Correos de Chile tracking

What is Correos de Chile?

Correos de Chile, officially Empresa de Correos de Chile, is the national postal operator of Chile. This autonomous public company has been fulfilling the essential mission of connecting Chileans with each other and with the rest of the world for more than two and a half centuries. Heir to a long postal tradition dating back to the Spanish colonial period, Correos de Chile is today a fundamental pillar of communications and logistics in Chile, serving the entire national territory, from the deserts of the north to the southern lands of Patagonia, passing through Easter Island and even Antarctica.

Chilean postal history officially begins in 1747, when a rudimentary mail service is established to connect Santiago to neighboring cities under Spanish colonial administration. After Chile's independence in 1818, the country gradually organizes its modern postal system. In 1852, a law introduces the use of postage stamps, and by 1853, the first issue of Chilean stamps sees the light of day. Throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the postal service develops by integrating telegraphs and telephones within a unified public administration called Servicio de Correos y Telégrafos.

The current form of Correos de Chile is born on December 24, 1981, when the former state service jointly managing mail and telegraph is dissolved and divided. The postal portion is then refounded as an autonomous public company under the name Correos de Chile, placed under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications. This legal structure gives it both the flexibility of a commercial enterprise and the obligations inherent to universal postal service.

• Date of creation: 1747 for the postal origins, 1981 for the creation of the current company under its modern legal form
• Legal status: Autonomous public company fully owned by the Chilean State
• Headquarters: Santiago, Chile, with the famous Correo Central building located at Plaza de Armas
• Supervision: Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications of Chile
• Mission: Ensure universal postal service throughout the entire Chilean territory

Correos de Chile employs several thousand employees throughout the country, including sorting agents, post office staff, mail carriers and delivery personnel. The company has adapted to technological developments by developing digital services, computerized shipment tracking and solutions tailored to e-commerce. As a member of the Universal Postal Union since its creation, Correos de Chile actively participates in the global postal network and joined the EMS Cooperative in 1999 to offer quality international express services.

What countries does Correos de Chile deliver to?

Correos de Chile has exceptionally extensive geographic coverage, both nationally and internationally. As the designated postal operator of Chile to the Universal Postal Union, the company can route mail and parcels to nearly all countries in the world through international postal agreements that govern the exchange of correspondence between national postal administrations.

On the national territory, Correos de Chile serves all Chilean municipalities, including the most isolated and difficult to access areas. Chile has a particular geography with a band of territory more than 4,000 kilometers long, extending from the Atacama desert in the north to Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego in the south. This unique geographic configuration imposes considerable logistical challenges that Correos de Chile has successfully met over the decades.

Correos de Chile's national coverage includes the following destinations that demonstrate the carrier's commitment to serving even the most remote areas of the country:

• Continental Chile: All regions of the country are covered, from major metropolises like Santiago, Valparaíso and Concepción to small rural towns in the Andes or Pacific coast
• Easter Island (Rapa Nui): This Polynesian island located 3,700 km off the Chilean coast benefits from regular postal service delivered by air
• Juan Fernández Archipelago: The islands where Alexander Selkirk lived, the inspiration for Robinson Crusoe, also receive their mail via Correos de Chile
• Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego: Southern regions including Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales and isolated villages along the Carretera Austral
• Chilean Antarctic Territory: Correos de Chile even manages the world's southernmost post office at the Eduardo Frei base on King George Island

Internationally, Correos de Chile ensures deliveries to more than 190 countries and territories through its integration with the Universal Postal Union network. This worldwide coverage allows Chileans to send and receive parcels from virtually anywhere on the globe. However, certain services such as International EMS have more limited coverage, restricted to approximately 35 partner countries with specific express agreements.

For incoming international shipments, Correos de Chile plays a crucial role as the final logistics link. Parcels ordered on global e-commerce platforms such as AliExpress, Amazon or eBay are generally handed over to Correos de Chile once they arrive on Chilean soil, with the company handling customs formalities and final distribution to the recipient's home.

What are Correos de Chile's services and delivery times?

Correos de Chile offers a complete range of postal and logistics services tailored to the different needs of individuals and businesses. This diversified offering covers everything from sending simple letters to dispatching large parcels, with options varying based on urgency, destination and desired level of tracking. The carrier has successfully evolved its services over time to meet the growing requirements of e-commerce and modern consumer expectations.

For domestic shipments within Chile, Correos de Chile provides several parcel services allowing customers to choose the best balance between speed and cost:

• Paquete Express: Fast parcel delivery service throughout the national territory with real-time tracking. Delivery times are generally 1 to 3 business days depending on the distance between origin and destination
• Paquete Express Zonas Extremas: Service dedicated to shipments to extreme areas of Chile such as the far north (Arica), far south (Punta Arenas) and island territories. This service offers additional delivery times to provide a more advantageous tariff option
• Paquete Prioritario: Priority option for urgent shipments requiring accelerated handling
• Correspondencia: Standard mail service for letters, postcards and documents
• Carta Certificada: Registered letter with proof of delivery for shipments requiring proof of distribution

For international shipments, Correos de Chile offers several levels of service allowing customers to adapt the service to deadline and budget constraints:

• EMS Internacional (Express Mail Service): International express service for documents and parcels up to 30 kg, distributed via the network of postal operators of the UPU. Delivery times of 5 to 10 business days outside customs clearance time, with coverage of 35 partner countries. This service benefits from priority handling at each stage
• Courier Internacional: International express service operated in partnership with FedEx for fast delivery in 2 to 6 business days to 192 countries. Maximum weight of 30 kg per parcel with point-to-point tracking
• Pequeño Paquete Internacional (PPI): Standard service for small parcels up to 2 kg, ideal for light shipments. Delivery times of 5 to 20 days depending on destination, coverage of 192 countries
• Encomienda Internacional: Economical service for parcels up to 30 kg to 192 countries. Longer delivery times of 20 to 30 business days, suited to non-urgent shipments where cost takes priority over speed

Correos de Chile also provides Saturday delivery services for certain urban areas, allowing better flexibility for recipients. The EMS Internacional service delivers five days a week and reaches potentially 17.5 million consumers and businesses throughout Chile. Stated delivery times are indicative and may vary depending on logistics conditions, customs procedures for international shipments, and particularly weather conditions in isolated areas.

What are the rates and maximum dimensions accepted by Correos de Chile?

Correos de Chile offers competitive rates that vary based on several criteria: shipment weight, dimensions, destination, and type of service chosen. The company is recognized as one of the most economical postal operators in Latin America, making it an attractive option for both individuals and small businesses wishing to ship parcels without breaking the bank.

For domestic shipments within Chile, prices start at approximately 3,000 Chilean pesos for small parcels and can reach 15,000 pesos or more depending on size, weight and distance. As an indicative example, a parcel of average dimensions sent within the Santiago metropolitan area costs approximately 5,000 pesos. These rates position Correos de Chile among the most affordable options on the Chilean market alongside competitors such as Starken or Blue Express.

Regarding maximum dimensions and weight allowed, Correos de Chile applies specific rules depending on the type of shipment:

• Standard parcels: One side cannot exceed 2 meters, the sum of all sides must not exceed 3 meters, and maximum weight is 50 kilograms
• International EMS and Courier services: Maximum weight of 30 kilograms per parcel
• Pequeño Paquete Internacional (PPI): Maximum weight of 2 kilograms, ideal for small light shipments
• Encomienda Internacional: Maximum weight of 30 kilograms per shipment
• Services to extreme zones by air: Dimensions limited to maximum 1 meter per side for air transport
• International documents: Weight of 2 kilograms or less

The rate calculation takes into account both the actual weight and the volumetric weight of the shipment. Correos de Chile applies the rule of the higher weight between these two measurements to determine the final cost. Volumetric weight is calculated by multiplying length by width by height of the parcel, then dividing by a standard volumetric factor. This common practice in the logistics industry allows fair pricing of light but voluminous parcels.

To obtain an accurate quote, customers can use the rate calculator available on the official correos.cl website. This feature allows customers to enter the exact characteristics of the shipment (weight, dimensions, origin, destination, type of service) to instantly obtain the corresponding price. Businesses with large shipment volumes can also benefit from preferential rates through the Aliados CorreosChile program which offers discounts to small merchants and entrepreneurs.

What are Correos de Chile's delivery options?

Correos de Chile provides its customers with a variety of delivery options to adapt to everyone's constraints and preferences. This flexibility is a major asset of the carrier, which has successfully developed innovative solutions to facilitate parcel reception, particularly in a context of strong e-commerce growth.

Home delivery remains the main option offered by Correos de Chile. The mail carrier or delivery person presents themselves at the address indicated by the sender to hand over the parcel to the recipient. If no one is home, a delivery notice is left in the mailbox, informing the recipient that their parcel is waiting at the nearest post office. This standard procedure guarantees the security of shipments while offering a second chance for pickup.

To meet the expectations of ever-busier urban consumers, Correos de Chile was a pioneer in Latin America with the launch of the Citybox system in 2012. This network of automated lockers allows users to pick up their parcels 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without time constraints:

• How it works: When a parcel arrives at a Citybox terminal, the recipient receives a PIN code by SMS and email. They simply need to go to the terminal, enter this code on the touchscreen, and the locker containing their parcel opens automatically
• Locations: Citybox terminals are installed in frequently accessed locations such as gas stations, supermarkets and shopping centers, facilitating pickup during daily commutes
• Current network: The system currently has about forty terminals distributed mainly in the Santiago metropolitan region, with gradual expansion to other cities

In addition to automated lockers, Correos de Chile has an extensive network of physical pickup points where customers can collect their parcels:

• Branches (post offices): Nearly 200 post office branches distributed throughout the Chilean territory, from north to south of the country
• Partner agencies: More than 250 partner pickup points operated in collaboration with local businesses such as small stores or bookstores, allowing service to localities without a permanent post office
• PuntoCorreos: About twenty small post offices located in dense urban areas, shopping centers and business districts

Correos de Chile also offers proactive notification services to keep recipients informed of their delivery progress. The online tracking system allows customers to know the real-time position of their parcel, while alerts by email or SMS can be configured to signal key stages such as arrival at the local sorting center or placement for delivery. If the first delivery attempt is unsuccessful, the parcel is kept at the post office for a holding period, usually several days to a few weeks, giving the recipient time to come pick it up.

What should I do if my Correos de Chile parcel is lost or damaged?

Despite precautions taken by Correos de Chile, it can happen that a parcel is lost, damaged or experiences significant delays. In these situations, the carrier has established a claims procedure allowing customers to assert their rights and, if applicable, obtain compensation. Knowing the steps to follow and applicable timelines helps optimize the chances of a favorable resolution.

The first step in case of a problem is to check the status of your shipment using the online tracking tool on the correos.cl website. A parcel appearing stuck in transit or customs may simply need some patience or additional information to continue its delivery. If the tracking indicates an anomaly or if no update has appeared for several days, it is then appropriate to file a formal claim.

To file a claim with Correos de Chile, several channels are available:

• Online form: The Correos de Chile Help Center offers a contact form allowing you to select the "Ingresar un reclamo" (submit a claim) option for domestic or international shipments. This channel is recommended because it generates a case number facilitating follow-up
• Phone: Customer service is available at 600 950 2020 (from a landline) or 22 956 0303 (from a mobile). Hours of operation Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• Email: Claims can be sent to the address [email protected]

The timelines for filing a claim vary depending on the nature of the problem:

• Loss of domestic shipment: The claim deadline is 6 months from the date the shipment was deposited
• Damage or theft of contents: The claim must be made at the time the recipient receives the parcel, or within the timeframe provided by the regulations of the relevant service
• International shipments: The rules of the Universal Postal Convention apply, and it is generally the sender in the country of origin who must initiate the procedure with their postal administration

To build a strong claim file, it is recommended to gather the following documents:

• Proof of purchase: Invoice, receipt or screenshot of the online shopping cart showing the description and value of the items
• Tracking number: The code allowing you to trace the shipment in the system
• Photos: In case of damaged parcel, photos of the damaged packaging and contents constitute essential evidence
• Declaration of contents and value: If a value had been declared when sending, the corresponding proof

Compensation in case of loss or damage depends on the specific conditions of the service used and the value declared at the time of shipment. Compensation amounts are capped and vary depending on whether the sender declared the contents and their value. For professional shipments, tables of limits in UF (Unidad de Fomento, Chilean accounting unit indexed to inflation) define reimbursement limits. If no satisfactory resolution is reached, customers can escalate their claim to SERNAC, the Chilean consumer protection agency, with which Correos de Chile collaborates in good faith.

Does Correos de Chile handle international shipments and customs formalities?

Correos de Chile plays a central role in managing international shipments to and from Chile. As the designated postal operator of the country to the Universal Postal Union, the company has the expertise and infrastructure necessary to process customs formalities and ensure the shipment of parcels across borders. This expertise is particularly valuable for Chilean consumers who enjoy international e-commerce.

The process of importing international parcels to Chile involves several entities that intervene in a coordinated manner:

• Servicio Nacional de Aduanas: The National Customs Service is responsible for inspecting parcels and determining applicable duties and taxes
• Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (SAG): The Agricultural and Livestock Service controls shipments that may contain food, plant or animal products subject to sanitary regulations
• Tesorería General de la República: The General Treasury collects customs duties and taxes due
• Correos de Chile: The postal operator ensures temporary storage of parcels, their presentation to customs, then transport and final distribution once customs clearance is completed

The Chilean tax system provides an exemption threshold for low-value postal imports. Shipments with a value below 41 US dollars are generally exempt from payment of customs duties, taxes and other customs fees, provided they belong to certain categories of the customs tariff. Beyond this threshold, the following taxes apply:

• Customs duties: 6% of CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value under the general regime, or 0% for products originating from countries with a free trade agreement with Chile
• VAT (IVA): 19% applied to the sum of CIF value and customs duties
• Customs inspection fees: 1% to 1.5% of CIF value depending on applicable regime

To facilitate customs clearance, Correos de Chile strongly recommends including a complete commercial invoice with each international shipment. This document must include the number and date, the name and address of the sender, the name of the recipient, a detailed description of the goods, quantities, units of measure, unit values and total value. In the absence of an invoice, the National Customs Service accepts a printout of the online shopping cart showing this information.

Payment of customs duties is made via the FIVPS form (Formulario de Importación Vía Postal Simplificado). Recipients can pay their taxes in two ways:

• Online: Via the website of the Tesorería General de la República for fast and secure payment
• In person: At a Correos de Chile branch with a one-stop window for international shipments subject to tax payment

Correos de Chile has also set up an online customs pre-alert system allowing customers to provide in advance the information necessary for customs clearance of their parcels. This proactive approach accelerates customs processing upon arrival of the parcel at the Santiago Postal Technology Center where imports are processed. For regular buyers on foreign sites, the Casilla Internacional service (or Casilla Miami) offers a receiving address in the United States with consolidated re-shipment to Chile, thereby optimizing costs and simplifying procedures for multiple purchases.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track a Correos de Chile parcel online, different statuses may appear throughout its journey. These indicators allow you to know the position and condition of your shipment at each stage, from its initial deposit to its final delivery. Here are the main statuses used by Correos de Chile and their meaning: