How to Call Chile from USA
How to Call a Landline in Chile
Calling a Chilean landline from the United States (USA) follows this standard international format:
- Dial the US exit code: 011
- Dial Chile's country code: 56
- Dial the Chilean area code (1 or 2 digits): [Area Code] (e.g., 2 for Santiago)
- Dial the local phone number (7 or 8 digits, total 9 digits including area code): [Local Number]
For example, if you're calling a landline number in Santiago (Area Code 2), with the local number 2123 4567, you would dial: 011 56 2 2123 4567.
Chilean landline numbers consist of the country code (56), an area code (1-2 digits), and a local number (7-8 digits). The total number of digits after the country code 56 is always 9.
Dialing a Chile landline:
How to Call a Mobile Phone in Chile
Calling a Chilean mobile phone from the United States (USA) uses a specific format due to changes in Chile's numbering plan:
- Dial the US exit code: 011
- Dial Chile's country code: 56
- Dial the mobile indicator digit: 9
- Dial the 8-digit mobile subscriber number: [8-digit Mobile Number]
For example, if the Chilean mobile number is 9 1234 5678 (often written locally without the 56), you would dial: 011 56 9 1234 5678 from the USA.
All Chilean mobile numbers dialed internationally must include the digit '9' after the country code 56, followed by the 8-digit subscriber number.
Dialing a Chile mobile:
Chile Area Codes (Major Cities & Regions)
Below is a list of area codes for major Chilean cities and regions. When calling a landline from the USA, use the format: 011 + 56 + Area Code + Local Number. Remember the total number of digits after 56 is always 9.
| Region / City | Area Code (Dial after 56) |
|---|---|
| Santiago Metropolitan Region | 2 |
| Arica y Parinacota Region (Arica) | 58 |
| Tarapacá Region (Iquique) | 57 |
| Antofagasta Region (Antofagasta, Calama) | 55 |
| Atacama Region (Copiapó) | 52 |
| Coquimbo Region (La Serena, Coquimbo) | 51 |
| Valparaíso Region (Valparaíso, Viña del Mar) | 32 |
| Valparaíso Region (San Antonio) | 35 |
| Valparaíso Region (Quillota, La Calera) | 33 |
| Valparaíso Region (Los Andes, San Felipe) | 34 |
| O'Higgins Region (Rancagua, San Fernando) | 72 |
| Maule Region (Talca, Curicó, Linares) | 71 (Talca), 75 (Curicó), 73 (Linares) |
| Ñuble Region (Chillán) | 42 |
| Biobío Region (Concepción, Talcahuano, Los Ángeles) | 41 (Concepción), 43 (Los Ángeles) |
| La Araucanía Region (Temuco) | 45 |
| Los Ríos Region (Valdivia) | 63 |
| Los Lagos Region (Puerto Montt, Osorno) | 65 (Puerto Montt), 64 (Osorno) |
| Aysén Region (Coyhaique) | 67 |
| Magallanes Region (Punta Arenas) | 61 |
Note: Some regions have multiple area codes. The listed codes are for major cities within those regions. The total number of digits including the area code and local number will always be 9.
Mobile Phone Networks in Chile
Calling a Chilean mobile number from abroad requires adding a '9' after the country code (56), followed by the 8-digit mobile number: 011 + 56 + 9 + 8-digit Number.
The main mobile operators in Chile include Entel, Movistar, WOM, and Claro. Due to number portability, the original prefix (part of the 8-digit number) no longer reliably indicates the current operator.
Simply focus on dialing the correct format: 011 + 56 + 9 + [The full 8-digit mobile number].
Time Difference in Chile
Chile has a complex time zone situation due to its length and Daylight Saving Time (DST) observations, which can change.
- Mainland Chile (including Santiago): Uses Chile Standard Time (CLT, UTC-4) during winter (approx. April to September) and Chile Summer Time (CLST, UTC-3) during summer (approx. September to April).
- Magallanes Region (incl. Punta Arenas): Stays on UTC-3 year-round.
- Easter Island: Uses Easter Island Standard Time (EAST, UTC-6) and Easter Island Summer Time (EASST, UTC-5), following a similar DST schedule to the mainland.
Compared to US Eastern Time (ET):
- When the US is on Standard Time (EST, UTC-5) and Mainland Chile is on Standard Time (CLT, UTC-4) (approx. Apr-Sep): Chile is 1 hour ahead of ET.
- When the US is on Standard Time (EST, UTC-5) and Mainland Chile is on Summer Time (CLST, UTC-3) (approx. Sep-Nov): Chile is 2 hours ahead of ET.
- When the US is on Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4) and Mainland Chile is on Summer Time (CLST, UTC-3) (approx. Mar-Apr): Chile is 1 hour ahead of ET.
- When the US is on Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4) and Mainland Chile is on Standard Time (CLT, UTC-4) (approx. Apr-Sep): Chile is at the same time as ET.
Important: Chile's DST dates can vary. It's always best to check the current time difference before calling.
Chile's Phone System
Chile boasts one of the most advanced telecommunications infrastructures in Latin America. Mobile phone penetration is extremely high, significantly exceeding the number of fixed lines. Major mobile providers like Entel, Movistar, WOM, and Claro offer extensive 4G LTE coverage across the country, with 5G rollouts progressing rapidly in urban centers. Fixed-line services are available, primarily in cities, but are less common for residential use compared to mobile. Broadband internet access is widespread, supporting robust use of VoIP services (like Skype, WhatsApp calls) and other digital communication methods.
Best Times to Call Chile
Considering the time difference (typically 0 to 2 hours ahead of US Eastern Time), finding a suitable time to call Chile from the USA is relatively easy.
Chilean business hours are generally Monday to Friday, from around 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM CLT/CLST.
Good calling windows from the US:
- US Morning (9 AM - 12 PM ET): Corresponds to late morning/early afternoon in Chile, a reliable time to reach businesses and individuals.
- US Afternoon (1 PM - 5 PM ET): Corresponds to the afternoon/early evening in Chile, still suitable for most calls.
Always double-check the current time difference, especially around the transitions for Daylight Saving Time in both countries (typically March/April and September/November).
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Using our service is simple:
Dial local access number
Call the local access number provided with your card (specific to the United States (USA))
Enter your PIN
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Dial Chile number
Follow the format based on your destination (after entering PIN, *do not* dial 011):
For Landlines: 56 + Area Code + Local Number
For Mobiles: 56 + 9 + Mobile Number (8 digits)
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