BlogChile Phone Numbers: Format, Codes & Examples

Understanding the Chile phone number format is essential whether you’re calling for business, travel, or personal reasons. Chile follows a standardized national numbering plan with specific formats for landline and mobile numbers, as well as unique rules for local and international dialing.

Using the correct Chile phone code and number structure ensures your calls connect accurately—saving you time and avoiding failed connections.

In this guide, we’ll explain the Chile phone number structure, including how to dial Chilean numbers locally and internationally. Whether you’re a traveler reaching local contacts or a business owner calling clients in Chile, you’ll learn exactly how to dial Chile phone numbers correctly every time.

Key Highlights:

  • Chile follows a 9-digit closed phone numbering system for both landline and mobile numbers.
  • The country code for Chile is +56, required for all international calls to Chile.
  • Landline numbers in Chile include a 1-2 digit area code followed by a 7-digit subscriber number.
  • Mobile numbers in Chile always start with 9, followed by an 8-digit number, and do not require an area code.
  • Chilean emergency phone numbers follow a 3-digit format (e.g., 133 for police, 131 for ambulance) and are toll-free.

The Key Components of Chile Phone Number Format

Chile’s phone number format consists of the country code, the area code or mobile prefix, and the subscriber number. Each part plays a specific role in routing the call correctly to your desired destination.

1. Chile Country Code (+56)

The country code for Chile is +56. When calling a Chilean number from outside the country, you must dial this code first, right after your international exit code (e.g., 011 for the US/Canada). The code +56 routes your calls to Chile’s telecom system.

2. Area Code (1–2 digits)

Landline numbers in Chile include an area code that represents a specific geographic region or city. For example, Santiago uses area code 2, while Valparaíso uses 32. Most area codes are 1 or 2 digits.

Here are some popular area codes in Chile, alongside their respective cities:

Area Code

City/Region

Area Code

City/Region

2Santiago41Concepción
32Valparaíso42Chillán
33San Antonio43Los Ángeles
34Los Andes45Temuco
35Quillota51La Serena

3. Mobile Prefix (Starts with 9)

Mobile numbers in Chile are not linked to a geographic location, so they do not include an area code. Instead, they use a mobile prefix ‘9’.

A standard Chile mobile number contains nine digits, starting with the prefix 9. For example, a typical Chilean mobile number looks like 9 XXXX XXXX.

4. Subscriber Number (7 digits)

The subscriber number is the unique 7-digit code assigned to each user. Combined with the area code or mobile prefix, it completes the full 9-digit national number used in Chile.

Chile Phone Number Format for Local Calls

When calling locally, the Chile phone number structure consists of 9 digits. It does not include any exit codes or country codes; simply dial the number directly.

Here’s how to call a Chile phone number from within Chile:

  • Step 1: Dial the area code (for landlines) or mobile prefix (for cell phone numbers).
  • Step 2: Dial the local subscriber number.

Example of a Chilean Phone Number Format for Local Calls:

Landline Number: 2 1234567

  • 2 - Santiago area code
  • 1234567 - Subscriber’s landline number

Mobile Number: 9 1234 5678

  • 9 - Mobile prefix
  • 1234 5678 - Subscriber’s mobile number

Toll-free Number: 800 123 456

  • 800 - Toll-free number prefix
  • 123 456 - Subscriber number

Chile Phone Number Format for International Calls

The international phone number format for Chile consists of an international exit code, Chile’s country code (+56), and the local number (which includes either the area code for landlines or the mobile prefix for cell phones).

Here’s how to call Chile from abroad:

  • Step 1: Dial your country’s international exit code.
  • Step 2: Enter Chile’s country code: +56.
  • Step 3: Add the area code or mobile prefix.
  • Step 4: Dial the subscriber number.

Example of Chile Phone Number Structure When Calling Internationally:

Landline Number: 011 56 32 7654321 (When Calling Chile from the US)

  • 011 - US exit code
  • 56 - Chile country code
  • 32 - Valparaíso area code
  • 7654321 - Subscriber’s landline number

Mobile Number: 011 56 9 5678 1234

  • 011 - US exit code
  • 56 - Chile country code
  • 9 - Mobile prefix
  • 5678 1234 - Subscriber’s mobile number

Toll-free Number: 011 56 800 456 123

  • 011 - US exit code
  • 56 - Chile country code
  • 800 - Toll-free prefix
  • 456 123 - Subscriber number

Note: You can replace the exit code with ‘+’ when calling using a cell phone.

Emergency Phone Numbers in Chile

Emergency phone number structures in Chile are easy to remember since they follow a three-digit format. You can dial them directly without needing any area code, and they’re accessible from any phone, landline or mobile, within the country. These numbers are toll-free, available 24/7, and can be used for immediate access to police, fire, medical, or rescue services.


Essential Emergency Chile Phone Codes include:

Service

Phone Number

Police133
Fire Department132
Ambulance/Medical Help131
Investigative Police (PDI)134
Forest Fire Emergency130
Maritime Rescue (Navy)137

Things to Consider When Calling Chile Phone Numbers

Before dialing a phone number in Chile, consider the time zone differences, Chilean phone codes, and potential calling costs. Paying attention to these details ensures your call reaches the right person at the right time, without confusion or failed connections.

Time Zones

Chile follows two different time zones depending on the season. During the winter months, it uses Chile Standard Time (CLT), which is UTC-4, and in the summer, it shifts to Chile Summer Time (CLST), which is UTC-3, typically from September to April.

Since the local time in Chile may be ahead or behind your country, it’s important to check the time difference before making a call. This helps you avoid calling during off-hours, when the person may be unavailable to pick up your call.

Chilean Telephone Codes

Chile’s phone codes include the country code (+56), area codes for landlines, and a mobile prefix (9) for mobile numbers. These codes must be entered in the correct order for your call to connect successfully.

If you skip or misplace any part, like forgetting the area code or using the wrong country code, your call may fail to connect or be directed to the wrong number.

Calling Cost

The cost of calling Chile can vary depending on your phone provider, the type of number you're calling, and your location. When calling from abroad, you can expect the call rate to be expensive due to roaming charges. However, you can reduce costs by using virtual phone numbers from VoIP service providers. These numbers allow you to make calls over the internet, and the calling rate is usually low compared to traditional carriers.

Tips for Successfully Dialing Chile Phone Numbers

Whether you’re calling a landline number or a mobile number, following the right steps can help you avoid failed calls, delays, or extra charges.

Here are some quick dos and don’ts to ensure your call goes through smoothly.

Dos

  • Use the full number format, including country code, area code (for landlines), or mobile prefix.
  • Check the time zone in Chile before calling to avoid calling at an inappropriate time for your receiver.
  • Verify the number type (landline, mobile, or toll-free) so you use the correct format.
  • Test the number beforehand if you're dialing it frequently or using it for business.

Don’ts

  • Don’t skip the country code (+56) when calling from outside Chile; the call won’t go through.
  • Don’t assume mobile numbers need an area code. They only require the prefix “9”.
  • Don’t ignore calling costs, especially when dialing internationally or to mobile numbers.
  • Don’t call during off-hours. Avoid calling early mornings or late nights.

Conclusion

Always follow the Chile phone number format carefully, whether calling locally or internationally. For local calls, you can dial the full 9-digit number directly. But for international calls, you’ll need to include your country’s exit code, followed by Chile’s country code (+56), and then the full number.

Before calling, it’s also important to consider calling costs, which are often higher when dialing Chile from overseas. For a cheaper alternative, you can opt for a VoIP service provider like Calilio. It offers affordable virtual phone numbers with low international calling rates. Plus, its robust infrastructure ensures you face no connectivity issues when calling the country from any part of the world.
 


Frequently Asked Questions

How to write a Chilean phone number?

To write a Chilean phone number correctly, start with the country code +56, then add the area code for landlines or the mobile prefix (9) for mobile numbers, followed by the subscriber number. For example, a Santiago landline would be written as +56 2 1234 5678, while a mobile number would appear as +56 9 8765 4321.

How many digits are phone numbers in Chile?

Can you call a Chilean phone number for free?

Do all Chilean phone numbers follow the same structure?

What is the role of area codes in Chilean phone numbers?

FAQ Illustration

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