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Chile
Country Specific Information
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October 23, 2007
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: 
Chile is a rapidly developing country with a large, educated middle class and a robust free-market economy. Tourist facilities
are generally good and are continuously improving. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Chile for additional information.
Information about dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: The potential for terrorist activity is low. There has been some politically motivated violence among indigenous communities in southern Chile, none of which has affected Americans. Potential for civil disturbance is low, although demonstrations, sometimes violent, do occur, particularly on the anniversary of the September 11, 1973 coup against the government of President Salvador Allende.For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Crime rates are low to moderate throughout Chile and are moderate in Santiago, Valparaiso, and other major cities. American citizens visiting Chile should be as careful in cities as they would be in any city in the United States. There have been few violent crimes committed against Americans. However, American tourists are at a heightened risk for pick pocketing, purse or camera snatching, and theft from backpacks and rental cars. Such crimes have been reported in all areas of Chile frequented by tourists. In Santiago, visitors should be especially alert to the possibility of crime at the Plaza de Armas and the Mercado Central; at major hotels and restaurants in the Las Condes, Vitacura, and Providencia areas, and in the Suecia and Bellavista entertainment districts. In Valparaiso, visitors should be especially alert in the port and adjoining tourist areas. Tourists using taxis in Santiago should be alert to possible scams involving currency switching. The emergency number for the police (Carabineros) is 133.In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. More information on this serious problem is available at http://www.cybercrime.gov/18usc2320.htm.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.See our information on Victims of Crime.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical care, though generally good, may not meet U.S. standards, especially in remote areas. Although emergency rooms in some major hospitals accept credit cards, many doctors and hospitals in Chile expect immediate payment in cash. Prescription and over the counter medicines are widely available. Air pollution is a major source of health concern in Santiago. The most severe air pollution occurs during the winter (May through August).Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRI. (1-877-394-8747) or from the CDC’s web site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas. TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Chile is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstanceDriving in Chile is on the right-hand side of the road. Several modern toll highways have recently been opened in and around Santiago, dramatically improving transit into and through the city. Major roads are generally in good condition throughout the country. Some secondary roads, however, may be poorly maintained. At night, heavy fog conditions in rural areas have led to multiple vehicle accidents with occasional deaths and injuries. Care should be taken while driving in the mountains because the roads tend to have many tight switchbacks and rarely have guardrails. Chains are often required and should be used on mountain roads during the winter. Many major highways in Chile are toll roads; drivers should carry a sufficient amount of local currency to cover the tolls. The new major highways in and around Santiago generally collect tolls through use of an electronic transmitter issued by the concessionaire and placed on the vehicle. “Day passes” may be purchased separately. Vehicles rented at Santiago airport generally are equipped with the electronic transmitter and the rental car companies charge a surcharge for its use. Some major arteries remain under construction in Santiago and drivers should be alert for detours and delays.
Throughout Chile, but especially in Santiago, care should be exercised when changing lanes or merging because many drivers do not signal lane changes and rarely yield to merging traffic. Buses are especially aggressive in moving between lanes. Speeding is common, including in urban areas. Traffic jams and detours in Santiago and other areas are common. Taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive. Drivers should drive with car doors locked at all times, especially in the southern parts of the city and near the airport, as there have been reports of thieves entering cars stopped at traffic lights or moving in slow traffic. In Santiago, certain major arteries switch directions during morning and evening rush hours. Visitors to Santiago should obtain up-to-date information on these changes from their auto rental company or the Chilean Automobile Association (please see below).
Driving under the influence of alcohol in Chile is severely punished, and can result in incarceration if the driver is involved in an accident. Individuals arrested for driving under the influence over a weekend can expect to remain incarcerated until the next business day when they will appear before a judge.
Visitors must have an international driver’s permit in order to drive legally in Chile. Although car rental firms may rent to customers with only a U.S. driver’s license, the police have detained several persons for lengthy periods for driving without a valid international permit.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the web site of Chile’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety at www.sernatur.cl.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Chile’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Chile’s air carrier operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Visitors should take care to use only the services of government licensed tour operators throughout Chile as the Embassy is aware of at least one accident involving American fatalities with an unauthorized tour operator. Special care should be taken by arriving cruise ship passengers if arranging land tours not authorized by the cruise line.Chile is an earthquake prone country. Information on Chilean earthquake preparedness is available from the Oficina Nacional de Emergencia de Chile (ONEMI) via the Internet at www.onemi.cl (for emergency preparedness guidance in English click on “Guia SIE” on the left side of ONEMI’s homepage). General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at www.fema.gov. Information about emergency preparedness is also available on the Embassy web site at santiago.usembassy.gov.
Minefields are found in Chile’s northern border with Peru and Bolivia and on the southern border with Argentina in Patagonia. Minefields are generally marked, but markers may have been shifted, become obscured or been vandalized. Travelers should pay attention to markers and follow clearly identified roads and trails when traveling in minefield areas. Border crossings should only be made at authorized locations. Persons visiting wilderness areas in the border regions mentioned above should check with park or other local officials concerning minefields and other potential hazards.
Chile is a popular destination for outdoors and adventure sports. Much of the country is mountain, forest, desert, or glacier. Despite the best efforts of local authorities, assisting persons lost or injured in such areas can be problematic. American citizens have been killed in recent years in mountain climbing and white water rafting accidents, and seriously injured while skiing. Persons planning to travel in isolated and wilderness areas should first learn about local hazards and weather conditions. Information about parks and wilderness areas can be obtained from the Chilean Forestry Service at www.conaf.cl. Information about mountain climbing in Chile can be obtained from the Federacion de Andinismo de Chile at www.feach.cl. Current weather forecasts are available from the Chilean Meteorological Service at www.meteochile.cl. Reports of missing or injured persons should be made immediately to the police so that a search can be mounted or assistance rendered. Socorro Andino (www.socorroandino.cl) is a volunteer organization that provides mountain search and rescue services that supplement police efforts. Persons traveling in isolated areas should always inform park rangers, police, or other local authorities of their itinerary before starting off.
Travelers should be aware that they might have difficulty using U.S. $100 bills due to concerns about falsification. The United States Secret Service has provided Chilean banks and local police with the tools and training needed to identify counterfeit U.S. currency. Although the training was very successful, many Chilean banks, exchange houses and business still refuse to accept the $100 notes. Whenever possible visitors to Chile should use Traveler's Checks or bring notes smaller than $50.
Please see our Customs Information.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Chilean laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Chile are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties. CHILDREN'S ISSUES: See our Office of Children’s Issues web pages for information on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.REGISTRATION/ EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Chile are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration web site so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Chile. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Santiago, Chile. The telephone number is (56) (2) 232-2600. The Embassy web site is santiago.usembassy.gov and the email address is SantiagoAMCIT@state.gov. The Consular Section fax number is (56) (2) 330-3005. The American Citizen Services section is open to the public from 8:30am-11:30am, Monday through Friday, except American and Chilean holidays.
* * *This replaces the Country Specific Information dated November 22, 2006 to update sections on Entry/Exit Requirements, Crime,
Medical Facilities, Health Information, Children’s Issues, and Registration/Embassy Location.
