How to Call Brazil
Complete guide to dialing Brazil (country code +55)
Planning to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in South America's largest country? Learning how to call Brazil doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're making your first international call or simply need a refresher, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about calling Brazil from anywhere in the world. We'll cover step-by-step dialing instructions to ensure your call goes through successfully, highlight common mistakes that could prevent your connection, and share essential phone etiquette tips to help you make a great impression. You'll also discover useful Brazilian phone numbers that every caller should keep handy. By the end of this guide, you'll feel confident picking up the phone and connecting with Brazil effortlessly.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
How to Dial Brazil: Complete International Calling Guide
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Brazil from abroad, follow this structure: Exit Code + 55 + Area Code + Local Number
Brazil's country code is +55, and you must dial it after your country's exit code. Brazilian area codes are 2 digits, while local numbers vary in length depending on whether you're calling a mobile or landline.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions
From the USA or Canada:
- Dial 011 (exit code)
- Dial 55 (Brazil country code)
- Dial the 2-digit area code
- Dial the local number
From the UK:
- Dial 00 (exit code)
- Dial 55 (Brazil country code)
- Dial the 2-digit area code
- Dial the local number
From other countries: Replace the exit code with your country's international access code (commonly 00).
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - São Paulo Mobile (Area Code 11):
From USA: 011-55-11-99999-8888
From UK: 00-55-11-99999-8888
Example 2 - Rio de Janeiro Landline (Area Code 21):
From USA: 011-55-21-3333-4444
From UK: 00-55-21-3333-4444
Example 3 - Brasília Mobile (Area Code 61):
From USA: 011-55-61-98888-7777
From UK: 00-55-61-98888-7777
Important Note About Leading Zeros
Brazilian phone numbers do not use leading zeros like some countries. Always dial the area code and local number exactly as shown. Mobile numbers typically start with 9 and are 9 digits long, while landlines are 8 digits.
Quick Tips
- Mobile numbers: 2-digit area code + 9-digit number (starting with 9)
- Landlines: 2-digit area code + 8-digit number
- Save numbers with +55 prefix for automatic international dialing
- Check with your provider about international calling rates before dialing
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Common Mistakes
When calling Brazil, several common dialing errors can prevent your call from connecting:
Forgetting to drop the leading zero - Brazilian area codes start with zero for domestic calls (like 011 for São Paulo), but you must remove this zero when calling internationally. Dial +55 11, not +55 011.
Using incorrect exit codes - Many people manually dial exit codes (like 011 from the US) inconsistently. Always use the + symbol instead, which automatically applies the correct exit code for your country.
Omitting the carrier code - Brazil requires a two-digit carrier code between the area code and phone number for landlines. For example: +55 11 XX XXXX-XXXX, where XX is the carrier code (like 11 for Telefônica). Mobile numbers don't need this.
Confusing the country code with area codes - The country code +55 applies to all of Brazil. Area codes come after, like 11 (São Paulo), 21 (Rio de Janeiro), or 47 (northern Santa Catarina).
Misdialing mobile versus landline formats - Mobile numbers have 9 digits starting with 9, while landlines have 8 digits. Using the wrong format will cause connection failures.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Brazil, understanding local customs helps build strong relationships. Brazilians are generally warm and friendly, which extends to their phone conversations.
Greetings matter. Start calls with "Alô" (hello) followed by identifying yourself. In business contexts, use titles like "Senhor" (Mr.) or "Senhora" (Mrs.) with last names until invited to use first names. Personal calls are more relaxed, with Brazilians quickly moving to casual conversation.
Timing is important. Avoid calling during lunch hours (12-2 PM) or after 9 PM for business matters. Personal calls have more flexibility, but late evening calls should be reserved for close friends or emergencies.
Business calls lean formal initially. However, Brazilians often build personal rapport before discussing business. Don't rush through pleasantries—asking about family or weekend plans is normal and appreciated. This relationship-building isn't wasted time; it's essential groundwork.
Voice messages are common. If someone doesn't answer, leaving a detailed message is expected and helpful. State your name, reason for calling, and best callback time clearly.
Unique considerations: Brazilians may speak quickly and expressively, using animated tones that shouldn't be mistaken for anger. Speaking too quietly might seem disengaged. Also, be patient with longer conversations—Brazilians value thorough communication over brevity. WhatsApp voice messages have become extremely popular, sometimes preferred over traditional calls, especially for younger generations.
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Emergency Numbers
Emergency Numbers in Brazil:
- 190 - Military Police (Polícia Militar) - For crimes in progress and immediate threats
- 192 - Ambulance (SAMU - Medical Emergency Service)
- 193 - Fire Department (Bombeiros) - Also handles rescues and accidents
- 191 - Federal Highway Police - For emergencies on federal roads
- 197 - Civil Police - For reporting crimes after the fact
All emergency numbers are toll-free and accessible from any phone, including mobile devices, even without credit or a SIM card. Services operate 24/7 throughout the country.
Important Note: English-speaking operators are rarely available. Consider having a Portuguese speaker assist with calls when possible, or use simple phrases. In tourist areas, some operators may have basic English skills. Response times vary significantly between urban and rural locations.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 102: Directory assistance for finding phone numbers and addresses throughout Brazil
International Services
- 000111: International operator for assistance with overseas calls and collect calls
Tourist Support
- 136: Tourist helpline providing information in multiple languages about attractions, transportation, and general travel assistance
Embassy Contacts
- Contact your embassy directly for passport issues, legal assistance, or citizen services. Major embassies are located in Brasília, with consulates in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Additional Useful Numbers
- 100: Human rights violations hotline
- 180: Women's assistance hotline
- 181: Crime anonymous tip line
- *8486: Phone balance and service information (mobile)
Keep these numbers saved in your phone for quick access during your stay in Brazil.
Tips for Calling Brazil
When calling Brazil, timing is crucial for successful communication. Brazil operates across four time zones, ranging from UTC-3 to UTC-5, with most major cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro in UTC-3. Calculate the time difference from your location to avoid calling during inconvenient hours.
For business calls, schedule appointments in advance and aim for weekday mornings (9 AM-12 PM) or early afternoons (2-4 PM) Brazilian time. These windows typically yield better response rates than late afternoons when offices wind down. Brazilian business hours generally run from 9 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday.
Avoid calling during major holidays like Carnival (February/March), Christmas, New Year's, and Independence Day (September 7). Also respect lunch breaks between 12-2 PM when many offices close.
For international calls, off-peak hours often mean lower rates—check with your provider about evenings and weekends. However, prioritize the recipient's convenience over cost savings for important business matters.
To ensure clear communication, speak slowly, confirm details in writing afterward, and consider language barriers. Many Brazilians speak Portuguese exclusively, so having a translator ready can prevent misunderstandings.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Brazil is +55. You must dial this code before the area code and local number when making international calls to Brazil from any country outside Brazil.
To call Brazil from your cell phone, dial + (or 011 from the US/Canada), then 55 (Brazil's country code), followed by the area code (2 digits) and the local phone number (8-9 digits).
Yes, you should drop the leading zero from Brazilian area codes when calling internationally. For example, if the area code is 011 for São Paulo, you would dial +55 11, not +55 011.
The cheapest way to call Brazil is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling Brazil.
In Brazil, dial 190 for police (Polícia Militar), 192 for ambulance (SAMU), and 193 for fire department (Bombeiros). These numbers are toll-free and can be dialed from any phone, including mobile phones without credit.
Yes! ZippCall allows you to make calls to Brazil directly from your web browser. Simply visit ZippCall, add credit to your account, enter the Brazilian phone number, and start calling—no downloads or installations required.
Start Calling Brazil Today
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