Ultimate WhatsApp Guide for Travelers in Central & South America:
Essential Skills for Navigating Latin America’s #1 Communication Tool

1. Download the WhatsApp app (Android & iPhone): WhatsApp is available for free on both Android and iPhone. Go to the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iPhone) and search for “WhatsApp Messenger” by WhatsApp LLC. Download and install the official app (ensure it’s the legitimate app by checking the developer and reviews).
2. Launch and agree to terms: Open WhatsApp. You’ll be prompted with welcome screens and Terms of Service. Tap “Agree” or “Continue” to accept the terms and proceed.
3. Verify your phone number: WhatsApp accounts are tied to phone numbers. Select your country from the list (this will auto-fill your country code) and enter your phone number. Make sure to enter the full number including area code, as if you were dialing it internationally (WhatsApp will add the country code for you once you pick the country). For example, if your US number is (408)123-4567, select “United States +1” and then type 4081234567 (no need to type +1 again). Double-check the number – if it’s wrong, you won’t get the code.
   • Tip: If you’re already abroad and using your home number, you must still enter your home country code, not the country you’re currently in. For example, a traveler from the UK in Costa Rica should still register with their UK number +44... (assuming they can receive the verification code). WhatsApp doesn’t require a local SIM – you can register with any number as long as you can receive the SMS or call for verification.
4. Enter the 6-digit verification code: WhatsApp will send a 6-digit verification code via SMS to the number you entered. Once you receive the text, type the code into WhatsApp. If you don’t get the SMS after a couple of minutes, use the “Resend SMS” option or choose “Call me” to get an automated phone call reading out the code. (On iPhone, you might even get the code auto-filled if your device detects the SMS.)
   • Troubleshooting verification: If you can’t receive the SMS code (for instance, if your phone isn’t active abroad), you have a few options. You can enable roaming on your SIM so that texts/calls come through (beware of possible fees). If you select the Call option, listen for a voicemail if you miss it – the code may be left as a message. As a last resort, if your home number just won’t receive the code overseas, you might purchase a local SIM and use that number to register (you’d then share that new number with people who need to reach you on WhatsApp). It’s best to set up WhatsApp before you travel, while you have full access to your phone’s SMS. Once verified, WhatsApp can be used on Wi-Fi without an active cell plan.
5. Set your profile name and photo: After verification, you’ll be prompted to enter a profile name (this will be visible to WhatsApp users who don’t have you in contacts) and you can add a profile picture. For travelers, adding a photo can help new friends or tour operators recognize you on WhatsApp. You can always change these later in Settings.
6. Allow permissions: WhatsApp may request access to your contacts (to find WhatsApp contacts), photos/media (to send photos or videos), and microphone/camera (for voice/video calls and voice notes). Grant these for full functionality – you can always adjust permissions in your phone settings if needed.
7. Ready to use (stay online): Once setup is done, you will see the main WhatsApp interface. Ensure you have an internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) whenever you use WhatsApp – all messages and calls go over the internet, not through regular cellular calls or SMS. If you only have Wi-Fi (common for travelers who don’t have local data), that’s fine – WhatsApp will work on Wi-Fi with no SIM at all after initial activation. If you have a local data SIM or an international plan, WhatsApp will also work on cellular data. Keep in mind that using WhatsApp on cellular data will consume data (though typically not a lot for text; voice/video calls and photo sharing use more).
8. (Optional) Dual SIM / changing number: If your phone has dual SIM or you got a local SIM in addition to your home SIM, you might wonder which number to use. You can only verify WhatsApp with one number per device (unless using WhatsApp Business or multi-device features). Most travelers keep their WhatsApp tied to their original number so all their contacts can reach them as usual, even if they put a local SIM for data. WhatsApp will continue using the old number as identification. It doesn’t automatically change if you swap SIM cards. If you do want to use the new local number for WhatsApp (for example, if you plan an extended stay and want to share a local contact), you can use the Change Number feature in WhatsApp settings to migrate your account to the new number. Otherwise, stick with your primary number – you’ll still be able to message anyone (just remember to give new acquaintances your correct WhatsApp number!).

Once your account is set up, you can start communicating. WhatsApp’s interface is slightly different on iPhone vs. Android, but the core features are the same:

• Chats Tab: This is your list of conversations. On Android, “Chats” is usually the default screen; on iPhone, tap the “Chats” icon at the bottom. Initially it’ll be empty if you have no messages yet.
• Status Tab: (Optional use) This is like a stories/feed feature where you and contacts can post photos or updates that disappear in 24 hours. Useful if you want to share travel updates with all your contacts at once, but not critical for basic use.
• Calls Tab: A log of WhatsApp voice or video calls you’ve made or received. You can also start new calls from here.

Sending a Message (Text or Voice)

To start a new chat: Tap the new chat icon (on Android, a green “message” icon usually at bottom right; on iPhone, a square with pencil icon at top right). Select a contact from your address book or use the search bar to find them by name. If the person isn’t in your contacts yet, you can save them first (see the next section on adding contacts) or directly enter their number in the search bar (on WhatsApp, you can start a chat by typing + directly).

• Type and send text: Tap the text field where it says “Type a message”. Use the keyboard to type your message. Tap the send button (paper airplane icon) to send. Messages you send will show a grey check mark (sent), then two grey check marks when delivered to the recipient’s phone, and finally turn blue when the recipient reads it (blue checks appear only if they have read receipts enabled – many people do)
• Send emojis, stickers, GIFs: Tap the smiley icon (usually in the text field area) to open the emoji keyboard. You can switch to sticker or GIF tabs at the bottom of that panel. This is a fun way to communicate beyond text, even if you don’t share a language with someone (a thumbs-up 👍 is universally understood!).
• Voice messages: You can send a voice recording easily – useful if you’re multitasking or want to convey tone. Press and hold the microphone icon (to the right of the text box) to record an audio message; release to send it. (On iPhone, you may slide up to lock recording so you can talk without holding the button). Voice messages are very popular in Latin America – don’t be surprised if locals send you 2-minute voice notes instead of texts. Feel free to do the same if it’s easier.

Listening to voice messages: Just tap the play button on the voice note. Put the phone to your ear to play through the earpiece (WhatsApp will detect this via the proximity sensor) or play on speaker if you prefer. Tip: If you see the voice note text turn blue, that means you have played it (blue mic icon indicates heard).

Sending Photos, Videos, and Other Media

WhatsApp lets you share photos, videos, and files, which can be incredibly handy for travelers (think sending a photo of your location, a PDF of your booking, etc.).

• Attach media: In a chat, tap the attachment icon (paperclip on Android, “+” plus icon on iPhone). Choose what to send:
  • Gallery/Photo Library: Select photos or videos from your device gallery. You can pick multiple at once.
  • Camera: Take a new photo or video on the spot.
  • Document: Send PDFs, tickets, or any other files.
  • Location: Share your live location or a pin of your current spot (useful if you want to show someone where you are on a map – great for meeting up).
  • Contact: Share a contact’s info via WhatsApp vCard.

After selecting media, you can optionally add a caption or description, then hit send. Media will appear in the chat once sent. Note that photos and videos will be compressed by WhatsApp by default to reduce data usage – good for quicker sending, but if you need to send a full-resolution image (e.g., a document photo), you can attach it as a Document instead of Gallery to avoid compression.

Controlling downloads: By default, WhatsApp may auto-download images when you’re on Wi-Fi (and possibly on cellular, depending on settings). If you have limited data, you can go to Settings > Storage and Data and set media auto-download to Wi-Fi only or turn it off, so you manually tap images to download when you choose. This can save you from surprise data usage on cellular.

Adding Contacts on WhatsApp (and Using Country Codes)

To chat with someone on WhatsApp, you need to have their phone number saved in the format WhatsApp expects. This typically means the full international phone number including country code, even if they’re in the same country as you. Travelers often get confused by this because, with regular phone calls, you might dial different prefixes or omit the country code for local numbers – WhatsApp is different.

Key rule: Always save contacts in your phone with “+ [Country Code] [Full Phone Number]”. The plus (+) is the international access symbol, and the country code identifies their country. The rest is the local number (area code + subscriber number). Do not include any international dialing prefixes like 011 (US exit code) or 00 – the “+” takes care of that. Also, omit leading 0s that some domestic formats use. For instance, a UK mobile might be given as 07123 456789 locally; internationally it’s +44 7123 456789 (you drop the 0 after +44).

• Example (Costa Rica): A local in Costa Rica might say their number is 8888-8888. If you save just “88888888” on your phone, WhatsApp may not recognize it because it doesn’t know what country that is. You need to save it as +506 88888888 (where 506 is Costa Rica’s country code). Now WhatsApp knows it’s a Costa Rican number. Similarly, if you meet a new friend from Argentina and their number is “011 15 2345-6789” (Buenos Aires), save it as +54 9 11 2345 6789 – breaking that down: +54 (Argentina), 9 (needed for Argentine mobiles – more on this below), 11 (area code), 2345-6789 (the rest of the number).
• Your own number: You don’t need to add your own number, but note that when giving your number to locals, always include your country code. If you’re from the USA with number 408-123-4567, tell people it’s +1 408 123 4567 for WhatsApp purposes. They might store it without the +1 if they assume an American number, but it’s safer they have the full format, especially if they or you leave the country.

Does it depend on where I am? No – the number format depends on the country of the phone number you are calling or messaging, not where you currently are. You could be in the same country as the person and you still should include the country code in WhatsApp. For example, if you (a U.S. traveler) and a friend both buy local SIMs in Guatemala: if you want to WhatsApp your friend, you should save their Guatemalan number as +502 XXX XXXX, not just the local 8-digit number, even though you both are in Guatemala at the moment. The full format is always safest^[2]. Unlike landline phones where being in the same area might let you skip an area code, WhatsApp always uses the full international number internally.

How to add a contact: The easiest way is to add them to your phone’s address book. Create a new contact, choose the correct country code from the list (or type +[code]), and enter the rest of the number. Save the contact. Then open WhatsApp – it will automatically detect new contacts who are on WhatsApp. Simply start a new chat and search for their name. If they have WhatsApp, they’ll show up. (If not, you can use the Invite option to send them an invitation link, but in Latin America chances are they already have WhatsApp.)

• Alternate method: If someone gives you a contact card or QR code for WhatsApp, you can use that. For example, WhatsApp has a QR scanning feature (in Settings > tap the QR code icon) – scanning someone’s WhatsApp QR will add them instantly. Some businesses display a WhatsApp QR code for easy adding.

Common mistake: Not including the country code or using the wrong format is the #1 reason a new contact “doesn’t appear” on WhatsApp. Always save the number exactly as you would dial it internationally. If you don’t, WhatsApp may not find that user. If you’re unsure of a country code or format, check the quick reference list below or do a quick web search “country code X phone format”. Also, remember that WhatsApp only works for mobile numbers (and some landlines registered via WhatsApp Business). If you add someone’s landline, they likely won’t appear unless they set it up on WhatsApp Business. Most personal contacts will be mobile numbers.

Special cases (Mexico & Argentina): WhatsApp has some country-specific formatting rules:

• Mexico (+52): When adding a Mexican mobile number, you must include a “1” after +52 and before the 10-digit number. Example: a Mexican mobile 55-1234-5678 should be saved as +52 1 55 1234 5678. (This used to be how Mexico mobiles were dialed internationally. Even though Mexico’s dialing rules changed in 2020 to no longer require the “1” for international calls, WhatsApp still expects the +521 for mobiles.) If you fail to add the “1”, you might not be able to message the Mexican mobile user.
• Argentina (+54): For Argentine cell phones, you need to add a “9” after +54 and drop the leading 0 of the area code. The final WhatsApp format will have 13 digits total. For example, an Argentine number might be written locally as 011-15-2345-6789. The WhatsApp format becomes +54 9 11 2345 6789: +54 (country), 9 (required for mobiles), 11 (area code, without the 0), and the 7-digit number. If you see an Argentine number starting with 15 (that indicates a mobile when dialed domestically), remember to use +54 9 and then the rest without that 15 (which essentially you’re replacing with 9 in the front).^[3]

Double-checking a number: If you add a contact and they don’t show up in WhatsApp, or messages won’t go through:

• Verify the number with them – maybe they gave you a local format and you misinterpreted it. Cross-check with our country code list below.
• Make sure they have WhatsApp. If not, you can tap Invite to send them a link to install it.
• Ensure you have a good internet connection. If you see only one check mark on your messages to them, they might have poor connectivity or their phone is off.
• If the number is correct and they have WhatsApp but you still can’t message, it’s possible they have privacy settings (like they only allow contacts to message them) or in rare cases they blocked unknown numbers. Usually, though, it’s a formatting issue – fix the saved number format and try again.

Below is a handy list of country codes and typical phone number lengths for countries in Central America and South America. Use this to ensure you have the right digits when dialing or saving a WhatsApp contact. The number of digits listed is the length of the national phone number (excluding the country code). If a range is given, formats can vary (often landline vs mobile). Always include the country code when saving for WhatsApp.

Central America:

• Belize (Country Code +501): 7 digits. No area codes (all Belize numbers are 7 digits). Example: +501 622 1234.
• Guatemala (+502): 8 digits, fixed length (no separate area codes). Example: +502 51234567.
• El Salvador (+503): 8 digits (no area codes). Older conventions had 7-digit numbers, but now they are mostly 8 digits. Example: +503 7123 4567
• Honduras (+504): 8 digits. Landlines and cell phones are 8 digits since a 2007 update (earlier landlines were 7, but a ‘2’ was added in front). Example: +504 9876 5432.
• Nicaragua (+505): 8 digits, closed plan (no separate area codes; first digit denotes type: 2 for landline, 5/8 for mobile). Example: +505 8123 4567.
• Costa Rica (+506): 8 digits. No area codes; all phone numbers are 8 digits in Costa Rica. Typically begin with 2 (landlines) or 8/7/6 (mobiles). Example: +506 8888 8888.
• Panama (+507): 7 or 8 digits. Landlines are 7 digits; mobile numbers are 8 digits (mobile numbers usually start with 6). Example: landline: +507 212 3456; mobile: +507 6123 4567.

South America:

• Argentina (+54): Phone numbers vary in length. Buenos Aires for example: (11) 7-digit number, other regions have different area code lengths. In general, including area code, it’s often total 10 digits for landlines. Mobile numbers: format as +54 9 ... (13 digits as explained above for WhatsApp). Example: +54 9 11 2345 6789 (mobile in Buenos Aires), or +54 11 2345 6789 (landline in Buenos Aires).
• Bolivia (+591): 7-digit subscriber numbers with 1-digit area code (in big cities) or 2-digit area code with 6-digit number. Mobile numbers are typically 8 digits (e.g., start with 6 or 7). So total length can be 8. Example: +591 71234567 (mobile), +591 2 2123456 (La Paz landline).
• Brazil (+55): 10 or 11 digits. Landlines: 2-digit area code + 8-digit number (total 10). Mobiles: 2-digit area code + 9-digit number (total 11, the mobile number includes an extra initial 9 in front in most areas). Example: +55 21 2345 6789 (landline Rio de Janeiro), +55 21 92345 6789 (mobile Rio). Brazil’s country code +55 is often followed by a two-digit city code (Rio 21, São Paulo 11, etc.).
• Chile (+56): 9 digits. Chile reformed its numbering, and now all numbers (landline and mobile) are 9 digits nationwide. Mobile numbers usually start with 9. Example: +56 9 8765 4321 (mobile), +56 2 2345 6789 (Santiago landline – note: Santiago’s “2” is now part of a 8-digit number making 9 total).
• Colombia (+57): 10 digits. Since September 2021, Colombia has a standardized 10-digit number for both mobile and landline (landlines now include an area code as part of the 10). Mobile numbers already were 10 digits (e.g., 321 234 5678). Example: +57 312 345 6789.
• Ecuador (+593): 9 digits for mobile, 8 digits for landlines. Landline example: +593 2 212 3456 (Quito has area 2 + 7 digits). Mobile example: +593 99 123 4567 (mobile numbers in Ecuador start with 9 and are 9 digits total). Remember to drop any leading 0 (Ecuador sometimes shows numbers with a 0 prefix for domestic dialing).
• Guyana (+592): 7 digits. No area codes; numbers are seven digits nationwide. Example: +592 222 3456.
• Paraguay (+595): 9 digits (including area code). Paraguay has various area codes (1 to 3 digits) but overall length including them is up to 9 digits. Mobile numbers are 9 digits starting with 9. Example: +595 981 234 567.
• Peru (+51): 9 digits for mobile (always starting with 9), and typically 8 digits for landlines (including area code). Lima’s landline: +51 1 234 5678 (1 + 7 digits). Other cities: e.g. Arequipa +51 54 234567 (2-digit area + 6 digits). Example: +51 912345678 (mobile), +51 1 2345678 (Lima landline).
• Suriname (+597): 6 or 7 digits. Landlines are 6 digits, mobile numbers 7 digits. Example: +597 211234 (landline), +597 8512345 (mobile).
• Uruguay (+598): 8 digits. Uruguay eliminated area codes; now all numbers are 8 digits since 2010. Montevideo numbers start with 2, interior with other digits. Example: +598 2123 4567.
• Venezuela (+58): 10 digits. Venezuela uses 3-digit area codes (e.g., Caracas 212, mobile operators 412/416/etc.) + 7-digit number. Example: +58 212 234 5678 (Caracas landline), +58 414 123 4567 (mobile).

(All the above numbers should be saved in your phone contacts with the + and country code. This ensures WhatsApp recognizes them correctly. For reference, if you save numbers in international format, they will work no matter where you are dialing from^[2]. Travelers should make it a habit to store contacts this way to avoid issues.)

Following these best practices will improve your experience and help you avoid common pitfalls:

✅ Dos:

• Do use WhatsApp for most communications with locals: In Central and South America, people expect to use WhatsApp. Businesses (hotels, tour operators, drivers) often list WhatsApp numbers and respond faster there than via email or phone. Embrace it – send that message or voice note rather than SMS. It’s usually free over Wi-Fi and very cheap over data, whereas international SMS/calls could incur charges.
• Do save contacts with the full international format: As emphasized, always include the + and country code when saving numbers. This way, WhatsApp will recognize the contact and you can seamlessly message them whether you’re on local soil or back home.
• Do connect to Wi-Fi when available: Save your mobile data by using Wi-Fi for WhatsApp, especially for large media or video calls. Many hotels, cafés, and airports have Wi-Fi you can use for WhatsApp. In countries like Costa Rica, Wi-Fi is common and even many small businesses offer it, which you can leverage for free calling/messaging.
• Do consider a local data SIM/eSIM: If you need to be reachable on the go (for coordinating pickups or if you’re road-tripping), get a local prepaid SIM with data. They are often inexpensive and some plans even provide unlimited WhatsApp usage without deducting from your data balance (check local carriers – many Latin American providers zero-rate WhatsApp). This means you could chat and call on WhatsApp even without worrying about data consumption.
• Do use WhatsApp features to enhance safety and convenience: For example, Share Live Location (tap Attach > Location > Share live location) when meeting someone or if you’re in a taxi – a friend can track where you are for a set duration. Or use WhatsApp voice notes to quickly communicate if typing is inconvenient (like when hiking or driving, but send once stopped for safety).
• Do verify contact identity if needed: If you get an unknown WhatsApp message (say a driver or host contacting you), feel free to ask for a voice note or call if you want to verify it’s really them. Scams are not rampant, but it’s good practice to confirm if something feels off.
• Do mind the time zone differences: When messaging family or friends back home via WhatsApp, remember the time difference – you might be enthusiastically sharing sunrise beach pics while it’s 3 AM for them. A polite practice is to avoid non-urgent messages at odd hours. (If you’re on the receiving end, you can mute chats as needed.)
• Do back up important info: WhatsApp allows chat backups to iCloud (iPhone) or Google Drive (Android). Enable backups (in Settings > Chats > Chat Backup) especially if you’re traveling for long. This way, if you lose your phone or it crashes, you won’t lose important addresses or info shared with you. At minimum, star key messages (tap and hold a message, then ⭐ Star it) like your Airbnb host’s address or gate code – you can easily find starred messages later via the chat info.
• Do keep WhatsApp updated: Update the app periodically when on Wi-Fi. Updates bring security patches and new features. An updated WhatsApp is less likely to crash or have compatibility issues. This is especially true if the country you’re in has an official app store presence – you might need a VPN for updates if not, but generally WhatsApp can update anywhere.
• Do use WhatsApp Web/Desktop for convenience: If you have a laptop with you and need to do a lot of typing (perhaps working remotely or handling travel paperwork), use WhatsApp Web or the Desktop app. On your computer, go to web.whatsapp.com and follow the QR code scan instructions from your phone (WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices). This lets you type with a full keyboard and easily download/upload files from your computer. It’s a time-saver for long conversations or if you want to save photos to your computer. (Remember your phone must stay connected to the internet for Web to work, unless you have the multi-device beta enabled which works independently.)

🚫 Don’ts:

• Don’t omit the country code or leading + when saving numbers: This bears repeating because it’s a frequent mistake. If you save a number without the country code, WhatsApp might treat it as a domestic number of whatever country your phone is set to, which is wrong in many cases. Always save “+ countrycode”. For example, don’t save a Peru number as “987654321” alone – save it as +51 987654321.
• Don’t rely on regular SMS or phone calls for locals: In many parts of Latin America, SMS is not commonly used – people may not even check their texts. WhatsApp is the go-to. So that taxi driver you texted via SMS might never see it, but a WhatsApp message gets through. Similarly, don’t be surprised if locals ask for your “WhatsApp” instead of your number – they mean your number with WhatsApp. Stick to WhatsApp unless you have no other option.
• Don’t use WhatsApp for emergency calls: If you have a real emergency (medical, police, etc.), dial the local emergency number on your phone. WhatsApp cannot call emergency services. It routes calls through data only, and emergency numbers are not WhatsApp accounts. For example, 911 in the U.S. or 112 in Europe cannot be reached via WhatsApp – you’d need cellular voice service (or a local SIM) to call the local equivalent (in many Central American countries the emergency number is 911 or 112 as well, but check locally). Use WhatsApp to inform friends or family in emergencies, but for authorities, use a real call if possible.
• Don’t fall for scams or suspicious messages: While traveling, you might receive the occasional unsolicited WhatsApp message (perhaps from a vendor you gave your number to, or unfortunately sometimes spam). Be cautious about messages from unknown numbers that ask for personal information, money, or verification codes. Never share your WhatsApp verification code with anyone – no legitimate person should ever ask for that. And don’t click strange links. WhatsApp is end-to-end encrypted and generally secure, but scammers can still text you like any other SMS. Treat strange WhatsApp messages with the same skepticism you would an email phishing attempt.
• Don’t overshare personal details with casual contacts: It’s common to exchange WhatsApp with new acquaintances (tour guides, fellow travelers, drivers). It’s a convenient way to keep in touch. Just remember, they’ll usually see your profile picture and status. Set your privacy settings (Settings > Account > Privacy) if you want to limit this (for example, you can set profile photo to “My Contacts” only). Also, avoid sending sensitive documents over WhatsApp unless necessary, or at least delete them from the chat after (e.g., a passport scan). Generally it’s fine – just use the same judgment as you would anywhere on what you share.
• Don’t assume WhatsApp calls are flawless on cellular data: If you’re on a spotty 3G connection in the mountains, a WhatsApp call might drop. In critical situations (like calling a driver for a 5am airport pickup), if WhatsApp calling fails, try a normal call if you have voice service or send a quick WhatsApp text to convey the key info (“I’m here” or “Call me at hotel”). Basically, internet calls depend on data quality – great on good Wi-Fi, less so on a weak signal. Plan accordingly.
• Don’t ignore data usage if on a limited plan: WhatsApp is efficient, but if you send a lot of photos/videos or do long video calls on mobile data, it can add up. Check your Media Auto-Download settings. Also consider turning on the Data Saver (Low Data Usage) option for calls in Settings > Storage and Data, which reduces data used in calls (at some cost to quality). If your plan is very limited, stick to voice calls (not video) and send compressed photos (WhatsApp default) rather than large files.
• Don’t panic if WhatsApp seems not to work temporarily: Services like WhatsApp very occasionally have outages (like the big Facebook network outage in October 2021 that people in Costa Rica felt acutely^[1]). If messages aren’t sending (stuck with a clock icon) for a long time and your internet is fine, the service might be down. You can check by visiting a site like downdetector. Just be patient; it’s usually resolved in a couple of hours at most. In such cases, you might need to use alternative methods (email, a regular call, or even another app like Telegram) to reach someone urgently.