Chile🇨🇱
Chile, a long and narrow sliver of land set against the Pacific Ocean, is located on the western seaboard of South America. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, and Argentina to the east. Chile has a variegated relationship with its neighbors, marked by historical territorial disputes, yet is also known for strong trade partnerships and cultural exchange. Renowned for its diverse landscapes, Chile has the driest desert in the world, the Atacama, in the north, the central fertile valleys laden with vineyards, the snow-capped Andes range, and the lush forests of the Lake District stretching towards Patagonia in the south. Among the popular travel attractions include Santiago, the capital city, the colourful seaside port town of Valparaíso, the mysterious stone statues on Easter Island, Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, and of course the indomitable Vineyards. Whether you want to go star-gazing in the Atacama, wine tasting in the Central Valley, or walking on the Perito Moreno Glacier, you will find an unforgettable experience.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid political demonstrations and public gatherings, as these can get violent with little warning.
- Avoid offending local customs and traditions to maintain good relationships with locals.
- Avoid accepting services from illegal taxi drivers to avoid scams and personal risk.
- Avoid talking loudly in public spaces. Chileans consider this rude and disrespectful.
- Avoid hazardous activities without the proper safety equipment and supervision.
- Avoid isolated areas and travelling alone at night, especially in bigger cities like Santiago and Valparaíso.
- Avoid illegal activities such as drug use or trafficking. Penalties for such offenses can be severe.
- Avoid showing off expensive belongings or large amounts of cash to avoid drawing the attention of pickpockets.
- Avoid drinking tap water in remote areas without treating it first.
- Avoid disrespectful behavior towards religious practices or icons as this is regarded as offensive.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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While instances of violent crime such as armed robbery and assault are relatively low, petty thefts and carjackings are known to occur, especially in urban areas like Santiago, Valparaíso and Antofagasta. Tourist spots, airports, bus stations and crowded public places are crime hotspots. It's worth noting that protests and demonstrations can turn violent; therefore, one should stay cautious and avoid engaging in such activities.
Terrorism 💣
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Historically, Chile has had a low likelihood of terrorist activities. The last notable incident was an anarchist bombing campaign in Santiago back in 2014 which caused several injuries. However, no significant incidents have occurred since then, marking Chile as relatively safe in terms of terrorist threats.
War ⚔️
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Chile has been relatively peaceful for many decades, with no major conflicts or wars affecting the country. The last major conflict was the War of the Pacific occurring in the late 19th century against Peru and Bolivia.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Chile is prone to severe natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and wildfires. The country sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismic hotspot, and major earthquakes have occurred in recent years. Most notably, the 8.8 magnitude earthquake in 2010 which claimed numerous lives and caused significant infrastructure damage.
Medical Care 🏥
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Chile's healthcare system is generally good, particularly in Santiago, with well-trained personnel and modern facilities. The private clinics and hospitals are better equipped than the public ones. However, in rural areas, access to quality medical care might be limited.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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Water in Chile is generally clean and safe to drink straight from the tap across the country. In rural or remote areas, it is advisable to boil or filter water before consumption.
Disease Burden 🤒
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Due to excellent sanitation standards, diseases are rare. However, the rates of non-communicable diseases like Diabetes and Heart Disease are on the rise. Additionally, Chile had faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption in Chile is less prevalent compared to other South American countries. However, there have been incidents of corruption amongst public officials, for example, the 2015 corruption case involving the son of President Michelle Bachelet.
Safety for Women ♀️
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Chile is generally safe for women travellers, and it is rare to hear of serious crimes against women. But it's important to note that unwanted attention and street harassment can occur.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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Chile is relatively progressive when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, with strong laws against discrimination. Santiago, in particular, has a thriving queer scene. However, mentalities can be more conservative in rural areas.
Censorship 📺
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Chile enjoys freedom of speech and the press, and there are no major constraints on internet use. However, controversies emerged around a book ban from schools in 2019 over its ‘morally destructive’ content.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Public transportation in Chile is reliable and widely available. The Santiago Metro and Transantiago bus system are comprehensive and efficient. Major incidents or accidents are rare.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Chile is quite safe when compared to other South American countries. However, one must stay alert to petty crimes, especially in bigger cities. It's advised to be cautious during seismic events and follow local advice on dealing with natural disaster procedures, given the prevalent threat of earthquakes.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Numerous foreign embassies are located in the capital, Santiago, including those of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and various European, Asian, and South American countries.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Routine vaccines such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and yearly flu shot are recommended. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid vaccines should also be considered.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Among the fauna, cougars and venomous spiders are the most dangerous. In water bodies, Chile can be home to venomous jellyfish and the Fer-de-lance snakes.
🛂 Visa Requirements
For many countries, including the United States, the UK, Canada, and EU countries, no visa is required for tourist visits up to 90 days.
💲 Currency
The official currency of Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP). You can exchange currency at banks and official exchange bureaus in the major cities and towns.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and businesses in the major cities and tourist areas.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Work and travel opportunities are possible, and English teaching is popular. However, the appropriate visa must be obtained.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
In comparison to the US and Europe, living and travel costs are lower. But compared to other South American countries, Chile is considered one of the more expensive.