Chile
Best SIM and eSIM for Chile: data plans, Wi‑Fi and phone tips
Buy a local prepaid eSIM from Entel or Movistar for reliable coverage in cities and most tourist areas; if you need a physical SIM, pick a prepaid from Entel, Movistar, WOM or Claro at the airport. Switch to a local plan if you stay longer than a week or travel to remote Patagonia where signal is sparse.
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GuideChile
Key facts
- Country code
- +56
- Main carriers
- Entel, Movistar, WOM, Claro
- Contactless payments
- Widely accepted in cities
Quick decision
For most travellers, the best eSIM is Entel’s 5 GB for 30 days (≈ CLP 15,000, ~US$18). It works on iPhone 15/XS‑Max and most Android 10+ devices. If your phone cannot use eSIM, buy a prepaid physical SIM from Entel or Movistar at the airport – CLP 10,000 for 3 GB (≈ US 12).
How to get a SIM or eSIM
eSIMs can be purchased online before arrival (Entel, Movistar) and activated via QR code. Physical SIMs are sold at Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez airport, major supermarkets and carrier stores in Santiago, Valparaíso and Punta Arenas. Bring your passport for possible IMEI registration (check local rules).
| Provider | Plan | Data | Price (CLP) | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entel | eSIM 5 GB | 5 GB | 15 000 | 30 days |
| Movistar | eSIM 3 GB | 3 GB | 12 000 | 30 days |
| Entel | Physical 3 GB | 3 GB | 10 000 | 30 days |
| Movistar | Physical 5 GB | 5 GB | 13 000 | 30 days |
Does my phone work in Chile?
Chile uses 4G LTE bands 4 (1700 MHz) and 7 (2600 MHz). Most smartphones released after 2018 support these bands. Check your device’s specifications for LTE Band 4/7. If your phone lacks LTE, 3G (900 MHz) is still available, but speeds will be slower.
Wi‑Fi availability
Free Wi‑Fi is common in hotels, cafés and restaurants in Santiago, Valparaíso and tourist towns. Public Wi‑Fi kiosks exist in major airports and some city squares. In remote Patagonia parks, Wi‑Fi is rare; rely on your cellular plan or offline maps.
- Santiago: cafés, malls, municipal Wi‑Fi zones
- Valparaíso: most hostels and restaurants
- Patagonia (Torres del Paine, Punta Arenas): limited to hotels
Questions people ask
What is the best eSIM for Chile?
Entel’s 5 GB for 30 days (CLP 15,000) offers the best balance of coverage and price for most travellers.
Does my phone work in Chile?
If your phone supports LTE Band 4 or 7 (most 2018+ models do), it will work. Older phones may fall back to 3G.
Is Wi‑Fi easy to find in Chile?
Yes in cities and tourist hubs; free or low‑cost Wi‑Fi is in cafés, hotels and some public squares. Remote areas have little or none.
Can I buy a SIM at the airport?
Yes. Entel, Movistar and Claro sell prepaid SIMs at Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez airport. Bring your passport for possible IMEI registration.
Do I need to register my phone’s IMEI?
Foreign phones may need IMEI registration after a period in Chile. Check with your carrier or the local regulator before you arrive.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialChile Tourism Official Site
Ask about Chile
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