not to do so really trust your gut), but I guess that happens everywhere?

Being a big city, it is exposed to associated risks such as robberies mainly, but it is enough to be cautious and not expose yourself. It is a city with many daily panoramas and beautiful places to visit, such as the cultural, natural and common places.

Santiago has different vibes, beautiful place and on day is all safe, on nights is better being on groups or take a private ride. You have to be on alert with pickpocket and don't walk with the phone on hands. But Santiago has alot of things to do, museums, parks, shoppings, etc. The nightlife is good, bars and place to dances, but you can't take a public transport that late.

It depends. If you’re in Ñuñoa, Las Condes, Providencia, Vitacura, Lo Barnechea, or Chicureo, there’s nothing to worry about at all (though I always protect my phone everywhere). Uber is safe here, as well as public transportation, but just be mindful of your belongings since theft can happen if you’re not paying attention. People are usually friendly, and that’s not a problem. I like living here as a woman; I feel safe most of the time.

Overall I did not feel safe in Santiago. I didn’t matter if it was dark outside or not and people would always tell me to be careful as a foreign woman. I almost got robbed during daytime in downtown Santiago. I would recommend to be really aware and never walk with your smartphone in your hand otherwise you get robbed

Solo travel

I have been walking around alone in the Bellavista area and never had anything suspicious. I have been feeling quite safe. For that I do make sure I don’t look wandering about and usually walk with a purpose and don’t go wandering around ar night.