The international dialing code 57 (or +57) is the country code for Colombia, a country located in the northwestern region of South America. All international calls made to Colombia, whether to a mobile or landline number, must begin with this two-digit prefix.
The user’s intent is to identify the nation associated with the country code 57 and understand the correct procedure for international calls. This guide provides the geographic, time zone, and precise dialing instructions for reaching Colombia from abroad, particularly from North America.
Country Code 57: Colombia at a Glance
The +57 country code is universally used for telecommunications within the Republic of Colombia.
| Detail | Description |
| Country | Colombia |
| Continent | South America |
| Capital & Largest City | Bogotá |
| Language | Spanish (Official) |
| Time Zone | Colombia Time (COT), which is UTC-5. |
| DST Observed | No. Colombia does not observe Daylight Saving Time. |
Major Cities in Colombia
Colombia is divided into dialing zones for fixed lines, with each zone using a specific 3-digit regional code that must be included when dialing a landline number. Key urban centers include:
- Bogotá: Regional Code 601
- Medellín: Regional Code 604
- Cali: Regional Code 602
- Barranquilla: Regional Code 605
- Cartagena: Regional Code 605
How to Dial Colombia from the United States or Canada
Calling a Colombian number requires a specific sequence of codes. Since September 2021, Colombia uses a closed 10-digit dialing plan for all national calls (landlines and mobile), which simplifies the international dialing process.
International Dialing Format (from U.S. or Canada)
The general format for calling a +57 number is:
- Calling a Colombian Mobile Phone
All mobile numbers in Colombia are 10 digits long and begin with a 3.
- Example (Mobile): Dial
- Calling a Colombian Landline (Fixed Line)
All fixed line numbers in Colombia are now 10 digits long, which includes a mandatory 3-digit regional code (which replaced the old single-digit city code).
- Example (Landline to Bogotá): Bogotá’s regional code is 601. The sequence would be
| Destination City | Regional Code (New) | Example Format (from US) |
| Bogotá | 601 | |
| Medellín | 604 | |
| Cali | 602 |
Understanding the Time Difference
Colombia operates on Colombia Time (COT), which is . Since Colombia does not use Daylight Saving Time, the time difference relative to the United States East Coast (EST) changes seasonally:
- During U.S. Winter (EST): Colombia is on the same time as New York, Miami, etc. (both ).
- During U.S. Summer (EDT): Colombia is one hour behind New York, Miami, etc. (New York is , Colombia is ).
Best Time to Call: To ensure you reach a business or friend during standard Colombian working hours (8:00 AM to 6:00 PM COT), remember this seasonal shift relative to the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the plus sign (+) before the 57 mean?
The plus sign (+) is a standardized symbol used to indicate that the user must dial their own country’s international exit code before the country code. When calling from a mobile phone, you can usually simply press and hold the ‘0’ key to generate the ” symbol, which automatically handles the exit code (e.g., in the U.S.) for you.
Is country code 57 ever used in phone scams?
While any international code can be spoofed by scammers, +57 is not typically highlighted as a high-risk “one-ring” scam code (which are usually Caribbean NANP codes like 809 or 345). However, you should always treat calls or texts from unknown numbers with caution. Never provide personal or financial information unless you can verify the caller’s identity.
How many digits are in a Colombian phone number?
All current telephone numbers (both fixed line and mobile) in Colombia are 10 digits long, following the format . When dialing internationally, you must always include the country code after the international exit code.
Conclusion
The country code 57 clearly identifies a telephone number as originating from or directed toward Colombia. To successfully place an international call from North America, you must dial the U.S. exit code , followed by the country code , and then the full 10-digit Colombian number, remembering to account for the single time zone.
