Just a few words to answer some common questions we get about the capital city. It is about 15 miles from the airport, about a 20 to 30 minute drive. It has a number of districts but in most cases they are all part of the city. Providencia and Las Condes and Vitacura districts are very fashionable with good hotels, shops, restaurants, bars. Most major businesses are located in these districts.
Chile is actually a pretty safe place for the tourist.
But in Santiago, like any big city in the world, reasonable prudence is always a good idea. Well every country has to have them. In the case of Chile they are really very good in spite of the somber military style uniforms, they are called Carabineros . You will find the Carabineros very helpful and honest. If you do have a problem they will assist.