Precautions in Santiago

• Do not wear visible jewellery, this exposes you to the risk of robbery.
• If you are wearing a rucksack, do not have cameras, video cameras or other valuable items in the outside pockets. li>
• If you are eating in a restaurant, do not leave your possessions on an empty chair.
• Do not walk around the streets with a lot of bags. Leave them in a safe place in your hotel or in the left luggage facilities of the bus terminal.
• Never change money in the street. Use an authorised exchange office.
• If you are travelling on your own or a hired bicycle, never entrust it to anyone else.

How to avoid theft from your car

• Do not leave personal documents inside the vehicle.
• Get repairs and servicing done in recognised garages which are authorised by the municipality.
• Do not pass the keys to parking attendants. (They may make copies).
• If possible, ensure that the vehicle has an alarm, a security system or some other means of discouraging delinquents.
• Keep a careful note of the special characteristics and details of the vehicle.
• Make sure the licence plate is properly fixed on.

What to do if your car is stolen

• You should inform the police (Carabineros) immediately. (Phone 133 free of charge).
• Go to the nearest police station to make a statement on the theft.
• Take as much information as possible about your car and the details of the theft.

Precautions if you go out in the mountains

• If you are going out in the mountains without a guide, you should inform the police (Carabineros) or the mountain Rescue service (Cuerpo de Socorro Andino) of your route (Phone 136 free of charge, also 02-699 4764). Remember that it can be very cold in the mountains, even in summer, and that the weather is unpredictable.

Loss of travel documents

• If your travel documents are lost or stolen you should advise the nearest consulate in order to get them replaced.

Is it safe to hitch-hike in Chile?

• Hitch-hiking is forbidden on main roads and motorways in Chile, however it is a frequent practice, especially for young people in country areas.
• It will always be quicker and safer to travel by bus; buses can even stop on main roads in many places, so long as they do not hold up the flow of traffic.
• As a safety measure women are recommended never to hitch-hike alone.

Emergency telephones

• Ambulance emergency service 131
• Fire brigade 132
• Police (Carabienos de Chile) 133
• Mountain Rescue service 136, also 02-699 4764
• Police information 139