How to Call Brazil From the US: Complete Guide (+55)
Table of Contents
Brazil has one of the most complex dialling systems in the world — and calling from the US adds another layer. But once you understand the format, it is straightforward. And with VoIP, calls that cost $3-$5/min through carriers drop to $0.03-$0.10/min.
This guide breaks down Brazil's unique numbering system and shows you the cheapest ways to call from the US.
How to Dial Brazil From the US
Step by Step
- Dial + (or 011 from a US landline)
- Dial 55 (Brazil country code)
- Dial the DDD area code (2 digits)
- Dial the local number (8-9 digits)
Key rule for mobiles: Brazilian mobile numbers now have 9 digits starting with 9. So a São Paulo mobile is +55 11 9XXXX XXXX (area code 11 + 9 + 8 digits). Landlines are 8 digits and do NOT start with 9.
Brazil DDD Area Codes
The Carrier Code Confusion
When Brazilians call long-distance within Brazil, they dial a 2-digit carrier code (like 21 for Embratel, 15 for Vivo). Example: 0 + carrier code + DDD + number.
Cheapest Ways to Call Brazil From the US
Note: Brazil mobile rates are significantly higher than landline rates across all services. This is because Brazil has some of the highest mobile termination fees in the world.
Best Option by Situation
Calling family in Brazil
WhatsApp — Brazil is one of WhatsApp's biggest markets. Nearly every Brazilian has it. Free for voice and video calls. Use BubblyPhone as backup.
Calling Brazilian businesses
BubblyPhone at $0.03/min for landlines. Most Brazilian businesses still use landlines (starting with 3 or 4).
Calling Brazilian mobile numbers
BubblyPhone at $0.10/min or Google Voice at $0.09/min. For frequent callers, Rebtel at $0.08/min with a plan.
Tips for Calling Brazil
- Time zones: Brazil spans 4 time zones. São Paulo/Rio are 2 hours ahead of EST (BRT, UTC-3). Manaus is 1 hour behind São Paulo.
- WhatsApp dominance: Brazil has 165M+ WhatsApp users. If the person has a smartphone, try WhatsApp first.
- Mobile vs landline: If a number starts with 9 after the area code, it is a mobile. If it starts with 2, 3, 4, or 5, it is a landline.
- Number length: Always 13 digits for mobile (+55 XX 9XXXX XXXX) and 12 digits for landline (+55 XX XXXX XXXX) when dialling from the US.
Summary
Calling Brazil is cheap for landlines ($0.03/min) but pricier for mobiles ($0.08-$0.10/min). WhatsApp is king in Brazil — use it first. For landlines and business calls, BubblyPhone is the cheapest no-app option. Always dial +55 + DDD area code + number, skip the carrier code.
