Calling Codes for Brazil: A Quick Guide

Mesan Ali
Making a phone call to Brazil involves understanding the necessary dialing codes and formats. This guide will help you navigate the international dialing process, whether you're connecting with friends, family, or business contacts in Brazil.
How do I call Brazil?
To successfully call Brazil from abroad, you need to follow a specific sequence of dialing codes:
1. Dial the exit code: This is the code you need to dial to exit your country and reach an international line. In many countries, this is often "00," but you should verify it based on your country's regulations.
2. Dial the country code: Brazil’s country code is +55.
3. Add the area code: Brazil has multiple area codes that vary depending on the region you are calling. Here are some examples:
São Paulo: 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19
Rio de Janeiro: 21
Other regions:
Campos dos Goytacazes: 22
Volta Redonda: 24
Vila Velha/Vitória: 27
4. Add the local number: For landline numbers, you will dial an 8-digit local number. If you are calling a mobile number, you must add a '9' before the 8-digit local number.
Example:
To call a landline in São Paulo, you would dial: `00 + 55 + 11 + XXXX XXXX`
To call a mobile in Rio de Janeiro, you would dial: `00 + 55 + 21 + 9 XXXX XXXX`
FAQs About Calling Brazil
What is the general format for dialing a Brazilian phone number?
When calling a Brazilian phone number from abroad, follow this format:
- (Exit Code) + (Country Code) + (Area Code) + (Local Number)
For instance, if you're calling a landline in São Paulo with the local number 1234-5678, it would look like:
`00 - 55 - 11 - 1234-5678`
Why didn’t my call to Brazil go through?
Your call may not have connected for several reasons:
You may have used an incorrect exit code for your country.
The area code might be wrong or incorrectly dialed.
You could be trying to call a mobile phone that is not able to accept international calls.
The country code +55 was not dialed before the number.
Do Brazilian phone numbers include voicemail features?
Yes, most Brazilian phone numbers, particularly mobile numbers, typically include voicemail features. Users can set up personalized greetings for their voicemail.
What does the ringing tone sound like when you call Brazil?
When calling Brazil, you can expect to hear the following tones:
Dial Tone: A standard tone indicating the line is ready to connect.
Busy Signal: A repetitive beep indicating that the line is currently busy.
Unobtainable Message: This message indicates that the number you’re trying to reach cannot be connected.
Are there any tips for making international calls to Brazil?
For frequent travelers or digital nomads, consider using a prepaid SIM card when in Brazil. This can provide you with affordable calling and data options while you’re in the country.
Table of Common Area Codes in Brazil
Region | Area Code(s) |
São Paulo | 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 |
Rio de Janeiro | 21 |
Campos dos Goytacazes | 22 |
Volta Redonda | 24 |
Vila Velha / Vitória | 27 |
Making international calls can feel daunting, but with this guide, you should feel more confident navigating the process of calling Brazil. Happy dialing!