|
 Chile
is a relatively safe country, but deals with some of the same problems
as most other international cities, such as theft and drug-related
crimes. Take the same safety precautions in Santiago that you would in
many large cities; maintain a low profile. Avoid wearing expensive or
expensive-looking jewelry, avoid handling large amounts of cash in
public, and avoid carrying luggage or cameras that identify you as a
tourist. Keep wallets and handbags well secured. Pickpockets and purse-snatchers
do work the crowded streets, especially during rush hours, on public
transportation, and in the crowded areas around Avenues Ahumada and
Huérfanos.
Following general precautions will insure your safety. Do not walk in
downtown Santiago after dark or on weekends in the late afternoon. Even
short walks are considered risky, and you are advised to take a
taxi.Visit the San Cristóbal and Santa Lucía hills only during daylight
hours and stay on the main paths.
Women alone may be subject to sexual overtures on the street. Ignore
them completely. The company of another woman may help avoid them; try
to sit next to another woman on public transportation.
Report a lost or stolen passport or carnet de identidad immediately to
the local police and to your nearest embassy or consulate.
Health concerns and diseases
The following information on the diseases most prevalent in Chile is
excerpted from reports of the Traveler's Health Section of the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For detailed current
information on these diseases and regular updates on regional health
concerns, contact the CDC at:
CDC Voice or Fax Information Service
U.S. Tel: 1-404-332-4559
Website address: http://www.cdc.gov .
Regional reports can be accessed under the heading Traveler's Health on
the CDC home page: www.cdc.gov/travel/regions.htm .
The single greatest health concern in the city of Santiago is the
quality of the air, accompanied by sharp changes in climate. Eye, nose,
and throat problems are endemic; some people develop a chronic,
lingering cough. Joggers may wish to consult with a physician before
beginning a rigorous outdoor program.
Gastrointestinal ailments can be avoided by careful preparation of foods
and limiting consumption of local water.
Cholera
Although all of South America has recently experienced an increase in
the incidence of Cholera, it is not as widespread in Chile as it is in
some neighboring countries. Precautions should, nevertheless, be taken.
Avoid uncooked vegetables and raw seafood.
A vaccine, which requires two injections, is available to provide
limited immunity, but is usually not recommended to protect against such
a rare disease.
Rabies
Rabid animals are seen more frequently in Chile than in Europe and North
America, and should be regarded as dangerous. Treat any scratch
seriously and consider a pre-exposure vaccine.
Typhoid and Hepatitis A
In rural areas where hygiene standards are not high, Typhoid and
Hepatitis outbreaks do occur in Chile throughout the year. Recognize the
danger and take the normal precautions with foods and water: eat only
thoroughly-cooked food, peel all fruit, and drink only boiled water or
bottled water and drinks. Be especially careful that mayonnaise has been
kept properly refrigerated.
A Typhoid vaccination is recommended for those traveling in rural areas.
Vaccinations and health
There are no vaccination requirements to enter Chile.
The normal childhood vaccinations of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR),
diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP), and polio should be up-to-date. It
is also wise to check vaccination requirements directly with the
consular office of the host country's embassy.
In addition, you should always consult your home country's vaccination
regulations for re-entry, on home leave or repatriation.
|
