Country Code 56: Your Ultimate Guide to Calling Chile (+56) and Avoiding Scams

If you’ve ever seen a phone number with the prefix +56, you may have asked, “Which country code is 56?” The direct answer is that the 56 country code belongs to Chile, a vibrant nation on the western coast of South America. While knowing the 56 country is the first step, successfully placing a call and protecting yourself from potential scams requires a deeper understanding of Chile’s specific dialing rules. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the country code +56, from making calls to landlines and mobiles to identifying the risks associated with an unknown +56 phone number.

The Core Explanation: What is Country Code +56?

So, what exactly is the 56 phone code? The international code 56 is a unique prefix assigned to Chile by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). When you dial this code from outside the country, it signals to global telephone networks that your call is destined for Chile’s telecommunication system. Whether you search for “prefijo +56” or “indicativo +56” in Spanish, or “56 telephone code” in English, this prefix is the essential key for all international communication, including calls and text messages. The 56 dial code ensures your connection is routed correctly.

To provide more context for the country with 56 as its code, here are some key facts about Chile.

Attribute	Detail
Country	Chile
Continent	South America
Capital	Santiago
Country Code	+56
ISO 3166-1 Codes	CHL (alpha-3), CL (alpha-2)
Top-Level Domain	.cl
Telecom Regulator	Subsecretaría de Telecomunicaciones (SUBTEL)

The Deep Dive: A Step-by-Step Guide to Calling Chile

Placing a call to the +56 country requires a specific sequence. Understanding the dialing code 56 and the numbers that follow is crucial for a successful connection.

Essential Components for an International Call to Chile

• Exit Code: This is the code you dial to make a call outside your current country. In the United States and Canada, it’s 011, while for most of Europe, it’s 00. A simple alternative on mobile phones is to press and hold ‘0’ to get the plus (+) symbol, which replaces the exit code automatically.
• Country Code (56): After the exit code, you must dial 56. This is the specific Chile phone code.
• Area Code: For landlines, a one- or two-digit 56 area code is needed. This specifies the geographic region, like Santiago (area code 2).
• Local Number: This is the subscriber’s unique number.

How to Call a Chilean Landline (with Examples)

To call a landline in Chile, follow these four steps.

1. Dial your country’s exit code (e.g., 011).
2. Dial 56, the country code for Chile.
3. Dial the correct código de área 56 for the city you’re calling.
4. Dial the local landline number.

Example from the US to Santiago: To call a Santiago landline 123-4567 (area code 2), you would dial: 011-56-2-1234567.

Example from the UK to Valparaíso: To call a Valparaíso landline 987-6543 (area code 32), you would dial: 00-56-32-9876543.

How to Call a Chilean Mobile Number: The Crucial “9” Prefix

Calling a mobile phone in Chile is slightly different. The most important rule is to add the digit 9 right after the country code 56. Many failed calls are due to forgetting this critical prefix. The country code 56 9 format is mandatory for mobile phones.

1. Dial your country’s exit code (or use +).
2. Dial 56, which is the Chilean country code.
3. Dial the mandatory mobile prefix: 9.
4. Dial the eight-digit mobile number.

Example from the US to a Chilean Mobile: To call the mobile number 8765-4321, you would dial: 011-56-9-87654321.

This distinction exists because of modernizations to Chile’s numbering plan. While area codes are no longer needed for calls within Chile, the international system still needs them for landlines. The 9 serves as a universal signal to the international gateway that the call is for a mobile device.

Warning: Is an Unexpected Call from +56 a Scam?

If you receive a strange call from a +56 area code or number, it’s wise to be cautious. Scammers often use international codes to commit fraud.

Understanding the “Wangiri” (One-Ring) Scam

A very common scam is “Wangiri,” which means “one-ring-and-cut” in Japanese. The scammer calls your phone from an international number and hangs up after one ring. Their goal is to make you curious enough to call back. When you do, you are connected to a premium-rate number that charges extremely high fees, and the scammer gets a cut of the profit.

Red Flags: How to Spot a Potential Scam Call

Stay vigilant and look for these warning signs:

• An unexpected call from a number you don’t recognize, especially if it only rang once.
• The caller ID shows a + sign, confirming it’s an international call.
• The caller is aggressive, makes threats, or demands immediate payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
• The call starts with “Can you hear me?” to get you to say “yes,” which can be recorded to authorize fraudulent charges.

What to Do: Your Action Plan for Suspicious Calls

1. Do Not Answer: If you don’t know the number, let it go to voicemail. A legitimate caller will leave a message.
2. Never Call Back: Do not return a missed call from an unknown international number.
3. Block the Number: Use your phone’s feature to block the number permanently.
4. Report the Call: Report the number to authorities like the FTC in the US and to your phone provider.

Clearing Up Confusion: The Chilean Telephone Numbering Plan Explained

People often confuse different parts of a phone number, leading to dialing errors.

Myth 1: Country Code vs. Area Code

Many wonder about the difference between the country code 56 and the area code 56. To clarify, +56 is the country code for all of Chile. An area code, like 2 for Santiago, is for a specific region within the country and is only used when calling a landline from abroad.

City/Region	Area Code
Santiago (Metropolitan Region)	2
Valparaíso / Viña del Mar	32
Concepción / Talcahuano	41
Antofagasta / Calama	55
La Serena / Coquimbo	51

Myth 2: The Trunk Code Trap

Sometimes, a local Chilean number is written with a ‘0’ in front. This “trunk code” should always be dropped when dialing internationally. Including it will result in a failed call. So, if you see 056 country code or 056 phone code, remember to omit the leading zero. Many searches for “056 code which country” lead to confusion, but the correct countrycode 56 is the one to use, without the zero.

Myth 3: The Modern Chilean Numbering System

Chile now uses a closed numbering plan, meaning all phone numbers (landline and mobile) have a standard 9-digit length for calls made within the country. As a result, area codes are no longer dialed for domestic calls. This reinforces why the international dialing rules—area code for landlines, ‘9’ for mobiles—are so important.

Practical & Actionable Advice for Communicating with Chile

Here are some final tips for a smooth and cost-effective calling experience.

Smart Calling Tips

• Check the Time Zone: Chile is on Chile Standard Time (CLT), which is UTC−4, and switches to Chile Summer Time (CLST), UTC−3. Check the local time before you call.
• Understand Calling Costs: International calls can be expensive. Check rates with your provider or consider using VoIP services like Skype for cheaper calls.

A Powerful Tool for Consumers: Chile’s New Anti-Spam Law

Starting in August 2025, Chile is rolling out a new anti-spam law. All commercial calls must use specific prefixes, making it easy to identify them.

• Prefix +56 600: For solicited commercial calls (from companies you have a relationship with).
• Prefix +56 809: For unsolicited commercial calls (telemarketing).

This empowers consumers to ignore unwanted calls and protects them from potential spam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What country code is 56? A: The phone country code 56 is for Chile. You must dial +56 to call any number in Chile from abroad.

Q2: How do I call a mobile number in Chile from the United States? A: To call a Chilean mobile number from the US, dial 011 + 56 + 9 + the 8-digit mobile number. The “9” after the 56 code country prefix is mandatory for mobiles.

Q3: What is the area code for Santiago, Chile? A: The area code for Santiago is 2. When calling a landline there from another country, you would dial [Your Exit Code] + 56 + 2 + [Local Number].

Q4: Is a call from a +56 number always a scam? A: No, not always. It could be a legitimate call. However, if the call is unexpected or only rings once, you should be cautious. Scammers can also “spoof” numbers, so it’s best not to call back unknown numbers.

Q5: Do I need an area code to call within Chile? A: No. For calls made from one Chilean phone to another, you simply dial the full 9-digit national number. Area codes are not used for domestic calls.

Conclusion

Now you know the answer to “56 which country code” is Chile. The key to successfully connecting is to use the correct format: a geographic area code for landlines and the mandatory ‘9’ prefix for mobiles. Just as important is staying vigilant against phone scams by never calling back an unknown international number. With this knowledge, you can communicate with Chile safely and effectively.