Chile is a South American country known for its vibrant culture and natural beauty. The country has a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure, with a range of providers offering landline and mobile services. This article provides information on telephone service in Chile, including international and area codes, major telephone providers, procedures for arranging telephone connections, and payment options for telephone bills.
International Code and Area Codes
The international code for Chile is +56. If you are calling Chile from outside the country, you must dial this code before dialing the local number.
For local calls within Chile, there are several area codes for popular expat destinations. The area code for Santiago is 2, while the area code for Valparaiso and Viña del Mar is 32.
Major Telephone Providers in Chile
There are several major telephone providers in Chile, both for landline and mobile services. These include:
Landline Providers
Telefónica Chile (Movistar): Movistar is the largest landline provider in Chile and offers fixed-line telephony, broadband internet, and television services. The company has a large network coverage and offers competitive pricing for its services. Movistar can be contacted at 105 for landline services.
Entel Chile: Entel is another major landline provider in Chile and offers fixed-line telephony, broadband internet, and television services. The company has a reputation for providing reliable services and has a large customer base across the country. Entel can be contacted at 103 for landline services.
Mobile Providers
Entel Chile: Entel is the largest mobile provider in Chile and offers both prepaid and postpaid mobile services, as well as broadband internet. The company has a reputation for providing reliable services and has a large network coverage across the country. Entel can be contacted at *103 for mobile services.
Movistar: In addition to its landline services, Movistar also offers mobile services in Chile. The company offers both prepaid and postpaid mobile services, as well as broadband internet. Movistar is known for its reliable network coverage and good customer service. Movistar can be contacted at *611 for mobile services.
Procedure for Arranging Telephone Connection
To arrange a telephone connection in Chile, you must first choose a telecommunications provider and contact them to set up an account. The provider will ask for your personal information, including your name, address, and identification documents. You may also be asked to provide a deposit, which will be refunded when you close your account.
Once your account has been set up, the provider will send a technician to your home or business to install the necessary equipment. This may include a landline phone, modem, or router, depending on the services you have subscribed to. The technician will also test the equipment to ensure that it is working properly.
The time it takes to set up a telephone connection in Chile can vary depending on the provider and the type of service you have subscribed to. In some cases, you may be able to get a same-day installation, while in other cases, it may take several days.
Payment Options for Telephone Bills
There are several payment options for telephone bills in Chile. These include:
Online Payments: Many providers offer online payment options, where customers can pay their bills using a credit or debit card. This is a convenient option that allows customers to pay their bills from anywhere with an internet connection. Customers can log in to their account on the provider’s website to make a payment.
In-Person Payments: Customers can also make payments in person at the provider’s office or at a designated payment center. Payments can be made using cash, check, or credit/debit card.
Automatic Payment: Some providers offer the option of setting up automatic payments, where the bill amount is automatically deducted from the customer’s bank account each month. This is a convenient option that ensures that customers never miss a payment and avoid late fees.
It is important to note that failure to pay your telephone bill on time may result in a disruption of service. Customers who are having trouble paying their bills should contact their provider to discuss payment options and avoid service disruptions.
Telephone service in Chile is readily available to both residents and expatriates, with a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure and several major providers offering landline and mobile services. Customers can choose from a range of packages to suit their needs, and the process of arranging a telephone connection is relatively straightforward. Payment options for telephone bills are also varied, with online payments, in-person payments, and automatic payment options available. Overall, Chile offers a modern telecommunications infrastructure that is reliable and convenient for users.