Connecting with loved ones, business contacts, clients, and companies in Brazil is easier than ever when calling from the UK. Advances in technology have made international calling extremely convenient and affordable. This guide covers everything you need to know about calling Brazil from the UK.
Choosing The Best Option For Calling Brazil
When calling abroad from the UK, you have three main options:
– Landline phones
– Mobile phones
– Calling apps
Landline Phones
Calling Brazil directly from your landline phone in the UK is possible but usually quite expensive. Charges from major phone providers like BT, Sky, TalkTalk, etc. typically cost around 50p per minute. These rates apply 24/7 with no discounts.
While simple to use, landlines become very costly for anything more than a brief call. Using an international calling service or app is a much cheaper way to call Brazil.
Mobile Phones
Most UK mobile providers like Vodafone, Three, EE, and O2 include Brazil in their international call bundles or add-ons. Calling rates are normally around 20-35p per minute from a mobile.
However, check your plan’s small print carefully for exactly which countries are covered and if any fair use policies apply. Out of bundle mobile calls to Brazil can cost upwards of £1.50 per minute.
Calling Apps
Using a calling app provides the most affordable way to phone Brazil from the UK. Rates are over 80% cheaper compared to standard landlines and mobiles.
Apps like Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, Google Duo and more let you call any phone number in Brazil for only a few pence per minute.
Simply buy credit or a subscription and enter the full Brazilian number to connect. Video calls are also usually available.
Key Reasons Calling Apps Beat Landlines And Mobiles
1. Extremely low call rates – from only 1p per minute
2. No contracts or monthly fees
3. Easy to use and set up
4. Call any Brazil mobile or landline
5. Often offer video calling too
6. Much more cost effective for regular or longer calls
With rock bottom call prices, free apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime provide great value. While paid options like Skype offer very competitive call rates and extra features.
Useful Tips For Calling Brazil From The UK
– Install a calling app – To avoid high landline or mobile costs
– Check Brazil’s time zone – So you don’t call too early or late by accident
– Have the full number with area code – Including Brazil’s country code of +55
– Know your home signal strength – A stronger connection ensures better call quality
– Understand language options – Not all Brazilians speak English so consider having a translator app ready
Key Things To Know About Calling Brazil
When making calls to and from Brazil there are some useful things to remember:
Brazil Country Code
Brazil’s telephone country code is +55. This must be dialled before the area code and number when calling from abroad. Omitting +55 would cause any call from the UK to Brazil to fail.
Brazil Time Zone
Brazil has 4 official time zones. Calling the east coast like Rio de Janeiro the time difference is only 3 hours behind the UK. But the west coast around Manaus is 4 hours behind British time.
So calling early in the morning or late evening in the UK could be inconvenient for the person in Brazil you are ringing.
Brazil Dialling Formats
Brazilian telephone numbers have several recognised formats including:
(XX) XXXX XXXX
(XX) XXXXX XXXX
(XX) XXXXX-XXXX
+55 (XX) XXXX XXXX
+55 (XX) XXXXX-XXXX
Where XX refers to the 2 digit area or city code. Calls from the UK must use the full format starting with Brazil’s +55 country code.
Brazil Area Codes
Brazil uses a system of area codes for each region, city and state. Common codes include:
+55 11 – São Paulo
+55 21 – Rio de Janeiro
+55 51 – Porto Alegre
+55 61 – Brasília
+55 71 – Salvador
Major Cities And Regions To Call In Brazil
Some of the top places people ring in Brazil are:
São Paulo – Brazil’s largest city and financial capital
Rio de Janeiro – World famous for its stunning landscapes
Brasília – Brazil’s capital city since 1960
Salvador – A top tourist destination with beautiful beaches
Porto Alegre – Known for its thriving food scene
Manaus – Located deep in the Amazon rainforest
Calling Brazil’s Mobile Phones
Brazil uses the GSM system for its mobile networks. Major providers include:
Vivo
Claro
TIM
Oi Mobile
All Brazilian mobile numbers begin with 9 followed by 8 or 9. When dialling from abroad, callers must input the full international format.
For example:
+55 11 98888 8888 – Calls a mobile in São Paulo
+55 21 98989 9999 – Calls a mobile in Rio de Janeiro
Brazil’s Main Landline Providers
Brazil’s landline telephone network is operated by different companies per region, the largest being:
Oi Fixo
Vivo Fixo
Claro Fixo
Making International Calls From A Brazil Mobile Or Landline
People calling the UK from a Brazilian mobile or landline first dial the international access code 0044 then enter the UK number without the leading 0.
For example, to call a London mobile from Brazil:
00 44 7700 900555
Where 0044 is the international code for the UK. Omitting this would result in the call not connecting.
In Conclusion
Calling Brazil for business or staying in touch with family is simple when you use an app. Avoid expensive landline and mobile charges by installing an internet calling platform like Skype, WhatsApp, or FaceTime.
Remembering to use Brazil’s country code +55 and check the local time will help ensure your calls are received positively. With so many affordable options, ringing Brazil from the UK has never been more convenient.
