How To Use Cell Phone In Chile 2024: Traveler’s Guide To Stay Connected

Latest update: September 2024

One of the most common questions when traveling to Chile is “Can I use a cell phone in Chile?”. The answer is yes, but it is crucial for travelers to understand the details of the internet network and available data solutions before using your phone in this stunning country. This article will distribute necessary detailed guides for you – who is planning to travel to Chile.

Guide to use cell phone in Chile for travelers

In this article

I. Highlights of Phone Compatibility, Frequencies and Networks in Chile

Chile is known as one of the countries with the most stable internet connection quality for mobile phones in the world. This contributes to making your journey to explore this South American country more complete. Let’s take a look at some highlights about phone compatibility, frequencies and networks to get a comprehensive picture of network connectivity here.

Phone Compatibility

With telecommunications development in Chile equivalent to the United States, it is not difficult to understand that mobile devices are all supported with GSM networks (3G, 4G LTE). In particular, the 5G is being strongly developed here and promisingly brings users faster speeds, lower latency and significantly improved capacity for connected devices.

Frequencies

Chile uses 850 MHz and 1900 MHz for 2G
3G operates on 850 MHz, 1700 MHz, 1900 MHz and 2100 MHz
4G capabilities include 700 MHz (band 28), 1700 MHz (band 4), 2100 MHz (band 4) and 2600 MHz (band 7)
Frequency bands for 5G include n7 (2600 MHz), n28a (700 MHz), n66 (1700 MHz) and n78 (3500 MHz)

Networks in Chile

There are 04 major and widely used mobile network operators in Chile, including:

Entel: One of Chile’s largest mobile carriers, this carrier provides voice call, data and broadband services to its customers.
Movistar: With a significant user base in Chile, Movistar has available mobile communication services such as voice call, data and internet.
Claro: As another prominent mobile operator competing actively in the Chilean market, Claro offers mobile connectivity, internet and other related services.
WOM (formerly Nextel Chile): Known as a leader in providing the fastest average upload speeds, WOM provides mobile services focusing on competitive pricing and customer experience.

These mobile network operators play an important role in providing stable mobile connections to Chileans and tourists alike, contributing to the country’s vibrant telecommunications landscape.

II. Cell Phone in Chile – Will My Cell Phone Work in Chile?

Use cell phone in Chile to have internet connection

Yes, your cell phone can work properly in Chile. However, you need to make sure your phone is compatible with some types of internet service, as well as check its operating speed in this country.

The first factor to consider is whether your phone is unlocked and ready to operate abroad.
It is also extremely important to check the ability to integrate with the local network. Chile’s internet connection operates on GSM, so if your cell phone supports GSM technology, it will work well in this country.
The next factor to get into is the network frequency of your phone and of the country you are traveling to. Below are the network frequencies of some popular carriers in Chile for your reference:

Carriers	2G	3G	4G/LTE	5G
Entel	1900 MHz	900 MHz and 1800 MHz	700 MHz (Band 28), 1900 MHz (Band 2) and 2600 MHz (Band 7)	3500 MHz (n78) and 26 GHz (n258)
Movistar	850 MHz and 1900 MHz	850 MHz and 1900 MHz	700 MHz (Band 28) & 2600 MHz (Band 7 and Band 38)	3500 MHz (n78) & 26 GHz (n258)
Claro	850 MHz and 1900 MHz	850 MHz and 1900 MHz	700 MHz (Band 28), 1900 MHz (Band 2) and 2600 MHz (Band 7)	3500 MHz (n78) and 26 GHz (n258)
WOM		1700 MHz	700 MHz (Band 28) and 1700 MHz (Band 4 and Band 66)	3500 MHz (n78)

Good to know: 4G and 5G networks work well in Chile, depending on the internet network carrier and the region. Therefore, the usage of cell phones in Chile or stable network connection is not a matter when traveling here.

III. Do I Need an International Plan in Chile?

Network coverage in Chile

Yes, an international plan is necessary if you want to use cell phone in Chile. Although roaming is possible if your mobile device is compatible with the Chilean network, it is not an ideal option. That’s because roaming can be quite expensive, with high fees for calls, texts and data usage.

Instead, an international plan from your home carriers is more appreciated as it brings you many benefits such as:

Convenience: An international plan allows travelers to continue using your phone number and enjoy uninterrupted connections with family and friends.
Buy now – use later: As soon as you land in Chile, your phone with an international plan will automatically connect to the local network, ensuring instant access to calls, text messages and data connections .
Stable connection: Thanks to an international plan, you can communicate seamlessly with your contacts without any interruption, thereby providing peace of mind to your loved ones back home country.
Pocket-friendly: Using cell phone in Chile becomes much more economical thanks to the international plan. This service is offered at different prices depending on your travel period and data usage requirements.

IV. What are Options to Use Cellphones in Chile for Tourists?

A stable network connection is the complete “puzzle piece” for the beautiful picture of Chile. To use cell phone in Chile smoothly, please refer to some of the following options:

1. eSIM Plan for Chile

eSIM – A convenient and good option for travelers

eSIM is one of the most preferred alternatives among travelers to get a stable internet connection in Chile. No need for a physical SIM card, it works entirely digitally and allows data connection after just a few simple registration steps.

Suitable for: Travelers with phones compatible with eSIM and do not need to switch SIM cards.
Where to buy eSIM for Chile: Buy online from reputable suppliers like Gigago, or buy directly from internet providers in Chile like Claro, Entel, WOM, Mobistar.
Pros: Quick and convenient installation process, environmental protection, easy activation on the phone and various data packages for choice.
Cons: Requires phone compatibility and may have shorter usage data limits.

2. International SIM card for Chile

Buying SIM card to get stable internet connection

An international SIM card allows travelers to have a Chilean phone number and access the local network at a lower price than roaming.

Suitable for: Travelers who want to use cell phone in Chile with a local phone number and are willing to switch the physical SIM card.
Where to buy SIM card for Chile: Santiago de Chile Airport, phone stores in the city center or online.
Pros: Many data plans available at affordable prices, well compatible with most unlocked cell phones.
Cons: Requires physical SIM card switch on phone as well as required documents for purchase.

3. Pocket WiFi

Pocket wifi provides network at fast speed

Pocket Wifi is also an ideal choice for many tourists to use cell phone in Chile. The device fits in your pocket and creates a secure wifi network up to 15 meters around it.

Suitable for: Ideal for groups of travelers who need high-speed internet access on laptops, phones or tablets.
Where to buy pocket wifi for Chile: Search and order online before your flight and pick up your portable hotspot at the airport or arrange delivery to your hotel.
Pros: Offer unlimited broadband connection with high speed, ability to connect with multiple devices.
Cons: Requires carrying additional extra devices while traveling, limits battery life, costs slightly more than other options.

V. Will My Local Network Work in Chile?

Yes, your local network will work well in Chile. This country operates on the GSM network, so if your smart phone supports GSM technology, it will smoothly work in this country.

Most modern cell phones are GSM compatible, but you should check with your mobile internet provider or phone manufacturer first to determine compatibility.

However, most tourists do not prioritize using cell phones with local networks while traveling Chile, because the phone charges can be very high compared to many other alternatives.

Note: To use cell phone in Chile, travelers must ensure your phone is unlocked and ready to operate abroad.

Good to know: Since November 2018, Chile has a law requiring all foreign phones to be registered before being used in Chile. This process is called homologación and free of charge. Therefore, within the first 60 days of entering Chile, travelers must ensure to register your cell phone.

VI. Gigago eSIM – An Alternative To Get Internet in Chile with Your Cell Phone

An alternative to get internet in Chile

eSIM is obviously an ideal alternative for travelers to have a stable data connection while using cell phone in Chile. Not only does it contribute to cost savings, this solution is also more convenient as it can be purchased online at any time and has a simple installation process.

eSIM Gigago is one of the top providers with diverse data packages to suit the needs and budget of tourists.

What makes Gigago considered by many travelers to be a reputable Chile eSIM provider?

High-speed network connection
Quick registration and activation process
Unlimited data access at 128kbps after exceeding maximum speed data usage
No incurred roaming costs
Internet coverage in Chile and 14 other countries

Which Chile eSIM plan should you choose for your trip?

Gigago offers multiple data plan options for Chile, with prices ranging from $12.50 . Their minimum 1 GB/7 days starts at just $12.50 . With this range of affordable plans, Gigago can accommodate any type of user and trip length in Chile. Whether you only need occasional internet access or plan to stream extensively, Gigago has a Chile eSIM plan to fit your needs and budget. The flexibility of their pricing makes Gigago a great eSIM solution for travel to Chile.

See more detail about Chile eSIM plans from Gigago.

VII. Extra Tips to Use Cell Phone in Chile

To get a complete journey to explore Chile without worrying about internet connection problems or incurring costs due to data usage, please note the following matters:

Download necessary applications in advance: Before departing for your trip to Chile, you should pre-install necessary applications such as direction applications, online shopping stores,…to avoid consuming your data package.
Unlock your phone: Make sure you’ve unlocked the phone so that you can connect to other networks in Chile.
Check regulations: Before the trip, travelers should take some time to thoroughly check the requirements, conditions and recommendations of the Chilean government.
Buy a SIM card/eSIM in advance: You should plan to buy a SIM card online in advance because the purchase cost at the airport is often quite expensive.

VIII. FAQs about Use Cell Phone in Chile

Is the internet in Chile fast?

Chile is well-known as one of the countries with the best internet connection in Latin America. That’s because the country’s government has completed construction of a fiber optic cable project designed to connect more than 500,000 users in the southern region by 2022.

Which mobile operators are the best in Chile?

The telecommunications market in Chile is very vibrant, with the presence of various internet carriers. Major ones can be listed as: Entel, Claro, Movistar and WOM.

What is the speed of 5G in Chile?

5G gives tourists a significantly improved experience of using cell phones in Chile. On average, the measured access speed is 171.6 Mbps, 9.6 times faster than the 4G speed of 17.9 Mbps.

How to use cell phone in Chile efficiently?

To use your mobile equipment and get the best travel experience in Chile, you should consider following issues: research internet operators with their own networks, set criteria for choice u0026amp; consider package options.

IX. Conclusion

To use cell phone in Chile, travelers should ensure your device is compatible with local networks, as well as review the best options for data connectivity to optimize costs. You can seriously consider using an eSIM from reputable providers like Gigago to have a stable network connection available as soon as arriving in Chile. In addition, regularly updating international travel information when planning a trip abroad in general, Chile in particular, is extremely necessary.