Understanding Chilean Phone Numbers: Formats and Procedures

Quick Reference Guide

• Country: Chile
• Country Code: +56
• International Prefix: 00
• National Prefix: None

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Overview of Chilean Phone Numbers

Chilean phone numbers are structured to facilitate easy communication within and outside the country. This guide details the numbering plan, dialing procedures, and regulatory aspects essential for telecom professionals, developers, and businesses operating in Chile.

Number Formats in Chile

General Structure

Chilean phone numbers consist of 9 digits, applicable to both landlines and mobile phones:

• Country Code: +56
• Subscriber Number: 9 digits (e.g., XXXXXXXXX)

Detailed Number Format

Type of Number	Format	Example
Landline Numbers	2XXXXXXXX	223456789
Mobile Numbers	9XXXXXXXX	912345678
Toll-Free Numbers	800XXXXXX	800123456
Shared Cost Numbers	600XXXXXX or 600XXXXXXX	6001234567
Emergency Numbers	1XY	131 (Ambulance)

Regular Expressions for Validation

For validating Chilean phone numbers, use these regular expressions:

• Landline Numbers:
  ^2\d{8}$
  

• Mobile Numbers:
  ^9\d{8}$
  

• Toll-Free Numbers:
  ^800\d{6}$
  

• Shared Cost Numbers:
  ^600\d{6,7}$
  

• Emergency Numbers:
  ^1\d{2}$
  

Dialing Procedures in Chile

Domestic Calls

• Landline to Landline: Dial the 9-digit number directly (e.g., 223456789).
• Landline to Mobile: Dial the 9-digit mobile number directly (e.g., 912345678).
• Mobile to Mobile: Dial the 9-digit mobile number directly (e.g., 912345678).

International Calls

• Outgoing from Chile: Dial 00, followed by the country code, area code, and local number.
  Example: To call the USA, dial 00 1 XXX XXX XXXX.

• Incoming to Chile: Dial your international access code, then 56, followed by the 9-digit Chilean number.
  Example: From the USA, dial 011 56 9XXXXXXXX for a mobile number.

Number Portability in Chile

Chile supports full number portability across landline, mobile, and VoIP services, allowing users to retain their numbers when switching providers.

Major Telecom Operators

Operator	Number Range Prefixes
Claro Chile	9XXXXXXXX
Movistar	9XXXXXXXX
Entel	9XXXXXXXX
VTR Chile	2XXXXXXXX
Gtd Manquehue	2XXXXXXXX
Telefónica del Sur	2XXXXXXXX

Regulatory Body

The Subsecretaría de Telecomunicaciones (SUBTEL) regulates telecommunications in Chile, managing the national numbering plan and ensuring compliance with ITU-T standards.

Recent Changes to the Numbering Plan

In September 2016, Chile adopted a 9-digit national numbering format, simplifying the dialing process by eliminating area codes.

Technical Considerations for Developers

When integrating Chilean phone numbers into systems, consider:

1. Validation: Use regular expressions for number validation.
2. Formatting: Store and display numbers in a consistent format (e.g., +56 9XXXXXXXX).
3. Internationalization: Handle international dialing prefixes and country codes.
4. Portability: Design systems to accommodate number portability.
5. Compliance: Ensure adherence to ITU-T E.123 and E.164 standards.

Conclusion

A comprehensive understanding of Chilean phone numbers, their formats, and regulatory requirements is vital for efficient telecommunications operations in the region. By following these guidelines, businesses and developers can ensure compliance and optimize their communication systems.