Ever tried calling your cousin in New York only to be met with silence or a confusing error message? Making international calls can be tricky, especially when you're navigating different country codes and dialing prefixes. Whether you're a Brazilian resident trying to connect with loved ones, handling business deals with American partners, or simply trying to order that must-have item from a US retailer, knowing how to correctly dial to the USA from Brazil is essential for smooth and successful communication.
Successfully connecting a call between Brazil and the USA ensures you can stay in touch with family, collaborate professionally, and access vital services. A simple misstep in the dialing sequence can lead to wasted time, frustration, and even potential missed opportunities. This guide provides a clear and concise breakdown of the process, ensuring you can confidently and easily reach any phone number in the United States from Brazil.
What's the Right Code?
What is the exit code for Brazil when dialing to the USA?
The exit code for Brazil when dialing to the USA is 00. This code tells the Brazilian telephone system that you are about to dial a number outside of Brazil.
When making an international call from Brazil to the United States, you must first dial the exit code, then the country code for the US (1), followed by the area code and the local number. The complete format is: 00 + 1 + Area Code + Local Number. For example, to call a number in the 212 area code (New York City), you would dial 00 1 212 followed by the seven-digit local phone number.
Note that some Brazilian telephone companies may have different access codes used after the exit code. For example, some might require you to enter a carrier selection code after the initial "00" to choose a specific long-distance provider. Usually, options are displayed on the screen or announced on the line after dialing 00, allowing you to choose the appropriate carrier or proceed directly to dialing the country code if no carrier selection is needed.
Do I need a specific prefix for cell phones when dialing to the USA from Brazil?
Yes, when calling a cell phone in the USA from Brazil, you need to include specific prefixes. The general format is 00 + [Embratel, Intelig, or Telefonica code] + 1 (US country code) + [area code] + [phone number]. You must select a carrier code after the initial "00."
To dial a US cell phone number from Brazil, you first need the international access code (00), followed by a carrier selection code. The most common carrier codes used in Brazil are 21 (Embratel), 23 (Intelig), and 15 (Telefônica/Vivo). Choose the one that offers you the best rates or that you typically use for international calls. After the carrier code, dial the US country code (1), then the three-digit area code of the US cell phone, and finally the seven-digit local number. For example, if you were using Embratel and calling a cell phone with the area code 212 and the number 555-1234, you would dial 00 21 1 212 555 1234. Remember to check with your Brazilian phone service provider for current rates and any potential changes to the dialing codes, as these can occasionally be updated. Using a VoIP service or calling app might offer alternative, and potentially cheaper, ways to call the US from Brazil.How much does it typically cost to call the USA from Brazil?
The cost of calling the USA from Brazil varies significantly depending on several factors, including the method you use (landline, mobile, VoIP), the service provider, and whether you have a calling plan or are paying per minute. Expect to pay anywhere from a few cents per minute to upwards of a dollar or more per minute without a specific plan. VoIP services often offer the most competitive rates.
Calling the USA from Brazil can be surprisingly expensive if you use a traditional Brazilian landline or mobile provider without an international calling plan. These providers often have high per-minute rates for international calls, and these rates can fluctuate. It is important to check the specific rates with your provider before making the call to avoid bill shock later. Thankfully, more affordable options are readily available. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice, and Viber offer significantly lower rates. Some even allow free calls to the USA if both the caller and receiver are using the same app and have an internet connection. Dedicated international calling apps and services often have competitive rates specifically designed for international calls, and offer calling plans that can further reduce costs. It is worthwhile to compare different services to find the best option for your needs.Are there cheaper alternatives to direct dialing the USA from Brazil?
Yes, there are significantly cheaper alternatives to direct dialing the USA from Brazil. Direct dialing often incurs high per-minute charges from traditional phone companies. Utilizing VoIP services, calling apps, international calling cards, or even leveraging inclusive minutes through mobile plans can drastically reduce the cost of calling the USA.
Alternatives to direct dialing utilize the internet or pre-purchased credit to route your calls, often bypassing the expensive international rates imposed by traditional telephone networks. VoIP services like Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice, and Viber are particularly popular as they allow you to make calls over a data connection. Most of these services offer call options to landlines and mobile phones in the USA, even if the recipient doesn't have the same app installed. These often involve purchasing credit, but the rates are far lower than direct dialing. International calling cards, both physical and digital, offer another option. These cards provide a PIN which you use to access a call center and then dial your destination. Rates vary, so it's essential to compare prices and read the fine print regarding connection fees and expiration dates. Finally, some mobile phone plans offer inclusive international minutes to specific countries, including the USA. Check with your mobile provider in Brazil to see if such a plan is available. When using VoIP or calling apps, ensure you are connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network to avoid data charges on your mobile plan.What is the country code for the USA?
The country code for the USA is 1.
To call the USA from Brazil, you will first need to dial the international access code for Brazil, which is 00. Then, you will dial the country code for the United States, which is 1. After that, you will dial the three-digit area code followed by the seven-digit local phone number. So the entire sequence will look like this: 00 + 1 + area code + local number. For example, to call a number with area code 212 and local number 555-1212, you would dial 0012125551212. It is also important to note that mobile phone providers may have slightly different dialing procedures or offer specific services for international calls. Therefore, it is advisable to check with your local Brazilian mobile provider for the most accurate and cost-effective way to make international calls. You may find options for reduced international rates or packages that can significantly lower the cost of calling the USA from Brazil.What is the complete dialing sequence when using a calling card from Brazil to the USA?
The complete dialing sequence when using a calling card from Brazil to the USA generally follows this structure: 0800 (or other access number for your calling card provider) + PIN + 00 + 1 + Area Code + Phone Number.
Let's break down each component for a better understanding. First, you need to dial the access number provided by your Brazilian calling card company. This number is usually a toll-free number (often starting with 0800) that connects you to the calling card service. After connecting, the system will prompt you to enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN), which is unique to your calling card and authenticates you as a valid user. This ensures that the charges are correctly applied to your card.
Once your PIN is accepted, you'll then dial the international dialing code for Brazil (00), followed by the country code for the United States (1). Finally, you enter the area code and the seven-digit phone number of the person you're trying to reach in the USA. Remember to dial these numbers carefully and sequentially as any mistake will lead to a failed connection. It's always a good idea to double-check the number before proceeding.
Will WhatsApp calls work reliably from Brazil to the USA?
WhatsApp calls between Brazil and the USA generally work reliably, but call quality depends heavily on the quality and stability of the internet connection at both ends. If both users have strong Wi-Fi or stable mobile data, the calls should be clear and consistent. However, poor internet connectivity will result in dropped calls, audio distortion, or delays.
WhatsApp calls rely on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. This means the audio is transmitted over the internet instead of traditional phone lines. As such, the bandwidth available significantly impacts the user experience. While WhatsApp is designed to be efficient with bandwidth, a weak signal, congested network, or data caps can negatively affect call quality. Users experiencing issues should try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network or ensuring they have sufficient mobile data and signal strength. Consider that background processes on your phone or the other person's phone can also affect call quality. Closing unused apps can free up resources and improve the overall experience. Similarly, older devices with less processing power may struggle to handle the real-time demands of VoIP calls as effectively as newer models. Finally, firewalls or VPNs on either network might occasionally interfere with WhatsApp's ability to establish a stable connection.Dialing a US number from Brazil via WhatsApp is easy, assuming the contact is already saved in your phone with the correct international format. When saving a US number to your phone for WhatsApp, it should include the country code (+1) followed by the area code and the local number. Therefore the correct format is +1 followed by the 10-digit US number.
Alright, you're all set to call the USA from Brazil! Hopefully, these simple steps will have you chatting with friends and family in no time. Thanks for reading, and come back anytime you need a little help navigating the world of international dialing. Boa sorte and happy calling!