Health risks

Chile has a stable government and a strong economy. Facilities for tourism vary according to price and area. The capital is Santiago.

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CRIME: There is an increasing number of reports of the theft of purses, wallets, backpacks, and luggage containing passports, credit cards, and money. Thefts have been reported in restaurants, bus stations, airports, and other places frequented by tourists. There has also been a rise in the report of thefts from hotel rooms, including rooms in better hotels.

Street crime is a problem in metropolitan Santiago in general and specifically in the city center. One should be particularly alert while walking in the downtown area, especially in the late afternoon, after dark, or on weekends, even in well-traveled areas. In Santiago and other large Chilean cities, thieves thrive on crowds on the street during rush hour and aboard public transportation.

Petty crime is also prevalent at crowded tourist locations, at Metro (subway) stations, on trains and buses, and occasionally in taxis. Rates of such crime have increased markedly in the last year. Persons wearing expensive-looking jewelry or carrying luggage or cameras are favorite targets for pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Bags and briefcases may be stolen from chairs in restaurants and outdoor cafes. Outside Santiago, robberies and assaults have occurred most frequently in the Vina del Mar and Valparaiso areas, which become increasingly crowded during the height of the Chilean summer season (December through March).

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical care, while generally good, may not meet U.S. standards, particularly in remote areas. Although emergency rooms in some major hospitals accept credit cards, many doctors and hospitals in Chile expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Arthropodborne diseases:

Chagas disease

We recommend to prevent Arthropodborne diseases:

Usage of long-sleeved shirt and long pants to wear whenever possible while outside, to prevent illnesses carried by insects
Usage og insect repellent containing DEET (diethylmethyltoluamide), in 30%–35% strength for adults and 6%–10% for children. Unless you are staying in air-conditioned or well-screened housing
Usage of a bed net impregnated with the insecticide permethrin.
Staying and sleeping in air-conditioned houses.

Water- or foodborne diseases:

Travellers Diarrhoae
Hepatitis A

Other diseases:

Hepatitis B

Vaccinations we recommend:

Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin
Hepatitis B or Immune Globulin
Typhoid fever - vaccination is particularly important because of the presence of S. typhi strains resistant to multiple antibiotics in this region.
Yellow fever - entering from an endemic region
Rabies - if exposed to wild or domestic animals
A booster for tetanus/diphtheria - if not covered which indicates not vaccinated within th last 10 years.

Stay healthy:

Wash hands often with soap and water.
Drink only boiled water, or water and carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans
Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.
Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it
Protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, using repellents (applied sparingly at 4-hour intervals) and permethrin-impregnated mosquito nets, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants from dusk through dawn.
Prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot
Do not travel at night
Trafic accidents are frequent, be careful
Always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
Don’t eat food purchased from street vendors.

Compulsory vaccinations: none.

Recommended immunisations: *diphtheria, hepatitis A, *hepatitis B, polio, *TB, tetanus, *typhoid * recommended in some circumstances, travellers making 3 or more visits per year, stays of more than 3 months in a rural area, high-risk occupational groups & backpackers staying more than 1 month.

Risks: rabies.

Blood transfusion & tissue transplantation risk according to UK BTS:

Malaria: No
Trypanasoma Cruzi Risk: Yes
Sub Saharan Africa: No
West Nile Virus Risk: No
Chikungunya Virus Risk: No

Yellow fever vaccination requirements and recommendations and malaria situation in Chile
Food and Water Safety
HIV Risk
Check travelers health risks by CDC before, after and while traveling to Chile and prevention before arrival at Chile.

Travel data, health safety, warnings and recommendations for Canadian who willing to visit Chile.