If you are trying to call Argentina, you need to understand the structure of the Argentina area code system, which involves combining the country code, a geographic area code, and a specific prefix for mobile numbers.
The international country calling code for Argentina is +54. Argentina uses an open numbering plan where geographic landline area codes can be two, three, or four digits long. Crucially, calling a mobile phone from outside Argentina requires the digit 9 to be placed between the country code and the area code.
This comprehensive guide details the correct international dialing procedure for Argentina’s major cities and mobile prefixes.
Argentina’s Country Code and Area Code Structure
All international calls to Argentina must begin with the country code +54. The overall structure of the national number varies:
Key Facts About Argentine Codes
| Detail | Information |
| International Code | +54 |
| Capital City | Buenos Aires |
| Time Zone | Argentina Time (ART) – UTC-3:00 |
| Inbound Mobile Prefix | 9 (Must be added after +54, before the area code, for all mobile calls from abroad). |
| Domestic Trunk Code | 0 (Used for long-distance calls within Argentina, but OMITTED when dialing internationally). |
How to Correctly Dial Argentina from the US/Canada
Calling an Argentine number requires up to 14 digits (Exit Code + 54 + Area Code + Local Number).
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions
- Dial the Exit Code: Dial 011 (the standard US/Canada exit code) or use the plus sign + on a mobile phone.
- Dial the Country Code: Dial 54.
- Determine Mobile or Landline: Follow the specific rule for the type of phone you are calling:
| To Call | Next Digit(s) | Full International Format Example |
| Landline in Buenos Aires | 11 (Area Code, omitting the domestic ‘0’) | 011 – 54 – 11 – XXXX XXXX |
| Mobile in Buenos Aires | 9 then 11 | 011 – 54 – 9 – 11 – XXXX XXXX |
| Mobile in Córdoba | 9 then 351 | 011 – 54 – 9 – 351 – XXX XXX |
Key City Area Codes (Omit Leading ‘0’ Internationally)
| City/Region | National Code (with domestic ‘0’) | International Code (after +54) |
| Buenos Aires | 011 | 11 |
| Córdoba | 0351 | 351 |
| Rosario | 0341 | 341 |
| Mendoza | 0261 | 261 |
| La Plata | 0221 | 221 |
Mobile Dialing: The Crucial “9” Prefix
Argentine mobile numbers require special handling that confuses many international callers:
- Calling Locally (Within Argentina): Users dial the national trunk code (0) + Area Code + Mobile Prefix (15) + Subscriber Number (e.g., 0 11 15 XXXX-XXXX).
- Calling Internationally (From Abroad): You must omit the domestic ‘0’ and the local mobile prefix ’15’ and insert the digit ‘9’ between the country code and the area code.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What digit must I add for mobile calls to Argentina?
You must add the digit 9 immediately after the country code +54 when calling an Argentine mobile phone from outside the country.
Is there a US area code 54?
No. The digits 54 are an international country code and are not a valid area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
What is the time difference when calling Buenos Aires?
Buenos Aires observes Argentina Time (ART) at UTC-3:00 year-round. It is typically one hour ahead of the U.S. Eastern Time Zone (EST).
What should I do if my call to an Argentine mobile fails?
If your international mobile call to +54 fails, double-check these common errors:
- Did you remember to include the extra 9 after +54?
- Did you correctly omit the domestic trunk code ‘0’ from the area code?
- Did you omit the domestic mobile prefix ’15’ (which is only used for calls made within Argentina)?
Conclusion
The Argentina area code system is defined by the +54 country code and requires careful attention to prefixes, especially when calling mobile phones, which need the addition of the digit 9. Following the format +54 9 [Area Code] [Subscriber Number] is the key to successfully connecting to loved ones and businesses in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and across the nation.
