The traditional Colombia area code system for landlines was permanently changed in 2021 by the Communications Regulatory Commission (CRC) to a unified, 10-digit national dialing system.
The country code for Colombia remains +57. However, all fixed-line (landline) calls now require an additional prefix, resulting in a 3-digit area code that begins with ’60’. Mobile phone numbers were already 10 digits and remain largely unchanged.
This article provides the critical dialing changes, the new area codes for major cities, and the proper format for both international and domestic calls.
The New Dialing Format for Colombia (Post-2021)
Colombia standardized all national telephone numbers (both fixed and mobile) to 10 digits long to create a simpler, unified dialing process.
The Basic Dialing Structure
All calls, whether international or domestic (within Colombia), must use the 10-digit number.
| Call Type | New Format (10 Digits) | Example (from U.S. Mobile) |
| Landline Calls | 60 + Regional Code + 7-Digit Local Number | +57 601 XXX XXXX (Bogotá) |
| Mobile Calls | 3 + 9-Digit Mobile Number | +57 3XX XXX XXXX |
How to Call a Colombian Landline from Abroad
To call a fixed-line number in Colombia from a country like the U.S. or Canada, follow these four steps:
- International Exit Code: Dial 011 (or use + on a mobile).
- Country Code: Dial 57 (Colombia’s Country Code).
- New 3-Digit Area Code: Dial 60 followed by the 1-digit regional code (e.g., 601 for Bogotá).
- Local Number: Dial the 7-digit local number.
Updated Colombia Landline Area Codes (Regional Codes)
The old single-digit area codes for landlines were converted by adding the prefix ’60’ in front of the existing code.
| City/Region | Old Code (1 Digit) | New Area Code (3 Digits) | Total 10-Digit Example |
| Bogotá | 1 | 601 | +57 601 XXX XXXX |
| Cali | 2 | 602 | +57 602 XXX XXXX |
| Medellín | 4 | 604 | +57 604 XXX XXXX |
| Barranquilla / Cartagena | 5 | 605 | +57 605 XXX XXXX |
| Pereira / Manizales | 6 | 606 | +57 606 XXX XXXX |
| Bucaramanga | 7 | 607 | +57 607 XXX XXXX |
| Neiva / Ibagué | 8 | 608 | +57 608 XXX XXXX |
Mobile Phone Dialing (Unaffected by Area Code Change)
Calling Colombian mobile phones is simpler, as they were already 10 digits long (starting with 3) and did not use the regional codes.
- Format: +57 + 10-Digit Mobile Number (e.g., 3XX XXX XXXX)
Domestic Calls within Colombia
The new 10-digit unified system simplifies all domestic calls:
- Landline to Landline (Same or Different Region): Dial the full 10-digit number (e.g., 604 XXX XXXX).
- Landline to Mobile: Dial the full 10-digit mobile number (e.g., 3XX XXX XXXX).
- Mobile to Landline: Dial the full 10-digit landline number (e.g., 601 XXX XXXX).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the time difference for Colombia?
Colombia operates in the Eastern Time Zone (ET) during Standard Time, but does not observe Daylight Saving Time. Therefore:
- Against US EST (Winter): Colombia is on the same time (UTC-5).
- Against US EDT (Summer): Colombia is one hour behind (UTC-5 vs. UTC-4).
Do I need to use the old single-digit area codes anymore?
No. The old single-digit codes (1, 2, 4, 5, etc.) are obsolete for dialing purposes. You must use the new 3-digit regional code that begins with 60 when calling a fixed line.
Is the Colombian country code sometimes used in scams?
Yes. As a South American country code (+57), it can be used in international “missed call” or phishing scams. If you receive an unexpected call or message from a +57 number, do not call it back out of curiosity, as you may incur high international charges.
Conclusion
The Colombia area code system has been modernized to a unified 10-digit format for all national numbers. When dialing fixed lines internationally, remember the updated sequence: International Exit Code + 57 + 60X (New Area Code) + 7-Digit Local Number. Mobile numbers remain 10 digits and always start with a 3.
