Travelling to Chile as a couple: laws, alcohol, protests and quakes to know

Chile is one of the region's more stable countries, but that does not mean travelling without reading the small print. This guide collects the points in the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) travel advice that matter most to an adult couple visiting Santiago, Valparaíso or Viña del Mar: surprising laws, protests, wildfires, earthquakes and driving. Everything here comes from that official source; for the rest, check your own government's advice.

Alcohol and public spaces

Drinking alcohol in public spaces (streets, squares, promenades) is illegal in Chile, according to the FCDO. It is one of the rules that most surprises visitors from cities where a drink on the plaza is normal. Finish your drink inside the venue, do not take drinks out onto the street and avoid carrying open bottles in bags. A fine is the mildest outcome; an incident with police can ruin an evening.

Drugs

Using or possessing drugs is illegal and can mean prison. On nights out, the FCDO also warns that drinks have been spiked in bars and clubs in Suecia and Bellavista in Santiago. Simple measures: never leave your glass alone, do not accept drinks from strangers, keep your partner in sight and, if someone suddenly feels unwell, seek help immediately.

People, relationships and respect

Same-sex relationships are legal and increasingly accepted, although the FCDO describes society as largely conservative. In practice, discretion and respect in public spaces are the best policy. Do not photograph third parties without permission, always respect a no and never push.

Crime

According to the FCDO, pickpockets, robberies and vehicle thefts are very common across Chile, including airports, hotels, bus terminals and petrol stations. Robberies are frequent in Santiago and Valparaíso, increasingly involving weapons, and the advice is not to resist. There are scams with illegal taxis at Santiago airport with inflated fares: pay at the official booths before leaving. There are also thefts from rental cars and kidnappings in Santiago; in a robbery, hand over belongings and, in a kidnapping, raise your hands and get out of the vehicle.

Protests

There is a risk of violent protests in Santiago and other cities, especially on Friday afternoons and evenings. Even peaceful ones can turn violent, and police use tear gas and water cannon. The FCDO recommends avoiding all demonstrations and warns that under Chilean law you can be deported for taking part in or promoting violent acts. National protests tend to occur on 11 September, 29 March and 1 May. If your trip coincides, plan the day away from the centre and gathering points.

Earthquakes

Chile has a risk of major earthquakes and its building code requires seismic risk to be taken into account. When you reach your accommodation, locate the exits, listen to staff instructions and keep documents, a torch and water close.

Wildfires

Wildfires are serious, have caused deaths and have closed parks and roads. Follow the authorities' instructions, including evacuation orders, and keep your documents to hand. Lighting fires outside permitted camping areas in national parks is illegal; consequences can include revocation of your tourist permit, an order to leave the country within 72 hours or deportation.

Transport and driving

With a UK photocard licence you can drive for three months, with your passport and proof of tourist status; if you are from another country, check the applicable rules. Buy suitable insurance: on Rapa Nui you cannot buy car insurance. In rural areas a 4x4 may be needed, between June and September winter weather can close the Los Libertadores pass (Santiago–Mendoza) and tolls are increasingly common. There are landmines near the borders with Peru, Bolivia and Argentina: always follow marked routes.

Documents

Carry a printed copy of your passport photo page. Keep the original in the accommodation safe and share your travel details with someone you trust.

Lifestyle venues

We publish no swinger venues in Chile because none has passed our verification against an official website. If you plan to contact communities, always use transparent, publicly known channels, meet in public places the first time and never share personal details or addresses in advance.

FAQ

Can I have a drink on the beach? No: drinking in public spaces is illegal.

Do protests affect tourists? They can disrupt transport and turn violent; avoid them.

What do I do in a tremor? Follow your accommodation's instructions and move to a safe spot.

Is drug use legal? No, and it can mean prison.

If something goes wrong

If you are caught up in a robbery or a situation with the police, stay calm, do not argue and ask to contact your consulate. Note the name, place and time of any incident and keep receipts and copies. With adequate travel insurance, the police report is the first step to claim; file it as soon as you are safe.