health & security
Chile is a relatively safe country, but deals with some of the same
problems as most other international cities, such as theft and drug-related
crimes. Take the same safety precautions in Santiago that you would
in many large cities; maintain a low profile. Avoid wearing expensive
or expensive-looking jewelry, avoid handling large amounts of cash
in public, and avoid carrying luggage or cameras that identify you
as a tourist. Keep wallets and handbags well secured. Pickpockets
and purse-snatchers do work the crowded streets, especially during
rush hours, on public transportation, and in the crowded areas around
Avdas. Ahumada and Huérfanos.
Following general precautions will insure your safety. Do not walk
in downtown Santiago after dark or on weekends in the late afternoon.
Even short walks are considered risky, and you are advised to take
a taxi.Visit the San Cristóbal and Santa Lucía hills
only during daylight hours and stay on the main paths.
Women alone may be subject to sexual overtures on the street. Ignore
them completely. The company of another woman may help avoid them;
try to sit next to another woman on public transportation.
Report a lost or stolen passport or carnet de identidad immediately
to the local police and to your nearest embassy or consulate.
Health concerns and diseases
The following information on the diseases most prevalent in Chile is excerpted from reports of the Traveler's Health Section of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For detailed current information on these diseases and regular updates on regional health concerns, contact the CDC at:
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The single greatest health concern in the city of Santiago is
the quality of the air, accompanied by sharp changes in climate.
Eye, nose, and throat problems are endemic; some people develop
a chronic, lingering cough. Joggers may wish to consult with a physician
before beginning a rigorous outdoor program.
Gastrointestinal ailments can be avoided by careful preparation
of foods and limiting consumption of local water.
Cholera
Although all of South America has recently experienced an increase
in the incidence of Cholera, it is not as widespread in Chile as
it is in some neighboring countries. Precautions should, nevertheless,
be taken. Avoid uncooked vegetables and raw seafood.
A vaccine, which requires two injections, is available to provide
limited immunity, but is usually not recommended to protect against
such a rare disease.
Rabies
Rabid animals are seen more frequently in Chile than in Europe and North America, and should be regarded as dangerous. Treat any scratch seriously and consider a pre-exposure vaccine.
Typhoid and Hepatitis A
In rural areas where hygiene standards
are not high, Typhoid and Hepatitis outbreaks do occur in Chile
throughout the year. Recognize the danger and take the normal precautions
with foods and water: eat only thoroughly-cooked food, peel all
fruit, and drink only boiled water or bottled water and drinks.
Be especially careful that mayonnaise has been kept properly refrigerated.
A Typhoid vaccination is recommended for those traveling in rural
areas.
Vaccinations and health
There are no vaccination requirements to
enter Chile.
The normal childhood vaccinations of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR
), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP), and polio should be up-to-date.
It is also wise to check vaccination requirements directly
with the consular office of the host country's embassy.
In addition, you should always consult your home country's vaccination
regulations for re-entry, on home leave or repatriation.
