Argentina Phone Number Format: Local & International Dialing Guide

When dialing Argentina from abroad, include your country’s international access code, Argentina’s country code, the area code or mobile prefix (without the leading zero), and the subscriber number.

For calls within Argentina, use the trunk code, followed by the area code and subscriber number for landlines, and the trunk code, area code, mobile prefix, and subscriber number for mobile calls.

1. IAC or Exit Code: The IAC or exit code is the number you dial first when placing an international call from your country. This code varies by country. For example, it’s 011 in the United States and 00 in most European countries. On mobile phones, you can simply use the “+” sign instead of the exit code for easier dialing.
2. Country Code: The country code is a crucial element of the international phone number format. It directs your call to the right country when calling internationally. The country code for Argentina is 54.
3. Trunk Code: The trunk code (0) is used only when making calls within Argentina. It’s dialed before the area code or mobile prefix to connect to numbers outside your local area.

4. Area Code: The area code identifies a specific city or region within Argentina. Argentina has 25 area codes, and they are typically 2 to 4 digits long, depending on the location.
   
   Here’s a list of popular area codes in Argentina:

   City	Area Code
   Buenos Aires	11
   Mendoza	261
   Rosario	341
   Mar del Plata	223
   Córdoba	351
   La Plata	221
   San Miguel de Tucumán	381
   Ushuaia	2901
   Salta	387
   Bahía Blanca	291
   San Juan	264
   Santa Fe	342
   Neuquén	299
   Posadas	3752
   Río Cuarto	358

5. Mobile Prefix: In Argentina, mobile numbers include a specific prefix “15” after the area code when dialed domestically. This prefix helps identify the number as a mobile line within the country. However, when calling an Argentine mobile number from abroad, this “15” is not used. Instead, it is replaced by the digit “9” and placed before the area code.
6. Subscriber Number: The subscriber’s number is the personal number assigned to the user. It contains 6 to 8 digits, depending on the length of the area code, ensuring that the total national number always equals 10 digits.

The Argentina phone number structure for local calls consists of 10 digits, which include a trunk code, an area code/mobile prefix, and the local number. Likewise, local toll-free numbers consist of a toll-free prefix and a subscriber number.

Local landline phone numbers in Argentina can have 6, 7, or 8 digits, depending on the area.

To call a landline number within Argentina:

• Step 1: Dial the trunk code (0).
• Step 2: Enter the area code for the city or region.
• Step 3: Add the subscriber’s landline number.

Note: If you’re calling a landline from another landline within the same area code, you can just dial the subscriber number. There's no need for the trunk or area code.

Mobile phone numbers in Argentina use the same area codes as landlines and have 6, 7, or 8 digits, depending on the location. The main difference is that mobile numbers always include the prefix 15, which is only used for local calls within Argentina.

When calling a mobile phone number within Argentina:

• Step 1: Dial the trunk code (0).
• Step 2: Enter the area code for the mobile’s region.
• Step 3: Add the mobile prefix (15).
• Step 4: Dial the subscriber’s mobile number.

Toll-free numbers in Argentina use special prefixes such as 0800 (free calls nationwide) and 0810 (local rate calls), and follow the format 0ppp-nnn-nnnn. These numbers don’t require a trunk code or area code and can be dialed directly from any location within the country.

To call Argentina’s toll-free number domestically:

• Step 1: Dial the toll-free prefix.
• Step 2: Dial the subscriber number.

Public utility numbers in Argentina are short, easy-to-remember three-digit codes that provide quick access to emergency and essential services. These numbers can be dialed from any landline, mobile, or payphone across the country.

Common public service numbers include:

When calling Argentina internationally, first dial your country’s exit code, then Argentina’s country code, followed by the area code without the leading zero and the local number for landlines. For calling an Argentina mobile number, dial your country’s exit code, Argentina’s country code, the mobile prefix, area code and the subscriber number.

To call a landline number in Argentina from overseas:

• Step 1: Dial your country’s international access code or exit code.
• Step 2: Dial Argentina’s country code (54).
• Step 3: Enter the area code (without the leading 0).
• Step 4: Add the subscriber’s landline number.

To call a mobile number in Argentina from abroad:

• Step 1: Dial your country’s international access code.
• Step 2: Dial Argentina’s country code (54).
• Step 3: Add the digit 9 (used only for international mobile calls).
• Step 4: Enter the area code (without the leading 0).
• Step 5: Add the subscriber’s mobile number.

To call an Argentine toll-free number from abroad:

• Step 1: Dial your country’s international access or exit code.
• Step 2: Enter Argentina’s country code (54).
• Step 3: Add the toll-free prefix.
• Step 4: Dial the remaining subscriber’s number.

Note: Toll-free numbers in Argentina are mostly restricted to domestic calling. Some international carriers may allow you to dial these numbers from abroad, although the call will no longer be free, and calling charges may apply.

When dialing Argentina, avoid using the trunk code ‘0’ for international calls and correctly use the mobile prefix for local and international calls. Also, consider the time difference between your country and Argentina, to ensure your call reaches the right time for your receiver.

1. Including the Trunk Code ‘0’: The trunk code ‘0’ is used only for domestic calls within Argentina. When dialing from abroad, you should omit the trunk code; otherwise, the call will fail or may route to the wrong destination.
2. Keeping the Domestic Mobile Prefix ‘15’: The ‘15’ prefix is used for mobile calls within Argentina, but should not be included for overseas calls. Instead, you must replace it with the international mobile prefix ‘9’ after the country code.
3. Missing the International Exit Code: Most of the time, phone numbers are written without the international exit code. That’s why many people forget to include the exit code even when dialing internationally. You must include the exit code whenever placing calls outside of your country.
4. Ignoring Time Zone Differences: Argentina is in a different time zone from many other countries. Be mindful of the time difference when dialing to avoid calling at inconvenient hours. For this, it’s recommended to check the current local time in Argentina before placing your call.

Argentina’s phone number format can seem a bit overwhelming at first glance, especially with trunk codes and mobile prefixes involved. Once you understand the correct dialing sequence, though, calling becomes quick and hassle-free.

Another key consideration is the cost of international calls. Instead of relying on expensive carrier plans, you can opt for a smarter and more affordable solution.