How To Dial Out To Brazil

Ever dreamt of connecting with friends, family, or business contacts in the vibrant country of Brazil? Whether it's sharing exciting news, discussing business opportunities, or simply catching up, knowing how to dial out to Brazil correctly is essential. Incorrect dialing can lead to frustrating connection errors, wasted time, and unnecessary charges. In a world increasingly reliant on global communication, mastering international dialing protocols is a valuable skill.

Calling internationally can seem daunting with its various codes and protocols. Successfully navigating the dialing process allows you to build stronger relationships, expand your professional network, and stay connected with loved ones across geographical boundaries. Understanding the nuances of international dialing codes is crucial for ensuring clear communication and avoiding costly mistakes. With a few simple steps, you can easily and affordably connect with anyone in Brazil.

What country codes, city codes, and dialing procedures do I need to know when calling Brazil?

What's the correct exit code for dialing Brazil from the US?

The correct exit code for dialing Brazil from the US is 011.

When making international calls, you always need to start with an exit code, sometimes called an international access code or international direct dialing (IDD) code. This code tells your phone carrier that you're about to dial a number outside of your current country. The exit code varies depending on the country you are calling from. In the case of calling from the United States, as well as Canada and other countries adhering to the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), that code is 011.

Therefore, when dialing a Brazilian phone number from the US, you would dial: 011 + 55 (Brazil's country code) + area code + phone number. For example, to call a Rio de Janeiro number, which has an area code of 21, you might dial 011 55 21 1234-5678. Always ensure you have the correct area code for the specific region in Brazil you are trying to reach.

What is the country code for Brazil?

The country code for Brazil is +55. You'll need to use this code when dialing a Brazilian phone number from outside of Brazil.

To successfully dial a Brazilian number, you must first dial the exit code for the country you are calling from, followed by the Brazil country code (+55), then the area code (two digits), and finally the local number (usually eight or nine digits). For example, if you were calling a number in São Paulo (area code 11) from the United States (exit code 011) and the local number was 1234-5678, you would dial 011-55-11-1234-5678. It is important to note that mobile phone numbers in Brazil often begin with the digit 9 after the area code.

When making international calls, always verify the correct exit code for the country you are calling from. Some countries use different exit codes depending on whether you are calling a landline or a mobile phone. Additionally, while some services may automatically handle the exit code, it's best practice to explicitly dial it yourself to avoid any connection issues. Keep in mind that international calling rates will apply, and these can vary significantly depending on your phone carrier or service provider. Consider using VoIP services or international calling plans to reduce costs.

Do I need a special calling card to call Brazil?

No, you don't necessarily *need* a special calling card to call Brazil, but it can often be a more cost-effective option than using your regular landline or mobile phone service, especially for frequent or lengthy calls.

While it's perfectly possible to dial Brazil directly from your mobile phone or landline, the per-minute rates can be quite high. Calling cards, or prepaid phone cards, offer significantly lower rates, particularly for international calls. These cards operate by providing you with a PIN or access number. You dial a local access number, enter your PIN, and then dial the Brazilian phone number. The cost of the call is then deducted from the prepaid balance on the card. However, with the rise of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, like Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice, and other similar apps, calling cards are becoming less prevalent. These services often offer very competitive international calling rates, sometimes even free calls between users of the same app. The best option for you depends on factors like how often you call Brazil, the length of your calls, and your internet connection. Explore different options, compare rates, and choose the method that best suits your individual needs and budget. Be sure to factor in any connection fees or hidden charges associated with calling cards.

How much does it cost to call Brazil from my cell phone?

The cost to call Brazil from your cell phone varies significantly depending on your mobile carrier, your calling plan, and whether you use international calling features or alternative methods like VoIP apps. It can range from a few cents per minute to several dollars per minute without a specific international plan. Check with your provider for exact rates.

Calling Brazil can be surprisingly expensive if you haven't taken the time to understand the available options. Most major cell phone carriers (like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) offer international calling plans or add-ons that drastically reduce per-minute rates to Brazil. These plans often come with a monthly fee but can save you a considerable amount of money if you make frequent or lengthy calls. For example, a carrier might offer a plan that includes a certain number of minutes to Brazil for a flat monthly rate, or a plan that reduces the per-minute rate to a more affordable level. Consider using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps such as WhatsApp, Skype, or Google Voice to call Brazil. These services typically use your internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) and can be significantly cheaper, often free to call other users of the same app. If calling a landline or mobile number in Brazil through a VoIP app, rates are generally much lower than traditional cell phone carrier rates. Be mindful of your data usage if you're not on Wi-Fi, as international data roaming charges can also be substantial if you are travelling. To get a better understanding of your options, it's best to:

What are the time zone differences between the US and Brazil when calling?

The time difference between the US and Brazil varies significantly depending on the specific locations within both countries. Brazil spans four time zones (UTC-2 to UTC-5), while the contiguous US has four (UTC-5 to UTC-8), plus Alaska (UTC-9) and Hawaii (UTC-10). Therefore, the difference can range from 1 hour ahead to 6 hours behind the Eastern Time Zone, or even more when considering Alaska or Hawaii.

When considering time zone differences, it's crucial to remember that Brazil does not consistently observe daylight saving time (DST). While they have used DST in the past, its observance has been inconsistent and has sometimes been revoked altogether. This inconsistency means that the time difference between a specific location in the US and Brazil can change at different times of the year. Always check the current DST status for both locations you’re interested in before making a call to ensure you're calling at an appropriate time. To accurately determine the time difference, specify the cities or regions you are interested in within both the US and Brazil. Online time zone converters are useful tools for finding the precise time difference, considering current DST status, and avoiding inconvenient calling times.

Are there any Brazilian area codes I should be aware of?

Yes, you should be aware of Brazilian area codes (known as DDD - *Código de Discagem Direta a Distância*) as they are essential for dialing Brazilian phone numbers correctly. Brazil uses a two-digit area code system, and knowing the correct code for the city or region you're trying to reach is crucial for completing your call. Failing to use the correct area code will result in your call not going through.

When dialing a Brazilian phone number from abroad, you'll typically need to dial the international access code (usually 00, but it can vary depending on the country you're calling from), followed by Brazil's country code (55), then the two-digit area code, and finally the eight or nine-digit local phone number. It's vital to confirm the correct DDD code, as Brazil has numerous area codes corresponding to different regions and cities. Incorrectly dialing the area code will route your call to the wrong location. To avoid errors, it’s best to double-check the area code with the person you are calling or research it online before making the call. Many websites provide directories of Brazilian area codes searchable by city or state. If you frequently call a specific region, consider keeping a note of its area code for easier dialing. Keep in mind that mobile phone numbers in Brazil now typically have nine digits, whereas landlines have eight digits. The ninth digit, typically a '9', was added to mobile numbers in most states starting in 2016 to increase the available number pool.

How do I call a Brazilian mobile phone versus a landline?

Calling a Brazilian mobile phone or landline requires knowing the Brazilian country code (+55), the area code (DDD - *D*iscagem *D*ireta a *D*istância), and the local number. The main difference lies in the inclusion of a "9" immediately after the area code when dialing a mobile number in many regions of Brazil. Always check the most up-to-date dialing format for the specific region you're calling, as rules can evolve.

Generally, to call a Brazilian landline from outside Brazil, you'd dial: +55 (Brazil country code) + Area Code (DDD) + Local Number. For example, to call a landline in São Paulo (area code 11) with the number 1234-5678, you'd dial +55 11 1234-5678. However, dialing mobile phones is a bit different. In many (but not all) regions of Brazil, mobile phone numbers now require adding the digit "9" directly after the area code but before the mobile phone number. So, if you're calling a mobile phone in São Paulo with the number 91234-5678, you'd dial +55 11 9 91234-5678.

It is crucial to verify whether the "9" is required for the specific region and mobile number you're dialing, as not all regions adopted this change simultaneously. Some regions may still function without it or may have transitioned recently. Incorrect dialing could result in your call not connecting or being routed incorrectly. You can usually confirm the correct format by checking online resources or contacting someone in Brazil who knows the local dialing conventions.

Alright, you're all set to make that call to Brazil! I hope this guide has been helpful in navigating the dialing codes and potential costs. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back for more helpful tips and tricks on staying connected around the world!