Argentina Phone Numbers: Complete Guide to Format, Validation & Country Code +54 - Phone Number Guides - Argentina, Phone Numbers, Country Code +54, E.164, ENACOM, Buenos Aires, Validation, Telecommunications

Argentina Phone Numbers: Complete Guide to Format, Validation & Country Code +54

Meta Description: Format and validate Argentina phone numbers with country code +54. Get regex patterns, Buenos Aires area code 11, mobile number validation, and ENACOM compliance requirements for developers.

Master Argentina phone number formatting, validation, and storage using country code +54 and the 10-digit numbering system. This developer guide covers Argentine phone number formats, validation regex patterns, Buenos Aires area code 11, mobile number handling, and ENACOM regulatory compliance for telecommunications applications.

Quick Reference

  • Country: Argentina
  • Country Code: +54
  • International Prefix: 00
  • National Prefix (Trunk Code): 0
  • Regulatory Authority: ENACOM (Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones)
  • Governing Law: Argentina Digital Law No. 27,078

Argentina's Phone Number Format

Argentina's telephone numbering system combines country code +54 with area codes and subscriber numbers totaling 10 digits. Master this structure when developing telecom solutions or working with Argentine phone data.

ENACOM (Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones) – the national communications and media regulator created in 2016 – governs Argentina's phone numbering system. Follow their standards to ensure compliance and accurate data handling.

Argentina's Phone Numbering System Evolution

Argentina's numbering plan underwent significant changes since the 1990s, moving from fragmented regional systems to a unified national structure. The country completed its transition to 10-digit national numbers on January 31, 1999, as documented in the ITU-T E.164 numbering plan communication.

Mobile number portability launched in March 2012, marking a key milestone. Iconectiv's subsidiary Administradora de la Portabilidad Argentina S.A. (APA) administers the system. Fixed-line number portability launched on September 20, 2022, making Argentina one of only six countries worldwide to support both fixed and wireless number portability. This dual portability system lets users switch providers while keeping their numbers, fostering competition and lower rates.

Current Portability Statistics: As of October 2024, communications service providers (CSPs) port approximately 9,000 telephone numbers daily. Since the 2012 launch, they've successfully ported over 19 million mobile numbers. In October 2024, the Number Portability Committee expanded access to portability data beyond CSPs – now any company operating in Argentina can access this information for fraud mitigation, risk assessment, and money laundering detection.

Argentina Phone Number Formats Explained

Argentina Phone Number Structure

Argentina follows the E.164 international phone number format with a hierarchical system:

  • Country Code: +54 (Argentina's unique international identifier)
  • Area Code: 2–4 digits indicating the geographic region (length varies based on population density)
  • Subscriber Number: 6–8 digits (inversely related to area code length – together they always total 10 digits)

Key Principle: The combined length of the area code and subscriber number always equals 10 digits. Remember this when validating Argentina phone numbers.

Phone Number Format by Type

TypeFormat ExampleDescription
Landline+54 11 1234 5678Geographic numbers assigned based on regional location. Buenos Aires uses area code 11.
Mobile+54 9 11 1234 5678Mobile numbers, distinguished by the mandatory "9" prefix inserted before the area code.
Toll-Free+54 800 123 4567Service numbers accessible nationwide without charge to the caller. Format: 800 + 7 digits.
Premium Rate+54 600 123 4567Value-added services (audiotext) with special billing rates. Format: 600 + 7 digits.

Argentina Area Code Assignment

ENACOM assigns area codes based on population density, as defined in the ITU Basic National Numbering Plan:

  • 2 digits: Major metropolitan areas (e.g., Buenos Aires: 11, Córdoba: 35)
  • 3 digits: Medium-sized cities
  • 4 digits: Rural areas and smaller populations

Account for this distribution when designing your validation logic.

How to Validate Argentina Phone Numbers

Argentina Phone Number Validation Regex Patterns

Use these JavaScript regular expressions to validate Argentina phone numbers and maintain data integrity:

javascript
// Comprehensive validation patterns for Argentine phone numbers
const validationPatterns = {
  landline: /^\+54\s?([1-9]\d{1,3})\s?\d{6,8}$/,
  mobile: /^\+54\s?9\s?([1-9]\d{1,3})\s?\d{6,8}$/,
  tollFree: /^\+54\s?800\s?\d{7}$/,
  premiumRate: /^\+54\s?600\s?\d{7}$/
};

// Example usage:
function validateArgentineNumber(number, type) {
  return validationPatterns[type].test(number);
}

// Test cases:
console.log(validateArgentineNumber('+54 11 12345678', 'landline')); // true – Buenos Aires landline
console.log(validateArgentineNumber('+54 9 11 12345678', 'mobile')); // true – Buenos Aires mobile
console.log(validateArgentineNumber('+54 800 1234567', 'tollFree')); // true
console.log(validateArgentineNumber('+54 600 1234567', 'premiumRate')); // true
console.log(validateArgentineNumber('+54 11 1234567', 'landline')); // false – incorrect length

These patterns cover the main number types and enforce the 10-digit rule for geographic numbers and 7-digit rule for special services. Test your validation logic thoroughly with both valid and invalid inputs.

Common Argentina Phone Number Validation Errors

Handle these common edge cases when validating Argentina phone numbers:

  • Missing or incorrect mobile prefix "9": Check for the presence and correct placement of the "9" prefix for mobile numbers
  • Inconsistent area code lengths: Verify the area code length matches the subscriber number length, maintaining the 10-digit total
  • Invalid total length combinations: Reject numbers with lengths other than 10 digits (excluding the country code and formatting characters)
  • Special character handling: Strip spaces, hyphens, and parentheses before validation
  • Ported number carrier identification: Since October 2024, portability data is accessible for real-time verification. Cache results with appropriate TTL (recommended: 24–48 hours) and implement fallback logic for lookup failures

Developer Implementation Guide

Best Practices for Argentina Phone Number Storage and Display

  1. Storage Format: Store phone numbers in E.164 format (+541112345678). This international standard ensures consistency and simplifies processing across global telecommunications systems.

  2. Display Format: Format numbers for local display based on user expectations:

    javascript
    // Format for local display
function formatLocalDisplay(number) {
  return number.replace(/(\+54)(9?)(\d{2,4})(\d{6,8})/, '$1 $2 $3 $4');
}

console.log(formatLocalDisplay('+5491112345678')); // +54 9 11 12345678

  3. Portability Handling: Implement real-time carrier lookups since Argentina supports both mobile and fixed number portability. As of October 2024, any company operating in Argentina can access portability data through the expanded agreement with the Number Portability Committee. Cache results with a Time-To-Live (TTL) of 24–48 hours to balance accuracy and performance. Handle failed lookups gracefully.

ENACOM Compliance Requirements

ENACOM, established under Argentina Digital Law No. 27,078, mandates these requirements:

  • Real-time validation for premium services: Validate premium-rate numbers (600) in real-time to prevent unauthorized charges and fraud
  • Enhanced user consent mechanisms: Obtain explicit user consent before charging for premium services
  • Strict adherence to number formatting standards: Use correct formats for storage and display per ITU-T E.164
  • Regular auditing of number usage: Maintain records of number usage for compliance audits

Recent Regulatory Updates:

  • Resolution 1268/2024 (effective March 24, 2025): Approved Technical Standard ENACOM-Q2-60.21 V24.1 for VHF and UHF transmitter, receiver, and transceiver equipment, updating certification and compliance schemes for fixed and land mobile services
  • Resolution 748/2024: Added new channel arrangements for the 7110–7900 MHz frequency bands for Digital Multichannel Systems (MXD)
  • Resolution 359/2025: Approved the National Critical Communications Infrastructure Plan to accelerate infrastructure growth and expand connectivity, prioritizing underserved areas
  • Resolution 1188/2024 (effective December 3, 2024): Allocated the 71–76 GHz (Space-to-Earth) and 81–86 GHz (Earth-to-Space) frequency bands for Fixed Satellite Service
  • Resolution 2097/2023 (effective December 7, 2023): Approved Technical Standard ENACOM-Q2-61.03 V23.1, authorizing 5G NR device approvals for the n78 band (3300–3700 MHz). Foreign test reports from FCC, RED, and ANATEL are now acceptable for device approval
  • Resolution 13/2024: Eliminated price caps on telecommunications services, deregulating rates for Internet, mobile phone, and cable TV services

Consult the official ENACOM website for the latest resolutions and technical standards.

Implementation Checklist

  • Validate all numbers against current ENACOM patterns
  • Implement proper error handling for invalid formats
  • Maintain updated carrier identification tables for portability (refresh every 24–48 hours)
  • Access portability data through authorized channels (available to all companies as of October 2024)
  • Document all number handling procedures
  • Implement real-time validation for premium-rate (600) numbers
  • Ensure user consent mechanisms comply with ENACOM requirements

This checklist ensures your implementation meets regulatory and best-practice standards.

Technical Restrictions and Special Cases

Service Protection Framework

Implement a service protection framework, especially for premium services:

typescript
interface ServiceProtection {
  premiumBlocking: boolean;
  userAuthorization: boolean;
  priceDisclosure: boolean;  // Required by ENACOM for 600 numbers
  serviceIdentifier: string;
  portabilityVerified: boolean;  // Check against current carrier data
  lastPortabilityCheck: Date;  // Track freshness of carrier data
}

This framework helps you enforce ENACOM's requirements for user consent and price transparency, particularly for premium-rate 600 services, and ensures accurate routing through portability verification.

Special Number Categories

  • Emergency Services: Use the 1XY format (e.g., 100 for fire, 101 for police, 107 for medical emergency) as defined in the ITU numbering plan
  • Golden Numbers: Highly memorable sequences (e.g., repeating patterns, sequential digits) often command premium pricing and require special allocation procedures and enhanced verification
  • Premium Services (600): Clearly identify and handle premium value-added services, ensuring compliance with ENACOM's regulations on pricing disclosure and user consent

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Argentina's country code for phone numbers?

Argentina's country code is +54. Prefix all international calls to Argentina with +54 followed by the area code and subscriber number.

What is the area code for Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Buenos Aires uses area code 11. Format a complete Buenos Aires landline number as +54 11 1234 5678, and a Buenos Aires mobile number as +54 9 11 1234 5678.

How do I dial an Argentina mobile phone number?

To dial an Argentina mobile number, insert the "9" prefix after the country code +54 and before the area code. The format is +54 9 [area code] [subscriber number]. Example: +54 9 11 1234 5678 for a Buenos Aires mobile number.

How many digits are in an Argentina phone number?

Argentina phone numbers contain 10 digits (excluding the country code +54). The area code is 2–4 digits, and the subscriber number is 6–8 digits. Together, they always total 10 digits.

Can I port my phone number in Argentina?

Yes, Argentina supports both mobile number portability (since March 2012) and fixed-line number portability (since September 2022). Communications service providers (CSPs) port approximately 9,000 numbers daily as of October 2024, with over 19 million mobile numbers ported since launch.

What is the best format to store Argentina phone numbers?

Store Argentina phone numbers in E.164 format: +541112345678 (no spaces or special characters). This international standard ensures consistency across systems and simplifies validation. Learn more about E.164 phone number formatting.

How do I validate Argentina phone numbers with regex?

Use regex patterns that account for country code +54, optional mobile prefix "9", area codes (2-4 digits), and subscriber numbers (6-8 digits) totaling 10 digits. See the validation regex patterns section above for complete JavaScript examples.

Future Considerations

Stay informed about these ongoing developments in Argentina's telecommunications landscape:

  • Ongoing enhancements to mobile and fixed number portability systems
  • New number ranges for IoT devices and private wireless broadband networks (LTE, 5G NR) as recognized by ENACOM under Argentina Digital Law No. 27,078
  • Continued 5G services expansion following the 2023 authorization of 5G NR devices in the n78 band (3300–3700 MHz)
  • Spectrum allocation changes, including the 71–76 GHz and 81–86 GHz bands for satellite services (effective December 2024)
  • Updated validation requirements for digital services
  • Infrastructure expansion under the National Critical Communications Infrastructure Plan (approved 2025), focusing on underserved regions
  • Regulatory changes from ENACOM, including potential updates to Argentina Digital Law No. 27,078

Consult the official ENACOM website for the latest regulations and updates. Stay proactive to maintain compliance.

Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Argentine phone numbers, from their structure and history to best practices for implementation and regulatory considerations. Key takeaways:

  • Argentina uses country code +54 with a 10-digit numbering system
  • Buenos Aires area code is 11 (2 digits); other areas use 3–4 digit codes
  • Mobile numbers require a "9" prefix after the country code
  • Store numbers in E.164 format for consistency
  • Implement validation using regex patterns that enforce the 10-digit rule
  • Handle number portability with 24–48 hour cache refresh cycles
  • Comply with ENACOM requirements for premium services and user consent

Follow these guidelines to ensure your applications handle Argentine phone numbers accurately and efficiently while maintaining regulatory compliance with Argentina's telecommunications standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

The country code for Argentina is +54. This code is required when dialing an Argentinan number from another country. It precedes the area code and subscriber number.

Argentinan phone numbers follow the E.164 international standard, using +54 as the country code followed by a 2-4 digit area code and a 6-8 digit subscriber number. The total length, excluding the country code, is always 10 digits.

Argentinan mobile numbers have a '9' inserted before the area code. When validating, ensure the '9' is present and the combined area code and subscriber number total 10 digits after the +54 country code.

Area code lengths in Argentina (2-4 digits) vary based on population density. Major cities have shorter, 2-digit codes like Buenos Aires (11), while rural areas use longer 4-digit codes.

Due to number portability for both landlines and mobiles in Argentina, always perform real-time carrier lookups to ensure accurate routing. Services like iconectiv facilitate this and improve deliverability.

The trunk code or national prefix used when dialing within Argentina is '0'. It precedes the area code when making domestic calls.

Toll-free numbers in Argentina start with 800 after the +54 country code, followed by 7-8 digits. Ensure your validation patterns recognize this format and treat them as distinct from other Argentinan numbers.

ENACOM mandates real-time validation for premium-rate numbers to prevent fraud. You must obtain explicit user consent and clearly disclose pricing before charging for these services.

While numbers can be displayed with formatting for readability, always store Argentinan phone numbers in the E.164 format (+54 followed by 10 digits without any spaces or symbols) for consistency and portability.

To call an Argentinan landline, dial the international prefix (00), followed by Argentina's country code (+54), the area code (2-4 digits), and finally the subscriber number (6-8 digits).

Iconectiv has facilitated mobile and fixed number portability in Argentina, allowing users to keep their numbers when switching providers. This enhances competition and can lower costs for consumers.

Introduced in September 2022, fixed-line number portability has modernized the Argentinan telecom landscape, promoting competition and flexibility for consumers, similar to mobile number portability implemented in 2012.

The combined length of the area code and subscriber number in Argentina must always total 10 digits. This is crucial for accurate validation and processing of Argentinian phone numbers.

ENACOM's requirements can be enforced by implementing a service protection framework including premium blocking mechanisms, ensuring explicit user authorizations for premium services, and transparent price disclosure.