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?

15/10/2016, updated 12/08/2025

Chile has an excellent network for mobile telecommunications with comprehensive 4G/LTE coverage and rapidly expanding 5G networks. Chile became the first country in Latin America to hold a 5G spectrum auction in February 2021, with services launching in December 2021.

Prices are very competitive, with Chile ranking 61st globally for mobile data affordability at approximately USD0.64 per GB - nearly $2 cheaper than the global average. The market has four major operators competing aggressively on pricing and coverage.

4G/LTE networks provide excellent coverage nationwide, while 5G is available in major metropolitan areas with ongoing expansion. Chile's telecom market is projected to grow at 6.13% CAGR through 2029.

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: Chile's largest mobile operator with nearly 9 million subscribers. Entel leads in network performance, winning 9 major awards in 2024 including all 5G experience categories. Has the most extensive nationwide coverage and most reliable network. Planning $350M investment in 5G expansion through 2025.

WOM: The disruptor offering the lowest prices and aggressively gaining market share (22% by 2024). Excellent 5G coverage and joint winner for overall Games Experience. Won both availability and speed awards in 2024. Currently best for 5G coverage in metropolitan areas.

Movistar: Second largest operator with ~8 million subscribers (Telefónica). Reached 1 million 5G subscribers in just 4 months in 2024, showing rapid adoption. Dominates fiber broadband with 49.7% market share.

Claro: Recently received 5G authorization for 3.5GHz spectrum. Offers competitive social media packages but traditionally had weaker network performance compared to competitors. Supports 2G, 3G, and 4G with 5G rollout beginning.

Current Pricing and Plans (2024-2025)

Prepaid Plans:

  • Basic data plans: USD2-5 for 1-40GB packages
  • Entel: 1GB/15 days for USD2
  • WOM: Similar pricing to Entel
  • Claro: Around USD4 for comparable plans
  • Movistar: 40GB + 200 minutes/30 days for USD5.05

Network Technology Status:

  • 5G: Entel, Movistar, WOM (metropolitan areas)
  • 4G/LTE: All operators (nationwide coverage)
  • 3G/2G Shutdown: Entel completing 2G shutdown October 2024, Movistar ending 2G/3G by 2026

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: VTR/Movistar (or MNVO 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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