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Chile ☎️ Landline / Geographic

Area Code 51 – La Serena, Coquimbo

The phone area code for La Serena, Coquimbo is 51 (international format +5651). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.

Current Local Time
05:36:41
UTC • UTC +00:00
Full Dialing Format
+5651
Population 161,317
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Admin Region Coquimbo Region
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Elevation 22m
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GPS Coordinates -29.9533, -71.3395
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📍 Geographic Location of La Serena, Coquimbo

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The +56 51 country and area code combination corresponds to a geographic allocation within the Republic of Chile, specifically serving the Coquimbo Region. This region is administratively divided into the provinces of Elqui, Limarí, and Choapa. The primary urban center associated with this code is La Serena, the regional capital, along with its conjoined port city, Coquimbo. The numbering area extends to other significant localities such as Vicuña, Ovalle, Illapel, and Los Vilos, covering the entire regional territory for fixed-line services.

Dialing Formats and Call Routing

For domestic callers within Chile, the dialing format for a fixed-line number in this region is the trunk prefix 0, followed by the area code 51, and then the local subscriber number, which consists of 7 digits. Thus, a complete domestic call would be dialed as 0 51 XXX XXXX. For international callers, the format requires the Chilean country code +56, followed by the area code 51 (without the leading trunk prefix), and the 7-digit subscriber number, resulting in +56 51 XXX XXXX.

Local Numbering and Overlay Considerations

Currently, there is no overlay code in effect for the Coquimbo Region. The 51 code is exclusively assigned to this geographic area, and all fixed-line numbers within the region share the same 7-digit length. Subscriber numbers are allocated to local exchange areas, and calls between different towns within the same region still require the area code to be dialed, as they are considered different local calling areas.

Caller Instructions and Practical Information

For callers located within the same local exchange area (e.g., La Serena to La Serena), it is possible to dial only the 7-digit subscriber number without the area code. However, for calls from other regions of Chile or from mobile phones, the full domestic format (0 51 XXX XXXX) is mandatory. Mobile numbers in Chile are non-geographic and always begin with 9, so they are not affected by this area code. When traveling abroad, callers should use the international format +56 51 XXX XXXX. It is important to note that while VoIP services may allow dialing without the trunk prefix, the standard PSTN routing applies to traditional fixed lines.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What cities are covered by the +56 51 area code?
The +56 51 area code covers the entire Coquimbo Region in Chile, including the cities of La Serena, Coquimbo, Ovalle, Vicuña, Illapel, and Los Vilos.
How do I dial a number in La Serena from abroad?
To call a fixed line in La Serena from another country, dial your country's international access code (e.g., 011 from the US), then 56 (Chile's country code), then 51 (the area code), followed by the 7-digit local number. Example: +56 51 234 5678.
Is +56 51 a mobile or landline prefix?
It is a geographic landline prefix assigned to fixed-line services in the Coquimbo Region. Mobile numbers in Chile use the non-geographic prefix 9 (e.g., +56 9 XXXX XXXX).
Do I need to dial the area code for local calls within La Serena?
For calls within the same local exchange area, you can dial just the 7-digit subscriber number. However, for calls from other areas within the Coquimbo Region or from other regions, you must include the area code 51 after the trunk prefix 0.
Are there any overlay codes or changes planned for the 51 area code?
As of now, there is no overlay code for the Coquimbo Region. The 51 code is exclusively used for this geographic area, and no changes have been announced.