Argentina – Landlines and Mobile Phones

What are the international dialling codes for Argentina, and what are the area codes for the most popular expat destinations?

Argentina’s country calling code is +54, which you enter after your device’s international exit code (typically 00 or the + symbol). This is then followed by a complete ten-digit number — comprising the city or area code and the subscriber digits — whether you are calling a landline or a mobile. There is no trunk zero to strip when dialling from overseas; Argentina’s area codes are used without a leading 0 for international calls.

Every Argentine national telephone number totals exactly ten digits. As an illustration, a Buenos Aires number written as (11) 1234-5678 consists of a two-digit area code followed by an eight-digit subscriber number. ENACOM allocates area codes in line with population size: densely populated cities receive two-digit codes (Buenos Aires: 11, Córdoba: 351), whereas smaller localities may carry three- or four-digit codes.

The area codes for the cities most commonly chosen by expats are shown in the table below:

Dialling mobile numbers involves an important nuance. When calling an Argentine mobile from abroad, you must insert the digit 9 between the country code and the area code, and you should omit the domestic “15” prefix that appears after the area code in local usage. For example, reaching a Mar del Plata mobile listed domestically as (223) 15 123–4567 from outside Argentina requires the sequence: +54 9 223 123–4567.

Sending an SMS to an Argentine mobile works slightly differently still. For text messages from abroad, the 9 used in voice calls is dropped. So while a voice call to (11) 15 1234–5678 requires +54 9 11 1234 5678, sending that same person an SMS requires +54 11 1234 5678. This can catch newcomers off guard — the best approach is to store contacts in your phone using the correct international format from the outset, and your device will manage the rest automatically.

Non-geographic numbers such as 0800 or 0810 cannot be dialled from outside Argentina. If a company only publishes one of these numbers, ask an Argentine contact to make the call on your behalf, or search the company’s website for a standard geographic number.

Who are the major landline providers in Argentina, and how can you contact them?

The Argentine fixed-line market is shaped predominantly by two players: Telecom Argentina and Telefónica de Argentina (trading as Movistar). In 2018, Telecom Argentina absorbed leading cable television and broadband operator Cablevisión, creating a substantial integrated communications group. This combined business now operates primarily under the Telecom and Fibertel brands and holds the position of the country’s largest fixed-line operator.

A significant structural shift is currently underway: in 2025, Telecom Argentina completed the acquisition of Telefónica Móviles de Argentina (Movistar) in a deal worth US$1.245 billion. The transaction has attracted close scrutiny from Argentina’s competition authority and telecommunications regulators owing to its implications for market concentration, spectrum holdings, and consumer welfare. It is strongly advisable to consult official sources for up-to-date information on how this acquisition may affect service brands, customer billing, and plan availability.

The main fixed-line providers and their contact information are listed below:

Outside the major urban centres, it is worth noting that fixed-line services in many smaller towns and rural provinces are delivered not by the national operators but by local telecommunications cooperatives. These community-based, not-for-profit entities have long played a vital role in keeping regional Argentina connected, and they frequently bundle local telephone and internet services together. Contact details and available plans differ from one cooperative to the next; your neighbours or the local municipal office can usually point you to the relevant provider for your area.

Because landline tariffs shift frequently — particularly in the context of Argentina’s sustained inflation — always consult the operators’ official websites directly for current pricing. ENACOM also publishes maximum regulated rates for basic telephony services at enacom.gob.ar.

Who are the major mobile phone providers in Argentina, and how can you contact them?

Three national mobile operators serve Argentina: Claro, Movistar, and Personal. Based on figures from the third quarter of 2023, América Móvil’s Claro Argentina led the market with approximately 39% of subscribers, ahead of Telecom Argentina’s Personal at 33% and Telefónica’s Movistar at 28%. Competition among the three is robust and pricing is broadly comparable, which means that network coverage in your specific location is typically the most useful basis for choosing an operator.

All three operators maintain 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE networks across Argentina. Movistar’s coverage maps show the most extensive national footprint overall, although Personal can have an edge in certain rural zones. Personal is also the only operator with a 5G NR network available to both prepaid and postpaid subscribers as of 2024.

Data performance has improved considerably in recent years, particularly in 4G-served areas, though remote rural zones may still experience only 2G connectivity, and indoor signal quality can be unreliable even in parts of Buenos Aires. Before selecting a provider, it is worth testing each operator’s interactive coverage map on their respective websites for your home, workplace, or neighbourhood. Given Argentina’s economic conditions, plan pricing in Argentine pesos is subject to frequent adjustment — always check the official sites for the most current tariffs.

The prepaid model predominates in Argentina, representing more than 55% of all mobile subscriptions as of the third quarter of 2023. Each of the three operators offers both prepaid and postpaid options, with various data package tiers available to suit different usage levels. Confirm current plan details directly with the provider of your choice, as figures change regularly.

How do I get a landline connected in Argentina?

Setting up a new fixed-line connection in Argentina is arranged directly with the operator serving your address — usually Telecom Argentina or, in certain regions, Movistar (Telefónica). The general procedure resembles that of most other countries, though lead times for installation and deposit requirements can differ. It is always best to confirm the latest requirements with the relevant provider or through ENACOM before beginning the process.

1. Determine which provider covers your address: In most of Buenos Aires and northern Argentina, this will be Telecom Argentina. In Patagonia and portions of central Argentina, Telefónica (Movistar) typically operates the local network. In regional towns, a local cooperative may hold the service concession.
2. Get in touch with the provider: You can make contact through the operator’s official website, via telephone, or by visiting a local commercial branch. Telecom Argentina is reachable at 0800-999-4000 or at telecom.com.ar. Movistar’s residential service team can be contacted on 0800-888-0200.
3. Gather your documents: You will generally need to present a valid national identity document or passport, evidence of your Argentine address (such as a utility bill or signed rental agreement), and — if you are a tenant — a copy of your rental contract. Property owners may be asked to provide their title deed (escritura).
4. Select a calling plan: At the time of application you will choose a plan. Fixed-line packages frequently include local and national calls, and many providers bundle broadband internet access as part of a combined offer. Review the provider’s website for current options, as tariffs are subject to change.
5. Arrange the installation appointment: New line installations almost always require a technician to visit the property. Waiting times can range from a few days to several weeks depending on local infrastructure availability and demand. Request a confirmed appointment slot when you book.
6. Set up billing: At the point of connection, establish your preferred payment arrangement (see the billing section below). Fixed-line services are invoiced monthly.

Tenants can apply for a fixed line in their own name without owning the property. That said, some providers may request a deposit or written authorisation from the property owner if the line was previously registered in that person’s name. If you encounter obstacles as a new arrival without an established local credit history, ENACOM’s consumer enquiry and complaints service at enacom.gob.ar can advise you on your rights.

How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in Argentina?

Each of the three operators sells prepaid SIM cards — called chips locally — either free of charge at branded outlets or for a small fee through a wide network of retailers. The purchase process is accessible to tourists and new residents alike, without the need for permanent residency, so getting a working mobile number shortly after arriving in Argentina is entirely straightforward.

1. Select your operator: Before committing, check the coverage maps on the Claro, Personal, and Movistar websites for your area. Personal is the operator to choose if 5G access matters to you; Movistar has the broadest overall 4G geographic reach; Claro is known for competitive data bundle pricing.
2. Go to a branded store or authorised retailer: All three operators have service counters at Buenos Aires’ Ezeiza international airport and at certain regional airports, allowing you to obtain a SIM card before leaving the arrivals hall. Branded stores and authorised resellers are also found throughout city centres and shopping malls across the country.
3. Show photo ID: Since May 2017, operators have been legally required to verify the identity of all mobile users through a central register. Purchasing a prepaid SIM now requires presenting a valid document — a passport is accepted — and registering your personal details at the point of sale. Any person aged 18 or over who is living in or visiting Argentina may purchase a SIM without additional requirements.
4. Activate your SIM: Certain operators support activation through their app or website. Claro and Movistar allow tourists to complete registration online by uploading a passport scan. Personal’s standard process for new prepaid customers is in-store registration.
5. Load credit or choose a plan: You can top up your prepaid balance at kiosks, supermarkets, and pharmacies throughout the country, as well as through each operator’s official app or website. All three operators offer automatic top-up options linked to a payment card or digital wallet.
6. Switch to postpaid when you are eligible: Postpaid contract plans typically require proof of Argentine residency — commonly a DNI (national identity document), a proof-of-address document, and in some cases a local bank account. Most new arrivals find it more practical to begin on prepaid and transition to a postpaid plan once they have the necessary residency paperwork.

Unlike some countries where prepaid SIMs can be bought and used anonymously, Argentina’s ID registration requirement is universal. Despite this, the actual process at a branded store is quick and uncomplicated. There is no requirement to hold a local bank account for prepaid — a valid ID is all that is needed. Ensure your handset is SIM-unlocked before you arrive, as operators may not always be in a position to unlock devices on request.

How do I pay my telephone bill in Argentina?

Landline and mobile bills in Argentina are issued on a monthly basis. The market offers a number of convenient payment channels, and given the country’s economic volatility many providers actively encourage digital or automatic payment arrangements to minimise the risk of bills being overlooked or paid late.

• Via the provider’s app or online portal: All three mobile operators and the principal fixed-line providers operate their own apps and web-based customer portals through which you can settle bills by debit card, credit card, or bank transfer. This has become the most widely used payment method among residents.
• Automatic debit (débito automático): You can arrange for your bill amount to be debited automatically from a bank account or charged to a credit card each month. This option is broadly available and is particularly advisable given that invoices are often delivered by email rather than post.
• Rapipago and Pago Fácil: These are Argentina’s nationwide cash payment networks, operating through thousands of outlets including convenience stores, pharmacies, and kiosks. You can pay any telephone bill in cash at these locations using your account number or the barcode printed on your invoice — the concept is comparable to paying utility bills at a corner shop or post office in other countries.
• Bank transfer or online banking: The majority of Argentine banks enable direct bill payment through their online banking platforms, using the service provider’s company identifier and your account reference.
• MercadoPago: Argentina’s most widely used digital wallet platform, MercadoPago, supports telephone bill payments directly within the app and is popular across all age groups.

For prepaid mobile customers, there is no monthly bill — instead, you purchase credit top-ups (recargas) as required. Top-ups are available at kiosks, supermarkets, and pharmacies, as well as through each operator’s app and website. All three operators support auto-recharge settings that replenish your balance automatically from a linked card or digital wallet.

On postpaid accounts, late or missed payments can trigger service restrictions or line suspension. Argentina’s inflationary environment means that tariffs may rise between billing periods; operators are obliged to notify customers in advance of price increases, but it is prudent to review your bills regularly. For unresolved billing disputes or complaints about disconnection, ENACOM’s consumer protection service can be reached at enacom.gob.ar.

Are there any practical tips for using phones in Argentina as a newcomer?

International roaming: The Mercosur member states — Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay — introduced a “roam like at home” arrangement in 2024, broadly comparable to the scheme that operates within the EU. However, this applies only to postpaid subscribers; prepaid customers are excluded. Travellers arriving from countries outside Mercosur will be subject to standard international roaming charges from their home carrier, and buying a local SIM is almost always the more economical option for anything beyond a very brief stay.

Number portability: Argentina offers number portability for both mobile lines (available since March 2012) and fixed lines (since September 2022). As of October 2024, around 9,000 numbers are ported every day, with over 19 million mobile numbers transferred since the scheme was launched. Unlike in the EU — where porting is typically finalised within a single working day — the process in Argentina can take several days. Confirm the expected timeline with your new provider when submitting a porting request.

eSIM availability: Movistar introduced eSIM support in 2021, with eSIM profiles available to purchase through their website and app. As of 2024, Personal and Claro have not extended eSIM to general consumers, with support limited to certain business plans. If eSIM functionality is a priority, Movistar is the only mainstream local option among the three operators. Third-party eSIM providers offering Argentine data plans are also worth considering for shorter stays.

The “15” prefix quirk: Argentine mobile numbers are locally displayed with a “15” inserted after the area code. When calling a mobile from a fixed line, you dial the area code followed by 15 and then the subscriber number. When calling from one mobile to another, the 15 is not required. This frequently trips up newcomers — if a call to a mobile fails to connect, try toggling the 15 prefix to see if that resolves the issue.

Signal quality in expat hubs: Major cities — Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza, and Rosario — are well covered by 4G networks from all three operators. With 64.1 million mobile connections and a penetration rate of 136%, the country’s mobile infrastructure is extensive and continuing to grow. In remote Patagonia, the Andean foothills, and sparsely populated agricultural areas, however, coverage can be intermittent; Movistar generally has the widest geographic 4G footprint in these regions. ENACOM has also authorised satellite broadband services — including Amazon’s Project Kuiper and SpaceX’s Starlink — to improve connectivity in underserved rural areas.

WhatsApp dominance: WhatsApp is by far the most widely used communication channel in Argentina for both social and professional purposes — considerably more so than SMS or voice calls for day-to-day messaging. Registering WhatsApp with your local Argentine number as soon as you arrive will greatly ease integration into both personal and workplace circles.

Retaining a foreign number: It is not possible to port a number from an overseas network directly into an Argentine operator. If maintaining a foreign number is necessary for professional reasons, you can keep it active through a VoIP service (such as Google Voice or a virtual number platform) while running your Argentine SIM alongside it. Most contemporary dual-SIM smartphones handle this combination without difficulty.

Official complaints and consumer rights: ENACOM (Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones) is Argentina’s national telecommunications regulator and the appropriate body to approach with unresolved disputes against a provider. Their website at enacom.gob.ar sets out consumer rights, regulated tariff information, and instructions for lodging a formal complaint.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my foreign number when I move to Argentina?

No — porting a number from an overseas network into an Argentine operator is not possible. If retaining your foreign number is important (for example, for existing professional contacts), you can keep it live through a VoIP application or virtual number service while simultaneously using a local Argentine SIM for calls and data. Both can operate at the same time on most modern dual-SIM handsets.

Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in Argentina?

For a prepaid SIM (chip), a valid passport or identity document is sufficient — proof of a local address is not required. Postpaid (contract) plans, on the other hand, will typically require evidence of Argentine residency such as a utility bill or rental agreement, alongside a local DNI or valid visa documentation. Most new arrivals find it simpler to begin on prepaid and move to postpaid once residency paperwork is in order.

Can tourists buy a SIM card in Argentina?

Any person aged 18 or over who is living in or visiting Argentina may purchase an Argentine SIM card simply by presenting a passport at a branded store. Service counters for the major operators are located at Buenos Aires’ Ezeiza airport and at certain regional airports, making it possible to get connected before you leave the terminal building.

How long does it take to port a mobile number between Argentine operators?

Mobile number portability has been available in Argentina since March 2012. The transfer process typically takes several days from the moment the request is submitted, though exact timelines can vary — check with your new operator for current processing times. Your service on the existing network continues until the port is finalised, so there should be no interruption to your connectivity.

Is 5G available in Argentina?

As of 2024, Personal is the only mobile operator running a 5G NR network in Argentina, accessible to both prepaid and postpaid customers. Claro and Telecom Argentina are also building out their infrastructure, with more than 500 active 5G sites collectively. 5G coverage is currently concentrated in major urban centres; consult each operator’s coverage map for up-to-date availability in your specific location.

What happens if my mobile phone is lost or stolen in Argentina?

Notify your network operator immediately to suspend the SIM and block the line. The 24-hour customer service numbers are: Claro on 611 (mobile) or 0800-444-2527; Personal on 111 or 0800-444-0800; Movistar on 611 or (011) 5321-0611. You should also report the incident to the local police (comisaría) and obtain a crime reference number, which is needed for any insurance claim and for formal blocking procedures through ENACOM.

Are landline phones still widely used in Argentina?

Fixed-line usage has fallen substantially, as in most parts of the world, but landlines remain a feature of many homes and businesses — particularly among older residents and in office environments. According to ENACOM’s 2024 figures, fixed telephony generates approximately 9% of Argentina’s total telecommunications market revenue, compared with 47% for mobile services. For the majority of newcomers a mobile plan will be entirely adequate; a landline connection is worth considering mainly if it comes bundled with a broadband package at a meaningful saving.

How do I make a complaint about my phone service in Argentina?

ENACOM (Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones) is Argentina’s national telecommunications authority and processes consumer complaints against operators. Complaints can be submitted online at enacom.gob.ar. Before filing, it is advisable to raise your concern formally with the provider in writing and retain copies of all correspondence, as ENACOM will generally ask whether you have first attempted to resolve the matter directly with the company.