The 54 country code belongs to Argentina. Whether you're calling family in Buenos Aires, conducting business with partners in Córdoba, or reaching friends anywhere in this South American nation, the +54 prefix connects you to over 45 million people in the world's eighth-largest country.
Quick Answer: The country code +54 is for Argentina. Argentine phone numbers have 10 digits after +54. For mobile numbers, add 9 after +54. For example, a Buenos Aires mobile 011 15-1234-5678 becomes
+54 9 11 1234 5678internationally.
How to Call Argentina: Quick Reference
The dialing format for Argentina varies depending on where you're calling from and whether you're calling a mobile or landline. Here's a quick-reference table.
| Calling From | To Landline | To Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| US/Canada Mobile | +54 [area code] [number] | +54 9 [area code] [number] |
| US/Canada Landline | 011-54-[area code]-[number] | 011-54-9-[area code]-[number] |
| United Kingdom | 00-54-[area code]-[number] | 00-54-9-[area code]-[number] |
| Spain | 00-54-[area code]-[number] | 00-54-9-[area code]-[number] |
Key Rule: When calling Argentine mobile numbers internationally, you must insert 9 between the country code (+54) and the area code. This replaces the domestic "15" mobile prefix.
Understanding Argentine Phone Numbers
Argentine phone numbers can be confusing because of different formats for domestic and international dialing. Here's how to decode them.
Mobile Numbers
Argentine mobile numbers have a unique format:
- Domestic Format: 0 + area code + 15 + 8-digit number (e.g., 011 15-1234-5678).
- International Format: +54 + 9 + area code + 8-digit number (e.g., +54 9 11 1234 5678).
- Key Change: Replace "0" and "15" with "9" when calling from abroad.
- Total Digits: 10 digits after +54 (including the 9).
Landline Numbers (Fixed Line)
Argentine landlines are simpler:
- Domestic Format: 0 + area code + local number (e.g., 011-4567-8901).
- International Format: +54 + area code + local number (e.g., +54 11 4567 8901).
- Key Change: Just drop the leading "0" from the area code.
- Total Digits: 10 digits after +54.
Argentina Area Codes Reference Table
Argentina uses geographic area codes for both landlines and mobiles. Here are the area codes for major Argentine cities:
| City | Area Code | Landline Format | Mobile Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires | 11 | +54 11 XXXX XXXX | +54 9 11 XXXX XXXX |
| Córdoba | 351 | +54 351 XXX XXXX | +54 9 351 XXX XXXX |
| Rosario | 341 | +54 341 XXX XXXX | +54 9 341 XXX XXXX |
| Mendoza | 261 | +54 261 XXX XXXX | +54 9 261 XXX XXXX |
| La Plata | 221 | +54 221 XXX XXXX | +54 9 221 XXX XXXX |
| Mar del Plata | 223 | +54 223 XXX XXXX | +54 9 223 XXX XXXX |
| Tucumán | 381 | +54 381 XXX XXXX | +54 9 381 XXX XXXX |
| Salta | 387 | +54 387 XXX XXXX | +54 9 387 XXX XXXX |
| Santa Fe | 342 | +54 342 XXX XXXX | +54 9 342 XXX XXXX |
| Bahía Blanca | 291 | +54 291 XXX XXXX | +54 9 291 XXX XXXX |
Note: Buenos Aires uses a 2-digit area code (11), while most other cities use 3-digit area codes.
Mobile vs. Landline: The Critical Difference
The most important thing to understand about calling Argentina is the difference between mobile and landline dialing:
- Landline: +54 + area code + number (no 9 needed).
- Mobile: +54 + 9 + area code + number (9 is required).
If you forget the 9 when calling a mobile, your call won't connect. If you add a 9 when calling a landline, it also won't work.
Dialing Examples
Here are practical examples for calling different types of Argentine numbers:
Example 1: Calling a Buenos Aires Landline from the US
- Argentine Number: 011-4567-8901 (Buenos Aires landline)
- From a US Mobile:
+54 11 4567 8901 - From a US Landline:
011 54 11 4567 8901
Example 2: Calling a Buenos Aires Mobile from the US
- Argentine Number: 011 15-1234-5678 (Buenos Aires mobile)
- From a US Mobile:
+54 9 11 1234 5678 - From a US Landline:
011 54 9 11 1234 5678
Example 3: Calling a Córdoba Mobile from the UK
- Argentine Number: 0351 15-234-5678 (Córdoba mobile)
- From the UK:
00 54 9 351 234 5678
Example 4: Calling a Mendoza Landline from Spain
- Argentine Number: 0261-456-7890 (Mendoza landline)
- From Spain:
00 54 261 456 7890
Best Times to Call Argentina
Argentina operates on Argentina Time (ART), which is UTC-3 year-round. Argentina does not observe daylight saving time.
Here's how Argentina's time relates to other major time zones:
| Your Location | Time Difference | Call Argentina 9 AM - 6 PM |
|---|---|---|
| US East Coast (EST) | Argentina is 2 hours ahead | 7 AM - 4 PM EST |
| US West Coast (PST) | Argentina is 5 hours ahead | 4 AM - 1 PM PST |
| UK (GMT) | Argentina is 3 hours behind | 12 PM - 9 PM GMT |
| Spain (CET) | Argentina is 4 hours behind | 1 PM - 10 PM CET |
| Australia (AEDT) | Argentina is 14 hours behind | 11 PM - 8 AM AEDT |
Tip: For US East Coast callers, the time overlap is excellent. Argentine business hours align well with US morning and early afternoon.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Argentina has one of the more complex dialing systems. Here are the most common mistakes:
- Forgetting the 9 for mobiles: This is the #1 mistake. Mobile numbers need +54 9, not just +54.
- Adding 9 to landlines: Landlines don't use the 9. Adding it will cause the call to fail.
- Keeping the 15: The domestic mobile prefix "15" is replaced by "9" internationally. Don't dial +54 11 15-xxxx.
- Keeping the leading 0: Drop the 0 from area codes. 011 becomes 11, 0351 becomes 351.
- Confusing with Brazil: Argentina is +54, Brazil is +55. One digit makes all the difference.
Cheapest Ways to Call +54 Numbers
International calls to Argentina don't have to be expensive. While traditional carriers can charge $1-$3 per minute, better options exist:
- VoIP Services: Services like CallSky.io offer competitive per-minute rates to Argentina, often under $0.10/minute. Check our international calling rates.
- Messaging Apps: WhatsApp is popular in Argentina. Telegram and Messenger are also widely used for calls over WiFi or data.
- International Calling Plans: Some carriers offer Argentina in their international calling bundles. Check our guide on prepaid international calling plans.
Given the large Argentine diaspora in the US, Spain, and other countries, affordable calling options are widely available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What country has the +54 country code?
The +54 country code is for Argentina. Any call from a number starting with +54 originates from Argentina.
How many digits is an Argentine phone number?
Argentine phone numbers have 10 digits after the +54 country code. For mobile numbers, this includes a 9 prefix followed by the area code and number.
What is the area code for Buenos Aires?
The area code for Buenos Aires is 11. For landlines, dial +54 11 followed by the 8-digit number. For mobiles, dial +54 9 11 followed by the 8-digit number.
How do I call an Argentine mobile from abroad?
To call an Argentine mobile internationally, dial +54, then 9, then the area code (without 0), then the 8-digit number. For example: +54 9 11 1234 5678 for a Buenos Aires mobile.
How do I call Argentina from the USA?
From a mobile, dial +54 followed by 9 (for mobile) or just the area code (for landline), then the number. From a landline, dial 011, then 54, then the number.
What time should I call Argentina from the US?
Argentina is 2 hours ahead of US Eastern Time and 5 hours ahead of Pacific Time. To reach someone during Argentine business hours (9 AM - 6 PM ART), call between 7 AM - 4 PM EST.
Is +54 Argentina or Brazil?
+54 is the country code for Argentina. The country code for Brazil is +55.
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