The rate of violent crimes is low, although there is quite a bit of petty thievery. Health conditions are very good in the urban areas, and adequate for routine care in most of the rural places. It is easy and safe to travel throughout the nation, although women may have to exercise more caution in some situations. The greatest potential safety and health problems for program participants are the smog-related illnesses in Santiago, the threat of earthquakes and the use of heating devices in the houses and apartments. Although street crimes appear to be increasing, personal security problems are minor compared with many other South American countries.
Precaution needs to be taken to avoid petty crimes such as purse snatching, wallet taking, etc.
This is more likely in the busy downtown area of Santiago then in other neighborhoods. Program participants need to be especially wary of calculated distractions, such as someone tapping you on the shoulder or spilling something on you, since these accidents are often part of a team effort to steal your possessions. Special care needs to be taken with the use of backpacks, which often prove very enticing to local thieves. Valuables should never be put in the outside pockets of backpacks ever. Rush hour is the most frequent time for robberies, so extra care needs to be taken in crowded situations.