Chile is, generally speaking, one of the safest countries in South America to travel through, but as with any destination, there are basic good practices that considerably lower the risk of a bad experience, especially in the big cities.
In the cities
Petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching) is the most common risk in crowded tourist areas of Santiago and Valparaíso, not physical violence. Avoiding flashing valuables on the street, using a front-facing bag on very crowded public transport, and calling a taxi or ride-hailing app instead of hailing one off the street at night are simple measures that meaningfully cut the risk.
Outside the cities
In nature and trekking areas, the main risk shifts: it stops being about personal safety and becomes about weather and planning. Telling someone your itinerary before entering a park, checking the forecast, and not underestimating the physical demands of circuits like Torres del Paine or Villarrica Volcano is, in practice, more relevant to the safety of your trip than any other single piece of advice.
