Expat Women in Valparaíso

Valparaíso is a city full of charm, creativity, and stunning views, but like any urban area, it comes with some safety challenges. I’ve live here for four years as a college student and since I got here first I was struck by its vibrant street art and the maze of colorful hillsides. It felt like every corner had a story to tell. However, I quickly realized the importance of staying alert, especially in crowded areas like Cerro Concepción and the central market. Pickpocketing and bag snatching are fairly common, so I made sure to keep my belongings secure and avoided flashing my phone or camera. I’ve never experienced anything like this but still it’s better to be safe. At night, I try to stick to well-lit, busier areas and avoided wandering into less lit streets, as some can feel a bit isolated. And when bar hopping or partying I avoid being alone or on my phone since the nightlife areas are fun but can be more dangerous. The locals are in general kind and helpful. Still, I encourage trusting your instincts and planning l routes carefully, especially when venturing out after dark. Ubers are generally easy to get and pretty safe too. I’ve never experienced any mugging or theft but friends of my have and overall we all agree on keeping things street smart. Don’t be on your phone on the street, take it out for pictures and that but keep an eye on the surroundings, don’t walk alone at night specially on streets you don’t know really well, avoid wearing anything flashy or that can be snatched easily.