The +57 country code is the official international telephone prefix assigned to the Republic of Colombia, located in the northwest corner of South America. If you are receiving a call that begins with +57 or need to contact someone in Colombia, this is the essential code you need.
This article provides a complete guide to calling Colombia, including the essential new 10-digit dialing format required for all calls, a list of major city codes, and important time zone details for successful international communication.
-
Location and Time Zone of the +57 Country Code
The +57 country code serves the entire territory of Colombia.
| Feature | Detail |
| Country | Colombia |
| Continent | South America |
| Capital City | Bogotá |
| Time Zone | Colombia Time (COT): UTC-5 |
Time Zone Note: Same as U.S. Eastern Standard Time
Colombia observes Colombia Time (COT), which is UTC-5 year-round. This is highly convenient for callers from the United States and Canada, as COT is the same time zone as U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
- During U.S. Standard Time (Winter): Bogotá is the same time as New York.
- During U.S. Daylight Saving Time (Summer): Bogotá is one hour behind New York (New York is EDT, UTC-4).
- New Dialing Instructions for Colombia (+57)
In 2021, Colombia implemented a mandatory 10-digit dialing plan for all national calls (landline and mobile), simplifying the process for international callers. The old one-digit regional codes are now replaced with new three-digit codes beginning with 60.
- How to Call a Colombian Landline (Fixed Line)
Calling a landline in Colombia requires the international access code, the country code, the new 3-digit regional prefix (starting with 60), and the 7-digit local number.
- Dial the International Exit Code (011): (Or use the + symbol on a mobile phone).
- Dial the Country Code (57).
- Dial the New 3-Digit Regional Code (60X).
- Dial the 7-Digit Subscriber Number.
Landline Format Example (Calling Bogotá from the U.S.):
Key New Regional Codes (Landlines)
| Major City/Region | Former Code | New 3-Digit Code (60X) |
| Bogotá / Cundinamarca | 1 | 601 |
| Cali / Valle del Cauca | 2 | 602 |
| Medellín / Antioquia | 4 | 604 |
| Barranquilla / Cartagena | 5 | 605 |
| Bucaramanga / Santander | 7 | 607 |
| Ibagué / Neiva | 8 | 608 |
- How to Call a Colombian Mobile (Cell Phone)
Calling a mobile phone is simpler as it does not require the new 60X regional prefix. Mobile numbers are already 10 digits long and typically begin with the digit 3.
- Dial the International Exit Code (011): (Or use the + symbol).
- Dial the Country Code (57).
- Dial the Full 10-Digit Mobile Number (which begins with 3XX).
Mobile Format Example (Calling a Claro/Tigo/Movistar Mobile):
- Cost and Safety Considerations
Calls to the +57 country code are international calls. You should always verify your call rates with your service provider before making a direct call to avoid high fees.
International Calling Cost
- Standard Rates: Without an international calling package, carriers often charge high per-minute rates (sometimes over $1.00) for international calls to Colombia.
- Cost-Saving Alternatives: Consider using VoIP services (like Skype or Google Voice) or messaging apps (like WhatsApp, which is widely used in Colombia) for free or low-cost calls over Wi-Fi or data.
Scam Warning
Like all international codes, +57 can be used by scammers, especially in “wrong number” text phishing schemes. If you receive an unsolicited call or text from an unknown +57 number:
- Do not answer or call back.
- Do not reply to text messages, as this confirms your number is active and makes you a target for more fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Did Colombia change its area codes?
Yes. In 2021, Colombia mandated that all landline calls include a three-digit geographic code starting with 60, followed by the 7-digit number, resulting in a 10-digit number for all national calls (landline and mobile). Previously, landline area codes were just one digit (e.g., 1 for Bogotá).
Is the +57 country code part of the U.S.?
No. The +57 country code is strictly for the sovereign nation of Colombia in South America. It is not part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which includes the U.S., Canada, and some Caribbean territories.
What is the emergency number in Colombia?
If you are traveling in Colombia, the universal emergency number for all services (Police, Fire, and Ambulance) is 123.
