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Although calling Brazil's phone number is straightforward, sometimes calls may not go through or reach the wrong person. One primary reason for that is the nation’s complex phone number system that includes distinct formats for local calls, landlines, mobile, and toll-free numbers, as well as international dialing.
Therefore, knowing all these formats is crucial as it helps avoid call failure, whether for personal or professional purposes. Furthermore, understanding these structures ensures a successful call.
So, let’s learn Brazil's phone number format and its variations.
Codes to Know While Dialing a Brazil Phone Number
Brazil's phone number format involves several components, including different types of codes: country, area, mobile prefixes, trunk, etc. Knowing these codes while dialing a Brazilian phone number helps calls reach their right destination.
Country Code
To call Brazil from abroad, you must dial the country code “55” initially. This code identifies Brazil as the destination country. Furthermore, if you are calling from a traditional landline phone, ensure you also dial your respective country’s exit code or the “+” symbol if you are calling from a cell phone.
Area Codes
Well, most countries’ states are represented by a unique area code, and it's essential to include the correct ones when dialing, whether locally or internationally.
Brazil has over 50 area codes, each corresponding to a specific region or city. These area codes consist of two digits, which is an important part of the format.
Here are some of Brazil’s popular cities alongside their respective area codes.
- 11 – São Paulo
- 21 – Rio de Janeiro
- 31 – Belo Horizonte
- 61 – Brasília
- 41 – Curitiba
- 51 – Porto Alegre
Trunk Code
The trunk code for domestic calls within Brazil is 0. However, it is not needed when calling from overseas.
Selection Carrier Code
To make a long-distance call inside Brazil, one can also choose a telecommunication carrier by dialing a specific prefix.
Some of the well-known carrier providers, alongside their codes, are listed below:
- Algar Telecom - 12
- Oi (formerly Brasil Telecom) - 14
- Vivo - 15
- TIM - 41
- Sercomtel - 43
- Claro (formerly Embratel) - 21
- Intelig Telecom - 23
- GVT - 25
Understanding the Brazil Phone Number Format
When making a call within Brazil, the phone number follows a simple format in which the trunk code, a zero (0), must be dialed before the area code to reach the correct destination (for a long-distance call). However, this is avoided in international calls; instead, an international access code, 00, should be dialed.
For Local Calls
1. Landline Number
Landline numbers in Brazil are typically eight digits long; the pattern is [Trunk Code] [Area Code] [Landline Number].
💡 For Example:
To call a landline in São Paulo, dial the city’s area code and the number you are trying to reach. The format should look like this: 011 XXXX XXXX. Moreover, if you are calling a landline number from one state to another within Brazil, a carrier code is a must.
For instance, when calling São Paulo from Rio de Janeiro, the format will be 0 21 11 XXXX XXXX, where 0 is the trunk code, 21 is Embratel’s carrier prefix, 11 is São Paulo’s area code, and the rest is the destination number.
2. Mobile Number
Mobile numbers in Brazil are nine digits long and always start with 9. They look something like this: 9XXXX-XXXX.
To call a phone number in Rio de Janeiro, the format is 21 9XXXX-XXXX, where 21 is the city’s area code. Similar to landlines, carrier codes should be included when calling long-distance mobile numbers.
Step 1: Dial the trunk code 0.
Step 2: Dial the carrier prefix for your chosen long-distance provider
Step 3: Dial the area code
Step 4: Dial the destination mobile number
💡 For Example:
When calling Rio de Janeiro from São Paulo, the format will be 0 41 21 9XXXX-XXXX, where 41 is the carrier code for TIM Brasil, 21 is the area code of Rio de Janeiro, and 9XXXX-XXXX is the required number.
3. Toll-Free Number
Toll-free numbers in Brazil generally begin with the prefix 0800, followed by seven digits. They are intended for local calls within Brazil and are accessible from all landlines and mobile phones in the country. An example of a Brazil toll-free number is 0800-XXX-XXXX.
For Calls from Overseas
1. Landline Number
For international calls to Brazil, you must dial the exit code of the country you are calling from, followed by the country code of Brazil, the area code, and the local number.
💡 For Example:
To call a landline in São Paulo from the USA, the number format is 011 55 11 XXXX XXXX, where 011 is the US exit code, 55 is the country code of Brazil, 11 is São Paulo’s area code, and XXXX XXXX is the receiver’s number.
2. Mobile Number
The international format for mobile numbers is similar to that for landline numbers.
💡 For Example:
To call a mobile number in Rio de Janeiro from the US, dial the US exit code, Brazil country code, the area code of the region you are trying to reach, and the mobile number. The format should look like 011 55 21 9XXXX XXXX.
(Note: You do not need to dial the carrier selection code when calling Brazil from overseas.)
Things to Consider Before Making a Call to Brazil
Before dialing Brazil's phone number, there are some factors that should be considered to ensure a smooth and cost-effective connection alongside a successful call.
Time Zone
Brazil has four standard time zones: Brasília Time (BRT), Amazon Time (AMT), Acre Time (ACT), and Fernando de Noronha Time (FNT), three, four, five, and two hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), respectively.
Furthermore, these time zones vary significantly from other countries. Hence, to avoid call failure, it is necessary to note the time difference when calling, especially if you're reaching out for business or personal matters.
Different Types of Codes
As mentioned above, it’s essential to consider regional code when making local, long-distance, and international calls. Furthermore, it is vital to include country codes when calling from abroad. Also, a trunk code is mandatory when making a telephone call within the country.
All these codes have their own role in Brazil’s phone number format, and when placed correctly, they connect you to the desired user.
Difference Between Landline and Mobile Numbers
Brazil has different formats for mobile and landline phone numbers. Here, the landline numbers are usually shorter (8 digits) and used for fixed locations. They may have lower call rates within the same area.
However, mobile numbers are typically nine digits and more expensive to call than landlines. To distinguish them from landlines, the number always starts with 9.
Cost
Costs for local calls are only a few cents and vary depending on the distance and whether the call is to a mobile or landline number. However, calling Brazil from abroad may be more expensive, and rates depend on your service provider.
Using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services, which include carrier providers like Calilio, RingCentral, Nextiva, and others, or social media platforms like Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp, may reduce these costs.
Common Mistakes When Dialing a Brazil Phone Number
Calling Brazil's phone number is easy. However, errors can occur due to some common mistakes, leading to failed calls or reaching the wrong person. Here are a few of the most frequent issues people face when dialing a Brazilian number.
Dialing the Wrong Format
Brazil has specific dialing rules for both domestic and international calls, so ensure all the digits are in order.
For instance, when calling from another country, enter the exit code, then Brazil’s country code, followed by the area code and the receiver’s number. Also, make sure you don't dial the country and exit code for domestic calling. Instead, you should use trunk code 0 before the area code and also include a carrier selection prefix if calling long-distance.
Using Unverified Number
Another mistake when calling Brazil is using a non verified phone number. This can happen if the number is outdated, incorrectly written, or if you have not checked it before dialing. So, it's important to verify the number and confirm it is active before dialing.
Poor Network Connection
Sometimes, calls may not go through even after dialing the correct format. This could be due to poor signal reception, international dialing limitations, or network congestion. A reliable carrier or app with strong international calling support can help mitigate this problem.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, understanding Brazil's phone number format is essential for making successful local or international calls. By familiarizing yourself with the various components, such as country, area, and trunk codes, alongside mobile prefixes, you can ensure that your call reaches the intended recipient without any issues.
Besides this, it is important to consider factors like time zones, calling costs, and the convenience of virtual phone services. Well, using Calilio’s Brazil virtual phone number can be a cost-effective and effortless solution, as it allows you to make calls at lower rates without the need for a traditional landline or SIM card.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many digits is a Brazilian phone number?
Brazil’s phone numbers consist of eight to nine digits, eight digits for landline numbers and nine digits for mobile phones.
How do I dial a Brazilian number?
If you are calling from another country, you must dial the respective country’s exit code, followed by Brazil’s country code (55), area code, and local number. However, if you are making a local call, use the trunk code, carrier selection code, area code, and subscriber number (in that order), depending on whether it's a long-distance call or not.
What area code is 67 in Brazil?
The area code 67 is for the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
Do all countries have 9-digit phone numbers?
No, not all countries have 9-digit phone numbers. The length of phone numbers varies from country to country. Some countries have shorter or longer phone numbers, depending on their telecommunications system and the local numbering plan.
Which country code is +55?
The country code +55 is for Brazil.
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