The 55 country code is the international dialing code for the Federative Republic of Brazil. To call a Brazilian phone number from another country, you must dial your international exit code, followed by 55, then a two-digit city code, and finally the local phone number.
Making a call to Brazil can be confusing due to the extra step of using a city code. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions for dialing Brazil correctly, along with helpful information on its phone number formats and time zones.
Where is Country Code 55 Located?
The +55 country code is assigned exclusively to Brazil, the largest country in both South America and Latin America.
- Country: Brazil
- Capital City: Brasília
- Largest City: São Paulo
- Time Zones: Brazil is a vast country with four different time zones, ranging from UTC-2 to UTC-5. It is essential to check the local time for the specific city you are calling before you dial.
Any phone number that begins with +55 is registered in Brazil.
How to Call Brazil (Using the +55 Code) Step-by-Step
The most important part of calling Brazil is remembering to include the two-digit city code after the country code.
From the USA or Canada
- Dial the U.S./Canada Exit Code: 011
- Dial the Brazil Country Code: 55
- Dial the two-digit Brazilian city code (e.g., 11 for São Paulo, 21 for Rio de Janeiro).
- Dial the local eight- or nine-digit phone number.
Example (calling a São Paulo mobile number):
011 + 55 + 11 + 9XXXX-XXXX
From the United Kingdom or Europe
- Dial the European Exit Code: 00
- Dial the Brazil Country Code: 55
- Dial the two-digit Brazilian city code.
- Dial the local eight- or nine-digit phone number.
Example (calling a Rio de Janeiro landline):
00 + 55 + 21 + XXXX-XXXX
Important: Finding and Using Brazilian City Codes
You cannot place a call to Brazil without the correct two-digit city code. Here is a list of some of the most common city codes:
| City | City Code |
| São Paulo | 11 |
| Rio de Janeiro | 21 |
| Belo Horizonte | 31 |
| Brasília | 61 |
| Curitiba | 41 |
| Fortaleza | 85 |
| Manaus | 92 |
| Salvador | 71 |
Understanding Brazilian Phone Numbers
After the city code, the format of the local number depends on whether it is a mobile or landline number.
- Mobile Numbers in Brazil are nine digits long and almost always start with the digit 9.
- Landline Numbers in Brazil are eight digits
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 55 an area code in the USA?
No. The number 55 is not a part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). It is exclusively the country code for the South American nation of Brazil.
Are calls to Brazil expensive?
Yes. Calling Brazil from North America, Europe, or other regions is an international long-distance call and will be billed at a higher rate than domestic calls. To avoid surprises on your bill, check the specific rates for calling Brazil with your phone service provider.
How do I add a Brazilian number to WhatsApp?
You must save the number in your phone’s contacts in the full international format. Start with +55, followed by the two-digit city code, and then the nine-digit mobile number. For example, a mobile number in Rio de Janeiro would be saved as +55 21 9XXXX-XXXX.
Does all of Brazil have the same time zone?
No. Brazil is a very large country with four official time zones. The main time zone, which includes Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, is Brasília Time (UTC-3). Always check the local time for the specific city you are calling.
Conclusion
In summary, the 55 country code is the international identifier for Brazil. To place a call successfully, you must dial your country’s exit code (such as 011 from the US), followed by 55, then the mandatory two-digit city code, and finally the local eight- or nine-digit phone number. By following this format and being mindful of the local time, you can easily connect with people and businesses in Brazil.
