Mobile phones in Chile: operators, networks, plans, where to buy?

Looking for a mobile plan in Chile? Let's have a look at what are your options.

Mobile phones in Chile: operators, networks, plans, where to buy?

Last updated on 12/08/2025

Chile has a good network for mobile telecommunications. In Santiago, you may notice that lots of people are using their mobile phone in the metro. In some countries, being able to use a mobile phone inside the metro is a miracle. Not in Chile.

Prices are very competitive, especially since new companies entered the market between 2012 and 2015. 4G/LTE works well nationwide, and 5G launched in late 2021 — Chile was the first country in Latin America to auction 5G spectrum. 5G is available in major metropolitan areas and expanding.

Let's have a look at the various operators and options regarding mobile phones. Regarding landline phones, see our page Internet and landline phones in Chile.

Mobiles operators

Operators that have their own network

Entel: the historical operator, privatized in 1992. Slightly more expensive than the others, but it has the most reliable network and the best nationwide coverage. Entel was also among the first to roll out 5G in Chile.

Claro: traditionally the cheapest. In 2023, Claro merged with VTR (the cable/internet provider), so if you had VTR mobile before, that is now under the Claro umbrella. One of their main arguments (that you can see everywhere on signs in Santiago) is unlimited data on social networks — Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram without using your data allowance, as long as you have credit on your account. However, Movistar now offers something similar. Regarding network quality, Claro is one of the weaker ones. If you are lucky, it will work well in your area.

Movistar: good quality network at affordable prices. Part of the Telefónica group. Also strong on fiber broadband if you want to bundle your home internet and mobile plan.

WOM: they entered the market very aggressively in 2015 with low prices, and it shook things up. After some growing pains at the beginning, WOM now works well and has solid 5G coverage in metropolitan areas. If you want a cheap plan and live in a city, WOM is worth considering.

MVNO: mobile virtual network operators

Most MVNOs use the Movistar network. Therefore, we don't estimate it necessary to list them all.

Let's just mention Virgin Mobile, which arrived in Chile in 2012. It can be an interesting option, as it is the only operator to offer a monthly "plan" without requiring a RUT (more information below).

Which operator should I choose?

Since WOM arrived in the market, the mobile phone market is much more competitive than it used to be. Price differences are not huge, except if you use extensively your phone.

To sum up:

  • The cheapest: Claro or WOM
  • The best network quality: Entel
  • Best value for money: Movistar (or an MVNO using its network)

Types of plans

Monthly subscription (plan)

Most plans require you to have temporary or permanent residency, as well as a bank account.

You can compare the various plans here:

Virgin Movil has an interesting plan called "antiplan". You don't need a RUT or a bank account. It is interesting if you spend a lot of time on the phone, or if you use lots of data (for example, with a 4G/5G dongle).

https://www.virginmobile.cl/tarifas/antiplanes

But, how does a monthly plan work without a bank account?

It's quite simple, actually. You top up credit on your account Virgin Movil (like for a prepaid sim card). Every month, Virgin tries to debit the cost of the plan on your account. If there is not enough credit, the plan stops and restarts the next month if credit is available.

Good to:

  • Add credit for six months, to avoid having to top up all the time
  • Get discounts if you use your phone a lot. Below 1Gb/120 minutes per month, it is not better than the prepaid offers.

Prepaid sim card (prepago)

You can compare the various offers using these links:

How to top up your account?

You can top up online with a debit card or a Chilean bank account. It is also possible with an international credit card (check the fees before).

If you prefer to add credit using cash, several options exist:

  • In ChilExpress offices.
  • In drugstores: CruzVerde, Salcobrand et Ahumada
  • In supermarkets: Lider, Jumbo, Santa Isabel, Unimarc, Big John
  • At ServiPag counters

Contrary to what you may think, you can not top up your prepaid card in the shops of the operators (Entel, Movistar, Claro). Sales here are only selling monthly plans and packages. They can not top up prepaid cards.

Good to know

Once you have added credit, you can make phone calls, but not necessarily get internet access. You need to buy a "bolsa" using the credit that you have just added to your plan. That can be done directly from the phone.

It can be disturbing at first, because when you add credit, operators usually offer you a few days of internet access. Therefore, it is going to work for a few days, then suddenly it will stop working without telling you why. That's generally because the "bolsa" you had has expired.

Where to buy a cell phone?

You can find packages "mobile phone + subscription" in Chile. They will allow you to get a discount on a new phone. Since 2015, mobile phones are not locked to a mobile operator anymore. You can use abroad a phone that you bought in Chile.

However, if you do not have a RUT and a bank account, these offers will not be available to you.

You can buy a new phone without a subscription in most shopping centers, like Falabella or Paris. It is interesting to know that they often display entry-level products that they don't have in inventory. Just to attract you and try to sell you a more expensive phone. If you are on a budget, don't go there.

For second-hand/refurbished phones:

  • Yapo.cl: be aware, lots of scams. Ask for the original bill, and come with you sim card to verify that the mobile phone is not locked.
  • Mercadolibre.cl: a lot of professional shops selling refurbished phones with 3-month guarantee
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