Is Santiago Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Santiago presents a moderate level of safety for solo female travelers. Crime rates are relatively low, and many women have traveled here without incident. However, it is best to take standard precautions such as avoiding certain areas at night and being mindful of pickpocketing and minor theft, particularly in crowded, tourist-popular spots.

Safety rating

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How safe is Santiago?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Santiago is generally considered safe especially in touristy areas and during the day, but like any other large city, it's advisable to be cautious at night. While street crime such as muggings and pickpocketing are unusual, they can still happen so it's best to stay in well-lit and crowded areas. It's quite common for locals to use caution when out late at night, so it's advisable to do the same and maybe considering using reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps when moving around after dark.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Santiago is generally reliable and fairly safe. The city's modern metro and extensive bus network help ensure you can reach your destination comfortably. That said, like any large city, it's always important to maintain general safety precautions, particularly during peak travel hours where pickpocketing can be a concern. Overall, as long as you are aware of your belongings and surroundings, you should have a pleasant experience with Santiago's public transit.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Moderate

Street harassment in Santiago is somewhat prevalent. As a solo female traveler, you could experience uncomfortable situations, such as catcalls and unwelcome comments. Remember to stay vigilant at all times and avoid less crowded and poorly lit areas at night. It's important to blend in, avoiding any unnecessary attention and always showing confidence in your demeanor. However, these instances should not deter your visits, as they don't represent the entirety of your potential experience in Santiago.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

Santiago, like any major city, has areas where petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag snatching and cellphone theft are common. Particularly in crowded places like public transport, markets and tourist hot spots. It's important to take regular precautions like keeping your belongings close to you, not flaunting expensive items, and being aware of your surroundings. Always be alert, especially in quieter or poorly lit areas, particularly after dark.

Is Santiago worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.5 /5

based on 3 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

3/5

Safety

3.3/5

Food

3.7/5

Budget-friendly

3.3/5

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.

Posted: December 11, 2023
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Solo travel

I was in Santiago for 2 days and I fell in love with this city. I stayed in the central part and felt quite safe there. I recommend going on wine tours near Santiago, as well as visiting Portillo, where Laguna del Inca is located. In addition, the best neighborhoods to stay in are Providencia, Las Condes, Bellavista, and Vitacura.

Posted: September 11, 2023
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Solo travel

I liked Chile as a country, but I absolutely hated Santiago. I never felt safe there. On my first night, a certain man started following me, and the whole city was full of homeless people and graffiti on every building, which just took away its beauty. I was annoyed that I had booked a week there, so I tried to fill most of my days with day trips outside of Santiago, and I really enjoyed that. There was really nothing particularly cool or interesting to do there. I was there in February, during the summer, so it was very hot, which only worsened my experiences. I will never go back there.

Posted: September 9, 2023
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Is Santiago safe for women?

Safety index

3 /5

Based on 22 local experiences

Crime index

2.6 /5

Based on 22 local experiences

Isabel

Isabel

I'll say like any other city you should inform yourself about which zones to avoid, but overall the most touristic places are really safe during the day. The metro is definetly a great transportation, but there are some specific stations where you should be really carefull because you can be robbed.

Posted: April 13, 2025
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Francisca

Francisca

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.

Posted: February 23, 2025
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Meet locals in Santiago

Aillen

Aillen

About Me

Hi! I’m a chilean that just moved to Paris! so I’m open to anything really.

Speaking

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Isabel

Isabel

About Me

Hi! I am 18 years old, from Chile, and this year I'll start my literature studies in Spain. I love reading, writing, coffee, jazz, desserts, cats, dogs... and well, getting to know new people and places! I am an INFP and 9w1, If you are into mbti and the enneagram, then, you'll know what it means. If not, it basically means I have a PhD in daydreaming and emotional support + I apologize to furniture I bump into. Maybe a bit dramatic internally, but soft-spoken, like a silent opera.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Santiago

Meylin

Meylin

Santiago

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Soy Meylin. Nací en Lima, Perú pero hace más de 20 años me trasladé a Chile junto a mi familia. Actualmente vivo en el centro de Santiago de Chile. Trabajo en restaurantes y en las tardes me gusta entrenar cross training y tomar clases de danza. Me gusta mucho viajar. En Chile he ido a acampar a muchos lados. Hay muchos lugares muy lindos y cómodos para acampar También he viajado fuera de Chile, aunque generalmente he tenido que viajar sola porque así se ha dado 😅 pero si viajo acompañada feliz tb 😊

Speaking

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La

La

Santiago

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Soy taiwanesa he vivido Santiago por 5 años.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Santiago

emma:)

emma:)

About Me

Hi!!! I’m Emma, I’ve 19 and I live in Milan. I’m a philosophy student, I’m at first year and I have no idea what will I do with this degree, but I really enjoy learn e discover how human thinking has evolved. I love to travel and discover new cultures, I’ve been out of Europe just once (in Africa!!!) and I can’t wait to see what’s out there in the world. I’m kinda sociable, so I easily build relationships with others, sometimes I might be really quite, but sometimes I can’t hold back my excitement!! My dream is to travel the world and I’d love to meet new people and hear their stories.

Speaking

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Safety in Chile