Prepaid SIM Cards in Chile: Everything You Need to Know

Basic Information

If you’re planning to visit Chile and want to stay connected without relying on expensive international roaming, getting a local prepaid SIM card is your best bet. Chile offers a range of mobile operators with affordable prepaid plans, wide coverage, and fast 4G/5G speeds. Whether you’re backpacking through Patagonia or working remotely in Santiago, this guide will help you understand all you need to know about prepaid SIM cards in Chile.

Basic Information

Chile’s telecom market is modern and competitive. Major mobile operators offering prepaid SIM cards include:

Movistar
Entel
Claro
WOM

There are also some smaller MVNOs like Virgin Mobile, VTR Móvil, and Simple, which operate using the networks of major providers.

Prepaid SIM cards are available with voice, text, and data bundles — or data-only plans for tourists who rely mostly on mobile internet.

Official Websites

You can explore and compare prepaid offers through these official links:

Where to Buy a Prepaid SIM Card

Prepaid SIM cards in Chile are widely available:

Mobile operator stores: Found in major cities, malls, and shopping centers.
Convenience stores and supermarkets: Most sell SIM starter kits (often WOM or Claro).
Kiosks & street vendors: Especially common in downtown Santiago and tourist areas.
Airports: Availability is limited, so it’s better to buy in the city.
Online: Some eSIMs can be purchased online and activated immediately.

Network Frequencies in Chile

Make sure your device is compatible with the local networks:

2G: Not widely used anymore
3G (UMTS): 850 MHz, 1900 MHz
4G LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 1700 MHz (AWS, Band 4), 2600 MHz (Band 7)
5G: 3500 MHz (Band n78) – Available in urban areas

Check your phone specs to confirm it supports these bands before arrival.

Coverage & Speed

Entel: Widest 4G and early 5G rollout; excellent rural and urban coverage.
Movistar: Reliable coverage in most populated areas.
Claro: Strong in cities, average in remote areas.
WOM: Fastest-growing network, improving coverage, but not ideal in remote zones.

In cities like Santiago, Valparaíso, and Punta Arenas, you’ll enjoy high-speed LTE or even 5G with most networks.

At a Glance: Operator Comparison

Operator	Network Quality	Data Offers	Ideal For
Movistar	Excellent	Tourist bundles	Long stays, high usage
Entel	Excellent	Data plans	Wide travel in Chile
Claro	Good	Social data packs	Social media users
WOM	Good	Budget-friendly	Backpackers, short trips

Biometric Registration

Chile enforces biometric SIM registration. To activate your SIM card, you may be required to:

Provide your passport
Complete facial verification (some stores)
Link the SIM to a temporary ID (RUT) — some stores may provide a workaround for tourists

If you’re staying less than 30 days, many vendors will still sell and activate a SIM without RUT. However, regulations are becoming stricter.

Device Registration in Chile

Chile has a national device registration system. Foreign phones used for more than 30 days may need to be registered with local authorities to stay connected.

Tourists on short trips usually don’t need to worry. But if your phone gets blocked after a few weeks, this may be why.

Mobile Operator Apps (with Links)

All major Chilean operators have official mobile apps. Use these to top up, check your balance, or activate bundles:

Mi Movistar (Android / iOS): movistar.cl
Mi Entel (Android / iOS): entel.cl
WOM App: wom.cl
Mi Claro: clarochile.cl

SIM Card Prices (2025)

Provider	Approximate SIM Price (CLP)	Includes
Movistar	5,000 CLP	Up to 40 GB, calls, SMS
WOM	2,000 CLP	Small data + talk combo
Entel	2,000 CLP	Basic data plan
Claro	4,000 CLP	Starter pack

1 USD ≈ 950 CLP (August 2025)

Prepaid Plans & Data Add-Ons

Each operator offers data bundles, valid from 1 to 30 days. Here’s a general idea:

Movistar

4 GB for 7 days – CLP 1,990
40 GB for 30 days – CLP 7,990

WOM

5 GB for 7 days – CLP 2,000
15 GB for 30 days – CLP 5,000

Entel

3 GB for 10 days – CLP 2,000
10 GB for 30 days – CLP 6,500

Claro

Social unlimited + 3 GB for 10 days – CLP 3,500
10 GB + voice for 30 days – CLP 7,000

Tourist SIM Options

Some operators offer tourist-specific SIM packages with larger data and longer validity:

Movistar Chile Tourist SIM: 40 GB + local calls + SMS for 30 days
Airalo Chile eSIM: 1–20 GB data-only, no local calls, works instantly

Tourist SIMs are available at official stores and sometimes through hotels and hostels.

How to Check Balance

Each provider has a USSD code or app to check your remaining data or minutes:

Movistar: Dial *611# or use Mi Movistar app
Entel: Dial *103# or use Mi Entel app
WOM: Dial *103# or open the WOM app
Claro: Dial *103# or check Mi Claro app

You can also get SMS alerts when your balance runs low.

Customer Support & Help Lines

Operator	Support Number	App Support Available
Movistar	600 600 3000	✅ Yes
Entel	103 (free)	✅ Yes
WOM	103 (free)	✅ Yes
Claro	800 171 171	✅ Yes

Final Thoughts

Buying a prepaid SIM card in Chile is straightforward and affordable — as long as you understand a few local regulations. If you’re a short-term visitor, go with Movistar or WOM for the best mix of data, value, and ease of purchase. For wider rural coverage, Entel leads the pack. Don’t forget to bring your passport, and consider using an eSIM if you want to avoid the hassle of physical SIM cards and registration.

Chile’s mobile networks are fast, reliable, and perfect for navigating the country’s stunning landscapes while staying connected!