Menu
Chile
13 scams
Stretching for some 4,000 kilometers,Chile has some of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes in the world.
The country is also one of the safest countries to visit in South America though there are some low level crime and scams to be wary of.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Alert: anti-government protests sprung up in October 2019 and shows no signs of abating. Check out “Violent crime, hazards in Chile” for more information.
Emergency numbers
- Police: 133
- Ambulance: 131
- Fire: 132
- Mountain rescue: 136
Travel resources
Chile-Peru border card scam in Chile
6 0How it works: Opening: there are taxi drivers who tell tourists whom they drive to the Peru border that they need to buy an expensive “tourist card”. Set-up: he then…
Read more…
Fraudulent tour operators in Chile
5 0How it works: There had been cases of fly by night operators or operators whose businesses have already closed down but still collect payments for non-existent trips. There have also…
Read more…
Pirate taxis in Chile
6 0How it works: Version 1: At airports, you see touts carrying cards with the word “Oficial” or “TAXI” posing as official employees of the airport with official looking taxis. One…
Read more…
Currency switcheroo in Chile
5 0How it works: Version 1: you hand a 10,000 Chilean pesos note over. The cashier/driver swaps it to a 1,000 Chilean peso note, claims that you have confused the two…
Read more…
Donation scams in Chile
3 0How it works: Version 1: a friendly local resident engages you, claiming to be a student at a local private university where fees are expensive. He then gives you a…
Read more…
Snatch thefts in Chile
2 2How it works: Motoclock: snatching your watch/phone/bag, then escaping on a bike. Maletazos: they wait at hotels for you to unload your luggage from a taxi/van. Once you do, they grab…
Read more…
Bird poo scam in Chile
2 1How it works: Opening: A scammer first squirts a substance resembling bird droppings or mustard onto your clothing without you realizing. Next, accomplices point it out to you and attempt…
Read more…
Pickpockets in Chile
2 0How it works: Version 1: they work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a…
Read more…
Taxi scams in Chile
2 1How it works: Version 1: all taxis must use the meter except at the airport. However, there are some who will claim that the meter is down and hence charge…
Read more…
Restaurant, food stall scams in Chile
2 0How it works: Situation: Most food places are fine, it’s generally just a few bad eggs around touristy areas that spoil it for the rest. Set-up: Version 1: advertising cheap…
Read more…
Drink spiking in Chile
1 0How it works: Although Chile is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, there have been reports of drink spiking and subsequent robbery or assault. Places to beware: Santiago: Suecia, Bellavista…
Read more…
Carjacking in Chile
1 0How it works: Version 1: gangs operating in remote areas set up an emergency on the road to get you to stop – e.g. they ask for help with a…
Read more…
Flat tire scam in Chile
1 0How it works: Opening: while away from your car, there are scammers who will let the air out of your tire. When you return, the scammer pointsout the flat tire…
Read more…