My wife and I are considering a visit to Chile in the fall of 2003. We have heard stories of bandits and other dangers if one attempts to drive through the beautiful countryside.<BR><BR>I am just starting to do research, bu must make a decision prior to the first of the year.<BR><BR>Thanks

Chile is extremely safe and with the possible exception of Suriname and French Guyana it is probably the safest country in South America.<BR><BR>I do not know where you got your information from but I would say that, in my experience, driving through the countryside in the USA is more dangerous.

Tom, there are lots of Bandits, with sub-machine guns and granade launchers in Chile. My wife and I just returned from a driving tour through the country and barely escaped from the El Diablo gang. We were kidnapped and help for randsome for 2 weeks. If it wasn't for my wife's knowledge of explosives and tai-chi we may not have made it home. <BR><BR>Apparently the El Diablo gang is a notorious group that prays exclusively on Americans. They especially enjoy kidnapping people that listen to the uneducated opinions of friends that have never been to the country. <BR><BR>Also, you should be warned about the killer Bees, the giant man-eating venus fly traps, and the fire breathing dragons that lurk in the dark woodlands of Patagonia. We were unprepared for these hazardous creatures, and if it wasn't for my skills as a Sumo wrestler, my wife may have been eaten by a giant plant. <BR><BR>I would advise you guys to listen to your friends...Especially since they seem so informed about the safety of International destinations. Sounds like they travel a heck of a lot too. I bet you guys could get a real nice hotel room in Orlando; just a few minutes from Epcott...They have a really neat exhibit in the park that lets you visit like 10 countries...and you don't even have to take a passport! It's just like the real thing...Except there are no bandits, and other dangers. <BR><BR>Happy Travels.

How rude. That's way out of line.

Micky has become a real jerk. He has an answer to a another question on this list; short, but equally rude. The poor guy/gal must be very lonely.<BR><BR>Tom, my wife and I are going to Chile in the spring. If we have any problems I will try to remember to post them here.

All I can say to Mickey is that someone is not unreasonable when they look into the saftey of an area. I do the same if I go somewhere in the U.S. I don't thik comon sense is a critisicm of a country or culture.

We drove around the Lake District last month, and felt perfectly safe. If there is a danger, it's the common one of theft from cars. Just don't leave valuables in your car.

Re Mickey<BR><BR>Yes - his comments are not helpful. But when I see some comments like the one above I do wonder about people who post messages like these. Is it not quicker to go to th Lonely Planet site or the FCO or the US travel warning site and look it up there.<BR><BR>Posting a really general question about basic security here takes longer as one has to keep reaccessing the site and checking for a response.<BR><BR>If I have a question I will do some research first...

I am talikng about the original post as I think that asking a question like this you have to expect some sarcastic responses.

Personally, I think if one finds the question too stupid to bother with then don't answer it. Why waste your time writing a four paragraph insult like Mickey did unless you just like the &quot;sound&quot; of your own voice and find yourself very funny. Save the sarcasm for your family and friends.

Walt, If Mickey has a post to another question on this list I would like to read it. I agree that he is extremely sarcastic, and rude. But I laughed out loud when I read his response to the question. <BR><BR>Personally, I think Mr. Tapscott's posting deserved a good lashing. Come on Tom, go to the US Travel Warning site and do a little work before you come here. Chile is an outstanding choice, but for you to POST a &quot;hear-say&quot; about bandits in Chile: That's just plain hilarious.<BR><BR>Way to keep em' in line Mickey. <BR>

Find your sense of humor! Micky's post was hilarious!