Country Code 56 Overview – All You Need to Know

Country Code 56 Overview – All You Need to Know

Country code 56 belongs to Chile, a South American nation renowned for its diverse geography, ranging from the arid Atacama Desert to the glacial fjords of Patagonia. Understanding this country code is essential for anyone making calls to or from Chile, or dealing with Chilean businesses and individuals. This article provides a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about country code 56.

1. What is a Country Code?

A country code is a short numerical code used in international telecommunications to route calls to a specific country or region. They are standardized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) under the E.164 recommendation. Country codes are part of an international phone number, preceding the national (subscriber) number. They ensure that your call reaches the intended recipient in the correct country, regardless of where you are calling from.

2. Chile’s Country Code: +56

The international country code for Chile is +56. The “+” sign indicates that you need to dial the international access code first. The international access code varies depending on the country you are calling from.

3. International Access Codes (Examples):

• From the United States and Canada: 011
• From most of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania: 00
• From some Latin American countries: It varies; check with your local carrier.
• From mobile phones (almost universally): + (by holding down the “0” key).

4. How to Dial a Chilean Number from Abroad:

To call a Chilean number from outside of Chile, you’ll need to dial the following sequence:

• International Access Code + 56 (Chile’s Country Code) + Area Code (if applicable) + Local Phone Number

Example 1: Calling a landline in Santiago, Chile from the USA:

• International Access Code (USA): 011
• Country Code (Chile): 56
• Area Code (Santiago): 2

• Local Phone Number: XXXX XXXX (8-digit local number, though length can vary)

• Full Number Dialed: 011 56 2 XXXX XXXX

Example 2: Calling a mobile phone in Chile from the UK:

• International Access Code (UK): 00
• Country Code (Chile): 56
• Area Code (Mobile): 9 (historically, this has been a common indicator for mobile numbers, though carrier portability makes this less reliable. The 9 is always required after the country code for mobiles)

• Local Phone Number: XXXX XXXX (8-digit number)

• Full Number Dialed: 00 56 9 XXXX XXXX

5. Chilean Numbering Plan:

Chile’s phone number structure has evolved over time. Here’s a breakdown:

• Landlines: Traditionally, Chilean landlines have had area codes followed by a local number. The length of the local number and the area code combined is generally 9 digits (excluding the country code). The Santiago area code is 2. Other regions have different area codes.
• Mobile Phones: Mobile numbers in Chile typically begin with a ‘9’ after the country code (+56 9…). This ‘9’ is mandatory for calling mobile numbers, even within Chile. This has been the standard practice for many years, although carrier portability can sometimes make it difficult to definitively determine if a number is a landline or mobile based solely on the digits.
• Number Length: Chilean phone numbers, whether landline or mobile, typically have 9 digits after the country code, in most cases.
• Toll-Free Numbers: Chile uses prefixes like 800, 600, and others for toll-free and special rate services. Dialing these from abroad may not be possible or may incur different charges.

6. Calling Within Chile:

• From a Landline to a Landline (within the same area code): Dial only the local phone number (e.g., XXXX XXXX).
• From a Landline to a Landline (different area code): You may need to dial a carrier code, plus the area code and local number, although direct dialing (area code + local number) is becoming more common. Check with your local provider.
• From a Landline to a Mobile: Dial the ‘9’ followed by the 8-digit mobile number (9 XXXX XXXX).
• From a Mobile to a Landline: Dial the area code + local number (e.g., 2 XXXX XXXX for Santiago).
• From a Mobile to a Mobile: Dial the ‘9’ followed by the 8-digit mobile number (9 XXXX XXXX).

7. Important Considerations:

• Carrier Portability: Like many countries, Chile has implemented number portability, meaning that a user can keep their phone number even if they switch carriers. This can make it harder to identify a number as a landline or mobile based solely on the initial digits.
• Emergency Numbers: Chile’s emergency numbers are:
  • Police: 133
  • Ambulance: 131
  • Fire: 132
  • Dialing these numbers directly from abroad will not work. If you have an emergency while in Chile, use a local phone. If calling about an emergency in Chile from abroad, you’ll need to contact the Chilean embassy or consulate in your country.
• Time Zone: Chile observes multiple time zones, including Chile Standard Time (CLT, UTC-4) and Chile Summer Time (CLST, UTC-3). Easter Island observes a different time zone. Be mindful of the time difference when making calls.
• Cost of Calls: The cost of calling Chile will vary depending on your phone plan and the provider you use. Consider international calling plans or using VoIP services like Skype or WhatsApp for more affordable options.
• VoIP services: For frequent calls to and from Chile, using VoIP services can result in a significant reduction of cost.

8. Conclusion:

Understanding country code 56 is crucial for seamless communication with Chile. This guide provides the essential information you need to dial Chilean numbers correctly, whether you are calling from abroad or within the country. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your calls reach their intended destination without any issues. Remember to always double-check the full number, including the international access code, area code (if applicable), and the mandatory ‘9’ for mobile numbers, before dialing.