Chile Country Code (+56): Complete Dialing Guide 2026
Complete guide to Chile country code +56. Learn how to call Chile, understand Santiago area codes, mobile prefixes, carriers, and save on international calls.
Need to call Chile from the US or internationally? The Chile country code is +56. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers everything about calling Chile, including the 9-digit phone format, mobile carriers like Entel, Movistar, Claro, and WOM, major city area codes, and the cheapest ways to stay connected.
Quick Reference: Chile Calling
Country Code: +56
Capital: Santiago
Phone Format: 9 digits
Santiago Code: 2
Mobile Prefix: 9
Time Zone: CLT (UTC-3/-4)
How to Call Chile from the USA
Dialing Format
011 + 56 + 9-digit phone numberOr from a mobile phone using the + sign:
+56 + 9-digit phone numberNo Trunk Prefix: Chile doesn't use a trunk prefix like many countries. Within Chile, you dial all 9 digits directly. Internationally, dial +56 followed by those same 9 digits.
Dialing Examples
Understanding Chilean Phone Numbers
Chile uses a 9-digit national numbering plan. The first digit tells you if it's a mobile or landline:
| Type | Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile | 9 + 8 digits | +56 9 8765 4321 |
| Santiago Landline | 2 + 8 digits | +56 2 2123 4567 |
| Regional Landline | 2-digit area + 7 digits | +56 32 XXX XXXX |
Major City Area Codes
| City | Area Code | International |
|---|---|---|
| Santiago | 2 | +56 2 |
| Valparaíso | 32 | +56 32 |
| Concepción | 41 | +56 41 |
| Antofagasta | 55 | +56 55 |
| Viña del Mar | 32 | +56 32 |
| Punta Arenas | 61 | +56 61 |
Mobile Carriers in Chile (2026)
Chile has four major mobile operators with 5G now available in metropolitan areas:
Entel Chile
Chile's largest operator. Won 9 major awards in 2024 including all 5G experience categories. Best nationwide coverage.
- • Best overall network performance
- • Most reliable coverage
- • ~25 Mbps average LTE speeds
Movistar Chile
Telefónica-owned operator. Reached 1 million 5G subscribers in just 4 months in 2024. Dominates fiber broadband (49.7% share).
- • Strong in fiber broadband
- • Good bundle deals
- • Rapid 5G adoption
Claro Chile
Recently received 5G authorization for 3.5GHz spectrum. Competitive social media packages but traditionally weaker network.
- • Competitive data plans
- • Good social media bundles
- • Expanding 5G coverage
WOM Chile
The market disruptor with lowest prices. Won both 5G availability and speed awards in 2024. Best for 5G in metro areas.
- • Lowest prices
- • Best 5G coverage in cities
- • Aggressive growth
Number Portability: Chile supports full number portability. You can switch carriers and keep your number, meaning the phone number prefix no longer reliably indicates the carrier.
Cheapest Ways to Call Chile
VoIP Calling Apps (Best Value)
RecommendedBubblyPhone offers excellent rates to Chile - typically around $0.03-0.05 per minute for both landlines and mobiles.
WhatsApp (Free App-to-App)
WhatsApp is extremely popular in Chile. Free voice and video calls when both parties have the app and internet.
US Mobile Carriers
AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon offer Chile calling but rates vary. Check your plan - without add-ons expect $0.50-2.00+/min.
Cost Comparison: Calling Chile
| Method | Rate/Min | 10 Min Call |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T (without plan) | $1.55/min | $15.50 |
| Verizon (without plan) | $1.49/min | $14.90 |
| T-Mobile Simple Global | $0.25/min | $2.50 |
| BubblyPhone | ~$0.04/min | ~$0.40 |
| WhatsApp (app-to-app) | Free | Free* |
*Requires WiFi or mobile data. Both parties need the app.
Time Zone Information
Chile uses Chile Standard Time (CLT) in winter and Chile Summer Time (CLST) from September to April.
Winter (Apr-Sep): UTC-4 (CLT)
Summer (Sep-Apr): UTC-3 (CLST)
Difference from NY (winter): 1 hour ahead
Difference from NY (summer): 2 hours ahead
Note: Chile's DST is opposite to the Northern Hemisphere - they have summer when the US has winter.
Coverage Notes
Chile has excellent 4G/5G coverage in cities, but Patagonia (between Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas) and the Atacama Desert (between Copiapó and Antofagasta) have significant dead zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the country code for Chile?
The country code for Chile is +56. From the US, dial 011-56 followed by the 9-digit Chilean number.
How do I call a Chilean mobile from the USA?
Chilean mobiles start with 9. Dial 011-56-9-XXXX-XXXX or +56 9 XXXX XXXX. The mobile number is 9 digits starting with 9.
What is Santiago's area code?
Santiago uses area code 2. A Santiago landline would be +56 2 XXXX XXXX (the 2 followed by 8 digits).
What time zone is Chile in?
Chile is UTC-4 in winter (April-September) and UTC-3 in summer (September-April). Remember their seasons are opposite to the US.
Which Chilean carrier has the best coverage?
Entel has the best overall nationwide coverage. WOM leads in 5G coverage in metropolitan areas but may have gaps in remote regions.