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If you're trying to reach a friend or family member in Brazil, the fifth-largest country in the world, making a phone call is simple and fast, provided you understand the international dialing system. Before you make the call, you will need to know a few things: the time in Brazil, your international dialing prefix, the country code for Brazil, the area or city code, and the local phone number. This guide covers how to find all the necessary numbers, as well as tips on phone etiquette and affordable alternatives to traditional international calling.
Process
Dialing via Telephone
Find your country's exit code. The exit code allows you to make international calls from your country, also known as the international access code or IDD (International Direct Dialing) code. Each country has its own code. A quick online search for “ exit code” will show you the correct number instantly.
- Examples of exit codes: USA and Canada = 011, United Kingdom (and several other countries, including Argentina and New Zealand) = 00
Brazil's country code is 55. A country code enables you to reach that country from abroad—Brazil's country code makes calling Brazil from any other country possible. These codes are typically one or two digits long and are dialed after your country's exit code.
- For example, if you're dialing from the USA or Canada, you would dial 011-55:
+ 55. - If you need to find a country code, simply search online for “what is
Ensure you have the correct area/city code. An area code typically consists of 1 to 3 digits and helps pinpoint the location of the call within the country. Brazil uses 2-digit area codes, which vary based on the city or region you're calling. If you're unsure of the correct code, search online for “ Brazil area code.”
- Examples of Brazilian area codes include: Rio de Janeiro = 21, Anapolis = 91, São Paulo = 11. If you're calling São Paulo from the USA, you would dial 011-55-11 before the local 8-digit number.
- Often, the area code is included in the phone number, typically displayed in parentheses, such as (11) 5555-5555.
Double-check the local phone number. This is the direct number for the residence or business you're calling in Brazil. Brazilian local numbers are 8 digits long. If you're unsure about the number, confirm it through email or social media (for personal contacts) or search online (for businesses, government offices, etc.).
Write down the full international phone number. It's a good idea to record the complete number or store it in a document for easy future reference.
- The full sequence of numbers should be
+ 55 (Brazil’s country code) + + <8-digit local number>. - For instance, to dial the number 5555-5555 in São Paulo, Brazil, from the USA, you would write down 011-55-11-5555-5555 and dial it.
Dial the full international phone number. Once you have all the necessary digits, dial the number and wait for the ringing sound, indicating that the call is successfully connected.
Exploring More Affordable Calling Options
Consider using an Internet-based service. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services allow you to make international calls at a fraction of the cost of traditional phone providers. All you need is a computer, smartphone, or tablet, and an internet connection.
- Popular VoIP services include Skype, Google+ Hangouts, Viber, and Jitsi.
- If you frequently call Brazil, check if your VoIP provider offers subscription plans or flat-rate packages for a certain number of minutes to Brazil. This can drastically lower your per-minute calling rates.
Purchase an international calling card. If you don't have access to the internet but do have a landline with free local calls, an international calling card might be your best option. Rates for calling cards can vary, and some may come with hidden fees. Look for a calling card with simple pricing and minimal additional charges. Popular calling cards include Pingo, EnjoyPrepaid, Comfi, Nobelcom, and CallingCards.
- However, if your mobile phone doesn't have unlimited minutes, calling cards might not be the best choice, as you’ll also pay for your mobile minutes in addition to the calling card fees. For example, if your phone charges you 25 cents per minute and the card costs another 2 cents per minute, you’ll pay at least 27 cents per minute, not counting any connection or hidden fees.
Reach out to your phone provider. If you're making international calls frequently and prefer not to use a VoIP service, consider contacting your phone provider to inquire about any international calling packages or long-distance rates they might offer to reduce your costs.
Maintaining Proper Etiquette
Check the local time zone. Brazil spans four time zones, ranging from -2 to -5 hours relative to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The country's official time zone, where cities like Rio, São Paulo, and Brasília are located, is GMT-3.
- For example, if you’re calling São Paulo from New York during Daylight Savings Time (DST), keep in mind that São Paulo is one hour ahead of New York. This is especially important when calling late at night, as the person you’re trying to reach might be asleep.
Learn some essential Portuguese phrases. Portuguese is the official language of Brazil. Knowing a few basic phrases will help you if someone else answers the phone:
- Hello, my name is… = Oi, meu nome é…
- Do you speak
? = Você fala ? - May I please speak to… = Por favor, posso falar com…
- Can I leave a message? = Eu posso por favor deixar uma mensagem?
- My phone number is… = O meu número de telefone é…
- Thank you very much = Muito obrigado (or Obrigadoa if you’re female)
Be ready to follow up. Some people suggest that phone calls in Brazil aren’t as effective as email or in-person communication, and voice messages are often not returned. If your message isn’t responded to within 2 or 3 days, consider following up with an email or trying to call again.
- Be polite and avoid expressing frustration when communication doesn’t go as expected, as it’s likely due to cultural differences.
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If your call doesn’t go through as expected, hang up and contact operator assistance for help making the call. In North America, the operator assistance number is 00 for international calls; in the UK, it’s 155. The number varies by country, and it’s different from the local operator assistance number (e.g., in North America, it’s 0).
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Think of exit codes and country codes as doors: dial your country's exit code to open the door and leave your country, then dial the destination country's code to open the door and enter that country.
