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

15/10/2016, updated 10/07/2024

A 260-page practical handbook to plan your move to Chile?

Moving to Chile soon? Read this...

Since 2016, expat.cl has been maintaining this free online guide about Chile for foreigners, which takes a lot of time. Unfortunately, search engines now use this content to provide AI-generated answers. Therefore, our most up-to-date content is now only available in the Chile Handbook for Foreigners. Articles on this guide will still be updated, but less frequently.

DOWNLOAD TODAY

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

Prices are correct, especially since new companies entered the market between 2012 and 2015, which led to a reduction in prices.

4G and 5G networks work well, including if you need to connect a computer using a USB dongle. Of course, this depends on operators and regions.

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. Yet, it has the most reliable network.

Claro: the cheapest. One of their main arguments (that you can see everywhere on signs in Santiago) is that they offer unlimited data to use on social networks. This means you can use Facebook, WhatsApp without using your 4G/5G credit, as long as you have credit on your account. However, it is not the only one offering this now, Movistar also has a similar offer. Regarding network quality, it is one of the worst. If you are lucky, it will work well in your area. Movistar and VTR: two operators with a similar approach: a rather good quality of network, and affordable prices

WOM: They entered the market very aggressively in 2015, with low prices. After some problems at the beginning, it seems to work rather well now.

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:

Entel: https://www.entel.cl/prepago/
Movistar: https://hogar.movistar.cl/prepago/
Claro: https://www.clarochile.cl/portal/cl/pc/personas/movil/prepago/
VTR: https://vtr.com/productos/moviles/prepago
WOM: https://www.wom.cl/prepago/

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

Do you want to go more in detail?

I wrote the Chile Handbook for Foreigners for anyone and everyone looking to move permanently and enjoy life in Chile. It's a 265-page book that goes over all aspects of relocating to Chile. Here is what you get:
✅ Practical tips based on 7-year relocation experience
✅ To-do lists to help you start
✅ Last updated in 2024