How to call Brazil | In-depth guide with examples

Connecting with Brazil from the United States is essential for various reasons, ranging from business to personal.

Known for its robust sectors such as agriculture, mining, and energy—coupled with its vibrant cultural traditions and diverse cuisine—Brazil presents numerous opportunities for international business and personal interactions.

Grasping the subtleties of engaging with this dynamic South American nation is essential for fostering these relationships.

Understanding Brazil’s calling codes

To call Brazil, it's important to know the international dialing format. Brazil's country code is +55.

The method for dialing differs between mobile and landline numbers. For mobile numbers, directly dial the country code followed by the nine-digit mobile number, including the area code.

For landlines, dial the country code +55, then the two-digit area code, followed by the eight-digit local number.

Guide to calling Brazil

Before dialing, ensure you're aware of the rates charged by your carrier for international calls to Brazil. You should also make sure your connection is reliable to avoid any issues caused by latency or choppy voice transmission.

1. Check the time in Brazil

Accounting for the time difference is crucial when calling Brazil. Brazil spans multiple time zones, from UTC-2 to UTC-5. Multiple time zones mean parts of Brazil could be one to four hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time, depending on the specific region and daylight saving time policies.

It's advisable to check the local time in the specific part of Brazil you intend to call to ensure your call is made at a convenient time.

2. Dial the exit code

For international calls from the U.S., the exit code is 011, signaling an international call.

3. Enter Brazil's country code

Next, dial Brazil's country code (+55) to route your call to Brazil.

4. Dial the area code and local number

Begin with 011, followed by 55, Brazil's country code. The next steps depend on whether you're calling a Brazilian landline or mobile phone:

For a landline

Enter the area code for the specific region in Brazil you're calling, which is typically two digits, followed by the eight-digit local number.

For example, to call a landline in São Paulo with the area code 11 and the local number 1234-5678, you would dial 011-55-11-1234-5678.

For a mobile phone

Dial the mobile number directly after the country code, including the area code, which is a nine-digit number.

For instance, to call a Brazilian mobile number like 1234-56789, the correct sequence would be 011-55-11-9-1234-56789.

Tips for a successful call

Before placing a call to Brazil, ensure you have a strong connection to avoid dropped calls.

However, it’s still important to have a plan in case of technical issues. For instance, if the call drops, know whether to call back or wait for the other party to call you.

Having an understanding of and respect for Brazilian business culture and etiquette is also critical. Some things to keep in mind include:

• It's common to address individuals using their title followed by their last name. However, Brazilians quickly move to a first-name basis. If they suggest calling them by their first name, feel free to do so.
• While Brazilians are known for their love of soccer and carnival, avoid reducing their culture to just these aspects. Showing respect and interest in the broader aspects of Brazilian culture can enhance mutual respect.
• Brazil is a country of great diversity but also significant social and economic contrasts. Be mindful and respectful when discussing topics related to social issues, politics, or the economy.

Finally, as with calling any country, it’s important to be patient and flexible, as the pace of business might differ from what you're used to in the U.S.

Considerations for Brazil

Calls to Brazil, like any international destination, can be influenced by various factors. Here's an overview of the key elements that could affect your calls, including language, time differences, and other considerations:

Language and culture

Brazil is renowned for its rich linguistic and cultural diversity, with Portuguese as the dominant language spoken across the vast country. Common Portuguese greetings include:

• Olá—A universal greeting that is widely recognized throughout Brazil, used at any time of the day.
• Bom dia/Boa tarde/Boa noite—Time-specific greetings for morning, afternoon, and evening, respectively.
• Como vai? or Tudo bem?—Polite ways to start a conversation, asking "How are you?"

Apart from standard Portuguese, Brazil boasts a variety of regional dialects and indigenous languages that contribute to its cultural richness. For example, in the Amazon region, languages such as Tupi-Guarani add unique greetings and expressions, reflecting the diverse linguistic landscape of Brazil.

In the Tupi-Guarani language, "Abaeté" can serve as a greeting similar to "Hello." And "Mba'éichapa?" translates to "How are you?" These indigenous languages and dialects, along with Portuguese, illustrate the complex linguistic fabric of Brazil, highlighting its deep historical roots and vibrant cultural heritage.

Time zones

Timing is crucial when making international calls. Brazil spans four time zones:

1. Acre Time (ACT)
2. Amazon Time (AMT)
3. Brasília Time (BRT)
4. Fernando de Noronha Time (FNT)

Here's a quick guide to the time difference based on the Brazilian region you’re calling:

It’s important to note that 90% of Brazil's population lives in the BRT time zone.

How much does it cost to call Brazil?

Call charges to Brazil can vary based on your carrier, the duration of the call, and the time of day. Check with your service provider for detailed rates.

Carrier rates are particularly significant, as different service providers offer varying tariffs for international calls.

These rates can fluctuate based on the type of plan you have, whether it's a standard pay-as-you-go rate or a specialized international calling plan.

Some carriers might offer discounted rates for calls to Brazil during off-peak hours or as part of a bundle that includes a set number of international minutes.

It's advisable to thoroughly review your carrier's pricing structure and any available international calling packages to ensure cost-effective communication.

Additionally, the duration of your call plays a crucial role in determining the overall cost. Longer calls will incur higher charges, making it important to manage the length of your conversations, especially if you're on a pay-per-minute plan.

The time of day when you place the call can also impact the cost due to varying peak and off-peak rates. Calls made during peak hours are often more expensive compared to those made during off-peak times, such as late evenings or weekends, depending on your carrier's specific rate schedule.

Being mindful of these factors and planning your calls accordingly can help in managing communication expenses effectively while staying connected with contacts in Brazil.

Make affordable calls to Brazil with Telnyx

With these tips and recommendations, you're ready to call Brazil with confidence.

If you’re looking for more guidance on global calling, Telnyx’s team of experts can help you navigate the complexities of international communication.

Telnyx is a next-gen communications platform that offers a global private IP network, multi-cloud redundancy, and carrier-grade services.

Our elastic SIP trunking services make it easy to call nearly every country in the world. We also offer support and guidance to help you grow and scale your business.

With competitive pricing and a wide variety of local phone numbers in over 140 countries, Telnyx provides cost-effective calling solutions with unmatched expertise.

Contact our experts today to learn how we can help your business communicate effectively with contacts in Brazil and 140+ other countries.