How to Call Brazil | Area Codes in Brazil

Connecting with friends, family, or business contacts in Brazil can be a seamless experience if you understand the dialing process and the specifics of the Brazilian telephone system. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making calls to Brazil from various locations, including the United States, Canada, and other countries.

Understanding International Calling

Before diving into the specifics of calling Brazil, it’s essential to grasp some basic concepts related to international dialing:

1. Exit Code: This is the code you dial to exit your country and connect to an international line. For example, in the United States and Canada, the exit code is 011. In many European countries, it is 00.
2. Country Code: Each country has a unique code that follows the exit code. For Brazil, the country code is 55.
3. Area Code: Within Brazil Phone Number List, different regions and cities have specific area codes. Knowing the correct area code is essential for connecting your call.
4. Local Number: This is the phone number of the person or business you wish to contact, typically consisting of 8 digits.

The Dialing Format to Call Brazil

To successfully place a call to Brazil, follow this format:

Example

If you are calling a number in São Paulo, Brazil from the United States, you would dial:

Here’s a breakdown of the components:

• 011: U.S. exit code
• 55: Brazil country code
• 11: Area code for São Paulo
• [Local Number]: The specific number you are trying to reach

If the local number is 12345678, you would dial:

Area Codes in Brazil

Brazil has a variety of area codes depending on the city or region. Here are some of the major area codes:

When calling a mobile number in Brazil, the area code is always 9 followed by the 8-digit local number. For example, to call a mobile number in São Paulo, you would dial:

Step-by-Step Instructions to Call Brazil

Calling a Landline in Brazil

1. Dial the Exit Code: For calls from the U.S., this is 011.
2. Dial the Country Code: For Brazil, this is 55.
3. Dial the Area Code: For example, if you are calling São Paulo, you would dial 11.
4. Dial the Local Number: Enter the 8-digit local number.

Example: To call a landline in São Paulo with the number 12345678, you would dial:

Calling a Mobile Phone in Brazil

1. Dial the Exit Code: For calls from the U.S., this is 011.
2. Dial the Country Code: For Brazil, this is 55.
3. Dial the Mobile Code: This is always 9 for mobile phones.
4. Dial the Local Number: Enter the 8-digit local number.

Example: To call a mobile number in Brazil with the number 91234567, you would dial:

Tips for Calling Brazil

1. Check the Time Difference: Brazil has multiple time zones, so it’s essential to know when it’s appropriate to call. Most of the eastern states (like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro) are in the UTC-3 time zone, while others like Brasília are in UTC-5.
2. Use a Reliable Calling Service: Consider using a VoIP service like Vonage, Skype, or Ooma to get affordable rates and high-quality connections when calling Brazil.
3. Utilize Mobile Apps: Apps like Viber Out allow you to make calls to Brazil from your mobile device, often at competitive rates.
4. Keep Emergency Numbers Handy: The emergency number in Brazil is 190 for police and 192 for medical emergencies.
5. Verify the Number Format: Always double-check the area code and local number to avoid misdialing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring the Exit Code: Forgetting to dial the exit code can lead to the call not going through.
• Using the Wrong Area Code: Make sure you have the correct area code for the city you are calling.
• Dialing Leading Zeros: When calling a mobile number, do not include the leading zero in the area code.

Understanding Brazilian Phone Etiquette

When calling Brazil, it’s important to be aware of local customs and etiquette:

1. Punctuality: Brazilians value punctuality, especially in business settings. If you have scheduled a call, be sure to call at the agreed-upon time.
2. Direct Communication: Brazilians appreciate straightforward communication. Be clear and concise in your conversations.
3. Use of First Names: While Brazilians often use first names in conversation, it’s best to start with a formal address until invited to use first names.
4. Business Hours: Standard business hours in Brazil are typically from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Be mindful of these hours when making calls.
5. Cultural Sensitivity: Brazilians are generally friendly and informal, but it’s important to respect their cultural norms and practices.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your call to Brazil isn’t going through, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

1. Check the Number: Ensure you have dialed the correct number, including the exit code, country code, area code, and local number.
2. Network Issues: Sometimes, network issues can prevent calls from connecting. Try again later or check with your service provider.
3. International Calling Setup: Ensure that Latest Lead your phone plan is set up for international calling. Some plans may require you to enable this feature.
4. VoIP Connection: If using a VoIP service, ensure you have a stable internet connection to avoid dropped calls or poor quality.
5. Dial Tone Differences: Be aware that the dial tone in Brazil may sound different from what you are used to. After dialing, you should hear a ringing tone similar to a set of two short bursts.

Calling Brazil from the U.S. and Canada

To call Brazil from the U.S. or Canada, you’ll need to follow this dialing format:

1. Dial the exit code for the U.S. or Canada, which is 011.
2. Dial the country code for Brazil, which is 55.
3. Dial the area code (1-2 digits) and local number.

For example, to call a number in São Paulo, Brazil from the U.S., you would dial:

Calling Brazil from Other Countries

The dialing format for calling Brazil from other countries is similar to the U.S. and Canada, but with a different exit code:

1. Dial the exit code for your country. This is often 00, but can vary depending on your location.
2. Dial the country code for Brazil, which is 55.
3. Dial the area code (1-2 digits) and local number.

For example, to call a number in São Paulo, Brazil from the United Kingdom, you would dial:

Conclusion

Calling Brazil from abroad is manageable once you understand the necessary steps and formats. By following the outlined dialing format, utilizing reliable calling services, and keeping a few tips in mind, you can easily stay connected with your contacts in Brazil.