HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Water in Santiago is safe. Chile is well known for its exportation of fruits and vegetables
However, the US State Department does comment that the medical care in Chile is less than what one would expect in the United States.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa...
Free healthcare is available and provided at public hospitals called "postas" where you will receive medical attention if needed. Postas are usually old and very burocratic. If you can afford it, for about $50USD you can get state of the art private consultation with a doctor that will most probably be able to treat you in English at many of the very modern and advanced private "clinicas" in Santiago. Private healthcare in Chile is extremely advanced and doctors are quite competent and accomplished.
CLINICS
In case of an emergency, Santiago has a number of private, modern hospitals (called clínicas), which charge for their services. A basic consultation will cost around CLP$30,000.
CLINICA ALEMANA Hospital: (56-2) 210-1111
Av. Vitacura 5951 Emergencies: (56-2) 210-1334
Vitacura Ambulance: (56-2) 210-1010
CLINICA LAS CONDES Hospital: (56-2) 210-4000
Lo Fontecilla 441 Emergencies: (56-2) 210-5150/1, 2
Las Condes Ambulance: (56-2) 211-1000
(56-2) 800-211-800
SAFETY
While Santiago is usually considered a safe city, do not tempt fate by carrying large sums of money, an expensive camera casually hanging from your shoulder, or by wearing jewellery. Petty theft is common and women's purses are a particular target especially in cafés and restaurants. Do not take unnecessary risks like walking alone in an unfamiliar area late at night. If you have a problem you can reach the police, "Carabineros" at 133.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Police: 133
Fire: 132
Ambulance: 131
EARTHQUAKES - DO NOT PANIC AND STAY CALM!
Inside Page on Earthquakes. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g29...
Chile is situated in one of the world's most unstable geographical regions. As a result, the country is regularly affected by tremors ("temblores") and occasionally earthquakes ("terremotos"). Generally when inside a building, especially in an apartment or office block, you will feel the building sway and/or vibrate. New buildings have been constructed with reinforced steel and within strict earthquake resistant guidelines to enable the building to "bend" or "sway" during the tremor.
Even with this reassurance, the experience of a tremor or earthquake is still quite frightening for some. During seismic activity, please try to keep in mind the following:
-don't panic, stay calm;
-locate the strongest place in the building. This is usually beneath door frames;
-keep away from glass, windows and cabinets that could fall easily;
-the majority of fatalities from earthquake are a result of falling masonry and glass hitting people who are running out of a building;
-do not use the elevators;
-if you are outside, look for a clear open space.
