Brazil Phone Number Format: A Complete Guide

Are you planning to call Brazil or learn about its phone number system?

😉 Making international calls can be confusing, but it’s easy with the right information. Whether you’re calling a landline, a mobile phone, or a toll-free number, each call has its steps to follow.

In this guide, we’ll explain Brazil’s phone number format. You’ll learn how to call from inside Brazil or from another country and some helpful tips to make your calls easy.

Let’s get started so you can dial like a pro! 🚀

What is Brazil’s Phone Number Format?

The Brazil phone number structure is designed to facilitate the correct dialing of Brazilian phone numbers. This format includes the country code, area code, and an 8—to 9-digit subscriber number. It is part of the international phone number format commonly used.

Brazilian phone numbers typically follow this structure:

• For Landlines: +55 XX YYYY-YYYY
• For Mobile Phones: +55 XX YYYYY-YYY

Here’s a breakdown of each component:

• +55 is the Brazil country code.
•  XX is the two-digit area code.
• YYYY-YYYY is the eight-digit local number for landlines.
• YYYYY-YYY is the nine-digit mobile phone number.

When dialing a Brazilian phone number from abroad, it’s essential to include both the Brazil code number and the area code to ensure your call is directed to the correct location.

Types of Brazil Phone Numbers

1. Geographic Numbers (Landline Numbers)

Geographic numbers in Brazil are regular landline numbers tied to specific areas. Each area has its own code, making these numbers easy for locals to recognize. Homes and businesses commonly use these numbers within a certain region.

For example, if you have a phone number with the area code (61), it’s for Brasília. When calling someone in the city, you need to dial that area code to connect. Many businesses use geographic numbers to establish a local presence and build trust with their customers.

Brazil Landline Phone Number Format

The format includes Brazil’s country code, area code, and subscriber number:

• Country code: +55 is the Brazil country code.
• Area code: 2-digit code identifying the region.
• Subscriber number: 8-digit unique number for the landline.

So, the Brazil landline phone number format looks like this:  +55 61 XXXX XXXX

Where,

• +55 is the country code,
• 61 is the 2-digit area code of Brasilia,
• XXXX XXXX is the 8-digit local number.

How to Dial a Brazil Landline Number?

If you want to call a landline number in Brazil, you need to follow a few steps. Here’s how to do it from inside Brazil and from another country.

Calling from inside Brazil

1. Dial the Area Code: Start with the 2-digit area code for the city. For example, Rio de Janeiro uses the area code 21.
2. Dial the Local Number: Then, enter the 8-digit local number.

Example: To call a store in Rio de Janeiro with the number 1234-5678, you would dial (21) 1234-5678.

Calling from Outside Brazil (like from the USA):

1. Dial the Exit Code: Start with 011, which is the exit code for the USA.
2. Dial Brazil’s Country Code: Next, enter 55, which is Brazil’s country code.
3. Dial the Area Code: Add the 2-digit area code for the city you’re calling.
4. Dial the Local Number: Finally, enter the 8-digit local number.

Example: To call the same store from the USA, you would dial 011 + 55 + 21 + 1234-5678.

Quick Steps:

• From Inside Brazil: Area Code + Local Number
• From Outside Brazil: Exit Code + Brazil Country Code + Area Code + Local Number

2. Mobile Numbers

Mobile numbers in Brazil are assigned to specific mobile phones or SIM cards. They allow you to connect with others without being limited by geography. In Brazil, mobile phone numbers are important for staying in touch with friends, family, and businesses.

Brazil Mobile Phone Number Format

The format of a Brazil mobile phone number includes:

• Country Code: +55 is the Brazil country code.
• Mobile Network Prefix: Usually starts with 9.
• Subscriber Number: A unique 9-digit mobile number.

So, a typical Brazil mobile phone number format looks like this: +55 9XXXX XXXX.

Where,

• +55 is the country code,
• 9 is a mobile prefix
• XXXX XXXX is the subscriber number.

How to Dial Brazil Phone Numbers?

To dial a Brazil phone numbers, here are the following steps:

Calling from inside Brazil

• Start with the mobile prefix, which is typically 9.
• Dial the remaining 8-digit mobile number.

Example: To call a friend at 9876-5432, you would dial 9 9876-5432.

Calling from outside Brazil

• Dial your country’s exit code. For Canada, it’s 011.
• Then dial Brazil’s country code 55.
• Next, add the mobile prefix and the mobile number.

Example: To call your friend from Canada, you would dial 011 55 9 9876-5432.

3. Troll-Free Numbers

Toll-free numbers allow people to call businesses or organizations without paying for the call. Instead, the business pays for the call. In Brazil, toll-free numbers usually start with 0800.

Businesses in Brazil use toll-free numbers to make it easy and free for customers to contact them. This way, customers can reach out without worrying about call costs.

Brazil Toll-Free Phone Number Format

In Brazil, the toll-free phone number format is written like this: Troll-free code (0800) + 7-digit subscriber number.

• Toll-Free Code: The number starts with 0800. If you see this, it’s a toll-free number.
• Subscriber Number: This is a unique 7-digit number for a specific business.

So, the full format for a toll-free number in Brazil looks like 0800 XXX-XXXX. 

Where,

• 0800 is the toll-free code,
• XXX-XXXX is the 7-digit business number.

How to Call a Brazil Toll-Free Number?

Calling a toll-free number within Brazil is straightforward. Just follow these steps:

1. Dial the toll-free prefix: Start by entering the prefix 0800.
2. Enter the 7-digit subscriber number: Next, input the 7-digit number associated with the business.

Example: To reach Vivo, a telecommunications service provider, you would call 0800 123 4567 using your mobile or landline.

Calling from Outside Brazil

If you’re dialing from outside Brazil, like from the USA, here’s how to do it:

1. Dial the US exit code: Start with 011.
2. Add Brazil’s country code: Then enter 55.
3. Dial the toll-free prefix: Input 0800.
4. Finish with the toll-free number: Finally, enter the 7-digit number.

Example: To call Vivo’s toll-free number from the US, you would dial 011 55 800 123 4567.

4. Emergency Phone Numbers

Emergency phone numbers allow people to reach local services for help in urgent situations quickly. These numbers are usually short and easy to remember, typically having just three digits. They connect callers to essential services like hospitals, police, and fire departments, which are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In Brazil, several important emergency numbers can be dialed for immediate assistance:

• Firefighters: Call 193 for fire emergencies.
• Military Police: Dial 190 to report any criminal activity.
• Medical Emergency: Use 192 for medical emergencies.

5. Special Phone Numbers

In Brazil, there are special phone prefixes with unique charging rules set by Anatel ( the Brazilian Telecommunications Agency). These numbers serve specific purposes and have unique pricing policies. Here’s a look at these prefixes:

• 0300: National numbers with a single price for the entire country, often called “shared-cost” calls, meaning both the caller and the receiver share the costs.
• 0500: These numbers are used for donations and have the same pricing across all regions.
• 0800: These numbers are toll-free for the caller, commonly used by companies for customer support, meaning the caller pays nothing.
• 0900: These are premium-rate numbers that incur higher charges.

Furthermore, Brazil has specific 11-digit numbers for various purposes, including:

• 0300-XXX-XXXX: Flat-rate calls
• 0303-XXX-XXXX: Televoting
• 0500-XXX-XXXX: Premium-rate calls
• 0800-XXX-XXXX: Toll-free calls
• 0900-XXX-XXXX: Premium-rate calls                                                                        

 Codes for Dialing Brazil Numbers

When calling Brazil, knowing the correct dialing codes for Brazil is essential for connecting your call. Here’s a simple breakdown of what you need to know.

1. Country Code

Brazil’s country code is +55. This code tells the phone system that you want to connect to Brazil.

2. International Dialing Prefix

 Before the country code, you need to dial an international prefix, which is different in each country. 

For example:

• In the USA, dial 011 before the country code.
• In the UK, dial 00 before the country code.

3. Area Code

 After the country code, you need the area code for the specific city you are calling. Brazil has many area codes, usually 2 digits long. 

For example:

• 11 for Sao Paulo
• 21 for Rio de Janeiro
• 71 for Salvador
• 61 for Brasilia

4. Local Number

 Finally, you dial the local number, which can be 8 or 9 digits long. For example, a São Paulo mobile number could be 91234-5678.

Example of Dialing

If you are in the USA and want to call a mobile number in São Paulo (11-91234-5678), you would dial:

• 011 (USA prefix)
• 55 (Brazil country code)
• 11 (São Paulo area code)
• 91234-5678 (local number)

So, you would dial : 011-55-11-91234-5678.

How Many Area Codes Are There In Brazil?

Brazil is home to a variety of area codes that help identify different regions and cities across the country. Currently, there are over 90 area codes used in Brazil. Here’s a list of some of the area codes in Brazil.

How to Dial Brazil Phone Numbers

To ensure successful connections, it’s important to follow the correct format when dialing Brazil phone numbers. Below are step-by-step guides for making international and local calls.

Step-by-Step Guide for International Calls

Dialing a Brazilian phone number from abroad involves a few specific steps. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start with the International Dialing Code:
   Begin by dialing your country’s international access code. For example, in the U.S. and Canada, this is 011.
2. Add Brazil’s Country Code:
   After the international access code, dial 55, which is Brazil’s country code.
3. Dial the Area Code:
   Next, enter the 2-digit area code for the region you are calling. For instance, Sao Paulo has the area code 11.
4. Enter the Local Number:
   Finally, dial the local phone number. If it’s a landline, it will have 8 digits; for mobile phones, it will have 9 digits (usually starting with a 9).

Example: If you are calling a mobile number in Sao Paulo, you would dial:
011 + 55 + 11 + 91234-5678

Step-by-Step Guide for Local Calls

Making a local call within Brazil is straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Dial the Area Code:
   Begin by dialing the 2-digit area code for the city or region you are calling. For example, for Sao Paulo, dial 11.
2. Dial the Local Number:
   Next, enter the local number. If it’s a landline, it will be 8 digits; for mobile phones, it will be 9 digits, starting with a 9.

Example: If you are calling a local mobile number in Sao Paulo, you would dial:
(11) 1234-5678.

Where,

• 11 is the area code for Sao Paulo.
• 1234-5678 is a fictional local number.

What Is the Best Time To Call Brazil?

When calling Brazil from the U.S., it’s important to consider the time difference to ensure your call is well-timed. Here’s a table that shows the best times to reach Brazil based on various U.S. time zones:

Final Words 

Brazil’s phone number format is easy to understand. It starts with the country code (+55), followed by the area code, then the local number.

Landline numbers have 10 digits, and mobile numbers have 11 digits. If you’re calling from outside Brazil, add the exit code, Brazil’s country code, and the right area code to make sure your call connects smoothly.

With many area codes across the country and the rise of mobile numbers, it’s important to stay up to date. Also, check the time difference when calling. Following these easy steps will help you reach anyone in Brazil anytime.

FAQs

What is Brazil country code?

The country code for Brazil is +55. 

How many digits is Brazil phone number?

Brazilian phone numbers have 10 or 11 digits. The first two digits are the area code. Mobile numbers typically have 11 digits, while landlines have 10.

Are there any recent changes to Brazil phone numbers?

Yes, recent changes in Brazil require all mobile phone numbers to include the area code when dialing, even for local calls. Furthermore, Brazil has implemented a numbering plan to accommodate the increasing number of mobile users, which may include new area codes.

How can I find the area code for a specific city in Brazil?

You can find the area code for a specific city in Brazil by searching online directories or visiting websites that provide telephone area codes, such as Anatel’s official site. You can also check with your phone service provider for accurate information.

How long are Brazil numbers?

Brazilian phone numbers are typically 10 digits for landlines and 11 digits for mobile phones. The 11-digit numbers include a 2-digit area code followed by 9 additional digits.

How to write a Brazilian number?

To write a Brazilian phone number, format it as follows:

• For landlines: (XX) XXXX-XXXX
• For mobile phones: (XX) 9XXXX-XXXX

What do phone numbers in Brazil look like?

Phone numbers in Brazil typically follow this format:

• Landline: (XX) XXXX-XXXX
• Mobile: (XX) 9XXXX-XXXX

What is a Brazil phone number example?

An example of a Brazilian phone number is:

• Landline: (11) 1234-5678
• Mobile: (11) 91234-5678