How to Call Colombia
Complete guide to dialing Colombia (country code +57)
Planning to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Colombia? Understanding how to call Colombia correctly can save you time, money, and frustration. Whether you're making your first international call or simply need a refresher, this comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about calling Colombia from anywhere in the world.
We'll cover the essential dialing instructions, including country codes and area codes, to ensure your calls go through smoothly. You'll also learn about common mistakes that can prevent your connection and discover proper phone etiquette when speaking with Colombians. Additionally, we've compiled a list of useful numbers for emergencies, customer service, and important organizations. By the end of this guide, you'll be confidently calling Colombia like a pro.
On This Page
Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Colombia (country code +57), use this format: Exit Code + 57 + Area Code + Local Number
The exit code varies by country, while Colombia's country code (+57) remains constant. Colombian phone numbers have 10 digits total, including the area code.
Dialing from Different Countries
From USA or Canada:
- Exit code: 011
- Format: 011-57-[area code]-[local number]
From UK or Europe:
- Exit code: 00
- Format: 00-57-[area code]-[local number]
From other countries:
- Check your country's international exit code (commonly 00 or 011)
Specific Examples
Example 1: Calling a Bogotá landline from USA
- Colombian number: (601) 234 5678
- Dial: 011-57-601-234-5678
- Note: Bogotá landlines use area code 601
Example 2: Calling a Colombian mobile from UK
- Colombian mobile: 310 456 7890
- Dial: 00-57-310-456-7890
- Mobile numbers start with 3XX (310, 312, 315, etc.)
Example 3: Calling a Medellín landline from Australia
- Colombian number: (604) 345 6789
- Dial: 0011-57-604-345-6789
- Medellín uses area code 604
Important Notes About Colombian Numbers
Leading Zero Rule: Colombia does NOT use leading zeros in its phone numbers. Unlike some countries, you don't need to drop any zeros when dialing internationally.
Area Code Changes: Colombian area codes recently changed. Landlines now include an additional digit (e.g., Bogotá changed from 1 to 601, Medellín from 4 to 604).
Mobile Numbers: Colombian mobile numbers always begin with 3 and don't have separate area codes. Simply dial the country code followed by the 10-digit mobile number.
Alternative Format: You can replace the exit code with "+" on mobile phones (e.g., +57-310-456-7890).
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Common Mistakes
When calling Colombia, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
Forgetting to drop the leading zero: Colombian phone numbers often display with a leading zero (like 031 2345678), but you must remove it when dialing internationally. The zero is only for domestic calls. Dial +57 31 2345678 instead.
Using the wrong exit code: Many people dial "011" (the U.S. exit code) even when calling from other countries. Each country has its own exit code—use 00 in most European nations, 0011 in Australia, or simply use "+" which works universally from mobile phones.
Confusing the country code with area codes: Colombia's country code is +57, not to be confused with Bogotá's area code (601). Always start with +57, then add the city code and local number.
Including unnecessary spaces or punctuation: While spaces help readability (+57 1 234 5678), adding them incorrectly when dialing can cause errors. Enter numbers continuously without spaces or dashes.
Using outdated dialing formats: Colombia changed its system in 2020, adding an extra digit to landlines. Ensure you're using current 10-digit mobile numbers or updated landline formats.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Colombia, it's important to understand local customs to communicate effectively and respectfully.
Greetings Matter: Always start with a warm greeting. Use "Buenos días" (good morning), "Buenas tardes" (good afternoon), or "Buenas noches" (good evening) before stating your purpose. Colombians value politeness, so rushing into your request is considered rude.
Formality Levels: For business calls, use formal language and titles like "Señor" or "Señora" until invited to be casual. Personal calls with friends allow for relaxed conversation, but initial calls to acquaintances should remain respectful.
Timing Considerations: Avoid calling during lunch hours (12:00-2:00 PM) or after 9:00 PM unless it's urgent or you have a close relationship. Weekends are generally reserved for family time, so business calls should wait until Monday.
Business vs. Personal Norms: Business calls typically include small talk before discussing the main topic. Colombians appreciate building rapport first. Personal calls often involve longer conversations, as relationships are highly valued.
Voice Messages: If leaving a voicemail, keep it polite and clear. State your name, relationship to the person, and reason for calling. Many Colombians prefer WhatsApp voice messages over traditional voicemail.
Cultural Consideration: Colombians are generally friendly and patient on calls. Don't be surprised by longer conversations—showing interest in someone's wellbeing before business matters demonstrates respect and builds trust in Colombian culture.
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Emergency Numbers
Police (National Police): 123
Ambulance/Medical Emergency: 125
Fire Department: 119
General Emergency Number: 123 (routes to appropriate services)
Red Cross Emergency: 132
Natural Disaster Hotline: 144
Tourist Police (in major cities): *#767 from mobile phones
All emergency numbers are toll-free and operational 24/7 throughout Colombia. They can be dialed from any phone, including mobile devices and public phones, without requiring credit or active service. However, English-speaking operators are limited, so knowing basic Spanish phrases is helpful. In tourist areas like Cartagena, Bogotá, and Medellín, you're more likely to find bilingual assistance. The unified 123 number is your best option as it connects to police, medical, and fire services simultaneously. Save these numbers immediately upon arrival.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 113: National directory assistance for phone numbers and addresses
- 117: Time service (hora exacta)
International Services
- 00: International operator for assisted calls abroad
Tourist Support
- Tourist Police: #767 from mobile phones or (1) 337-4413 in Bogotá
- ProColombia Tourist Helpline: 018000-910687 (toll-free, multilingual support)
Embassy Contacts
Contact your embassy directly for emergencies. Major embassies are located in Bogotá; keep your country's contact number saved.
Additional Helpful Services
- 195: Civil Defense for natural disasters
- 156: Migración Colombia (immigration inquiries)
- *611: Mobile carrier customer service (varies by provider)
- 192: Consumer protection hotline (Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio)
Taxi Services
Major cities have reliable radio taxi companies; request numbers at your hotel for safe, registered transportation.
Tips for Calling Colombia
When calling Colombia, remember the country operates on Colombia Time (COT), which is UTC-5 year-round with no daylight saving time. To find the best calling window, calculate the five-hour difference from UTC or compare directly with your local time zone.
For personal calls, evenings between 6-9 PM Colombian time typically work well when people are home and relaxed. Business calls should align with standard working hours: Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM, with many offices closing between noon and 2 PM for lunch.
Always schedule business calls in advance—Colombians appreciate punctuality and prior arrangement. Avoid calling during major holidays like Christmas, New Year's, Easter week (Semana Santa), and Independence Day (July 20).
For clearer communication, speak slowly and articulate carefully, especially if you're not fluent in Spanish. Many Colombians in business settings speak English, but don't assume this. Consider using video calls when possible, as visual cues help overcome language barriers.
Off-peak calling rates typically apply during evenings and weekends, though VoIP services and messaging apps like WhatsApp have largely eliminated cost concerns for international communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Colombia is +57. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Colombia from anywhere in the world.
To call Colombia from your cell phone, dial + (or 011 in the US), then 57 (Colombia's country code), followed by the area code and local number. For example: +57-1-XXX-XXXX for Bogotá.
Yes, you should drop the leading zero from Colombian area codes when calling internationally. If a local number shows as 01-XXX-XXXX, dial +57-1-XXX-XXXX, removing the zero before the area code.
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In Colombia, dial 123 for general emergencies (police, fire, medical). For police specifically, dial 112. For ambulance services, dial 125. These numbers are toll-free and can be dialed from any phone within Colombia.
Yes! With ZippCall, you can easily call Colombia directly from your web browser without downloading any software. Simply visit ZippCall, add credit to your account, and start making calls to Colombian numbers instantly.
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