This article will provide the consumer with necessary information about phone networks in Chile. First, land line/fixed line services will be examined. Mobile phones and services will be covered along with the code to call Chile from outside the country.

Land lines or fixed lines

Chile has a variety of options when it comes to traditional phone service. Similar to the US and UK, there are area codes determined by the city or region one lives in. For example, if you are simply placing a call within Santiago, you should simply dial the Chilean phone number. If you are calling another city, then the area code will be necessary. It is best to buy a contracted long-distance plan with a carrier. There are many carriers to choose from because the Chilean telephone market is rather competitive.

If you live in an apartment building, you may want to check with your landlord to see if there is one company that services the while building. Many phone services providers have an agreement with an internet service provider, and some even offer cable with these services. Many phone providers offer call waiting and caller ID free of charge. The most common carrier in Chile is CTC telefonica. VTR offers phone, internet, and cable services bundled together.

Mobile Phones in Chile

Chile is home to the most advanced wireless services in Latin America. Recently, mobile services have increased while land line services have declined. Claro is the largest mobile service provider in the country. Founded in 2000, this company is a subsidiary of America Móvil. Claro offers GSM and GPRS services. If you are simply traveling to Chile for business or travel, Singular and TMobile phones will work in urban areas. As with many other countries, it is possible to get prepaid mobile service in Chile. As with other countries in South America, incoming calls are free regardless of where the call originated. Entel offers a Sim card service for $9.50. The sim must be unlocked in order to use the phone. With this service, you also receive a local mobile number. You will receive your local number via sMS.

Calling Chile from Overseas

IF loved ones wish to contact you in Chile, then they should dial 011 followed by the country code 56. The first two zeroes of your Chilean mobile number should be omitted. To call outside Chile to another country, the code is 1230.