International Calling

How to Call Brazil from Italy: A Step-by-Step Guide

Last Updated: November 24, 2025
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Connecting with Brazil from Italy is essential for many. You might be reaching out to family, friends, or business partners. Understanding the correct dialing process is the first step. This guide makes international calling simple and straightforward. It covers codes, costs, and the best times to call.

Brazil’s vibrant culture and growing economy attract global interest. Knowing how to call correctly is vital for personal and professional ties. You need to understand country codes, area codes, and time differences. For instance, checking the local time on a site like TimeAndDate.com ensures you call at a convenient hour. We will break down everything you need for a successful call.


The Essential Dialing Sequence: Brazil from Italy

Making an international call requires a specific sequence of numbers. This process ensures your call travels from Italy to the correct phone in Brazil. Following these steps carefully prevents failed connections.

Cracking the International Calling Codes

Every international call starts with two key codes. First, you dial an exit code. This signals that your call is leaving your country’s network. Next, you dial a country code. This directs the call to the destination country.

  • Italy’s Exit Code: 00
  • Brazil’s Country Code: 55

You must dial these codes in the correct order. The exit code always comes before the country code. This is a universal rule for international dialing.

Calling a Brazilian Landline: Step-by-Step

When calling a landline in Brazil, you follow a clear four-step process. Each part of the sequence has a specific purpose.

  • Dial the Italian Exit Code: Start with 00.
  • Dial Brazil’s Country Code: Next, enter 55.
  • Add the Brazilian Area Code: Dial the two-digit area code for the city. For São Paulo, this is 11.
  • Enter the Local Number: Finally, dial the 8-digit local landline number.

Example: To call a São Paulo landline (1234-5678), you would dial: 00 55 11 12345678.

Calling a Brazilian Mobile Phone: Step-by-Step

Calling a mobile phone is very similar to calling a landline. However, mobile phones often allow for a convenient shortcut.

  • Use the Plus Sign (+) or Exit Code: On a mobile, you can press and hold 0 to get the + symbol. This replaces the exit code. Alternatively, you can still dial 00.
  • Dial Brazil’s Country Code: Follow with 55.
  • Add the Brazilian Area Code: Input the correct two-digit city code, such as 21 for Rio de Janeiro.
  • Enter the Mobile Number: Dial the 9-digit mobile number. It almost always begins with the digit 9.

Example: To call a Rio mobile (98765-4321), you would dial: +55 21 987654321.


Navigating Brazilian Phone Numbers and Area Codes

Brazil is a large country with a structured telephone system. Understanding its area codes and number formats is crucial. This knowledge ensures your call connects to the right person.

Understanding Brazilian Area Codes (DDD)

Brazilian area codes are known as DDD codes (Código de Discagem Direta). These are two-digit numbers assigned to specific geographic regions. Without the correct DDD, your call will not go through. It is just as important as the country code itself.

A Quick Guide to Major Brazilian Area Codes

City/State (Major)Area Code (DDD)
São Paulo, SP11
Rio de Janeiro, RJ21
Brasília, DF61
Belo Horizonte, MG31
Salvador, BA71
Curitiba, PR41
Porto Alegre, RS51
Fortaleza, CE85


If your destination is not listed, a quick online search will provide the correct DDD. Always confirm the area code before dialing.

Decoding the Brazilian Phone Number Format

Brazilian phone numbers have a specific structure. You must know if you are calling a landline or a mobile number.

  • Landline (Fixed) Numbers: These are typically 8 digits long. They follow the two-digit area code. For example: (11) 2345-6789.
  • Mobile Numbers: These are 9 digits long after the area code. A leading 9 was added to most mobile numbers. For example: (11) 98765-4321.

Always check whether your contact’s number is a mobile or landline. Adding a ‘9’ to a landline will result in a failed call.

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Timing Your Call Perfectly: Italy to Brazil

Time differences can make or break an international call. You certainly do not want to call someone in the middle of the night. Brazil’s multiple time zones add another layer to consider.

Brazil’s Multiple Time Zones Explained

Brazil officially uses three primary time zones. Knowing which zone your contact is in is important.

  • Brasília Official Time (BRT): UTC-3. This covers most of Brazil, including São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
  • Amazon Time (AMT): UTC-4. This applies to states like Amazonas and Rondônia.
  • Acre Time (ACT): UTC-5. This is used only in the state of Acre.

Italy uses Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1. During daylight saving, it switches to CEST (UTC+2).

Calculating the Time Difference

Let’s focus on the most common scenario: calling the BRT zone from Italy.

  • During Italian Standard Time (CET): Brazil is 4 hours behind Italy. A 2:00 PM call from Italy is 10:00 AM in Brazil.
  • During Italian Daylight Saving Time (CEST): Brazil is 5 hours behind Italy. A 2:00 PM call from Italy is 9:00 AM in Brazil.

The Best Times to Call Brazil

To ensure you call at a convenient time, use this table as a reference. It shows the time conversion during Italy’s CEST period (UTC+2).

Time in Italy (CEST)Time in Brazil (BRT)Call Suitability
10:00 AM5:00 AMToo early
2:00 PM9:00 AMGood for business
5:00 PM12:00 PMGood for personal calls
8:00 PM3:00 PMGood for business/personal
11:00 PM6:00 PMLate, check first


For business calls, aim for the Italian afternoon. This aligns with Brazilian morning business hours. For personal calls, the Italian evening works well.


Managing the Costs of International Calls

The cost of calling Brazil from Italy can be a major concern. Traditional phone services often charge high rates. Luckily, modern solutions offer affordable alternatives.

The High Price of Traditional Calling

Using a standard landline or mobile provider can be expensive. Per-minute rates for international calls often range from €0.50 to over €2.00. These costs add up quickly, especially during long conversations. Some carriers also add connection fees. This makes frequent communication costly for both individuals and businesses.

Smarter Alternatives: VoIP and Virtual Numbers

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP services) are a game-changer. They use the internet to make calls, which significantly cuts costs.

  • VoIP Services: These offer much lower per-minute rates. Some plans even include unlimited international calling for a flat fee.
  • Virtual Numbers: A virtual number Brazil makes you look local. People in Brazil can call you at local rates. The call is then forwarded to your phone in Italy.

These technologies make global communication more accessible. They remove the financial barrier to staying connected.

Why Telfon is Your Go-To Solution

Telfon provides a powerful and affordable way to call Brazil. It uses VoIP technology to offer crystal-clear calls at low rates. You can also get a virtual number for Brazil. This helps you build a local presence without a physical office. When you call from your virtual number, it appears as a local Brazilian number. This increases trust and answer rates. Telfon makes international calling easy and economical.

Get Your Brazilian Number with Telfon


Overcoming Common International Calling Hurdles

Sometimes, international calls face challenges. Knowing how to handle them ensures a smooth experience. Here are common roadblocks and their solutions.

  • Incorrect Dialing: A single wrong digit can stop your call.

Solution: Write down the full number before dialing: +55 (Area Code) (Local Number). Double-check each part.

  • Time Zone Mix-Ups: Calling at an awkward hour is a frequent mistake.

Solution: Always use a world clock to check the local time in your contact’s city before you call.

  • High Calling Costs: Unexpectedly large bills are a major concern.

Solution: Switch to a VoIP provider like Telfon. You can save up to 50% compared to traditional carriers.

  • Unanswered Calls: Your contact may not recognize an Italian number.

Solution: Use a virtual number for Brazil from Telfon. Your call will display a local number, increasing the chance it gets answered.


Key Takeaways for a Flawless Call

To successfully call Brazil from Italy, remember these key points.

  • Master the Codes: Start with + (or 00), then Brazil’s country code (55), and finally the local area code.
  • Check the Number Format: Mobile numbers have 9 digits (starting with 9). Landlines have 8 digits.
  • Respect the Time Zone: Brazil is 4-5 hours behind Italy. Call during the Italian afternoon for Brazilian business hours.
  • Choose a Smart Service: Use a VoIP service like Telfon to lower costs and improve call quality. A virtual number helps you appear local.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I dial a Brazilian mobile number from Italy?

Use the format: +55 (Area Code) (9-Digit Mobile Number). For example, to call a mobile in São Paulo, you would dial +55 11 9xxxxxxxx.

2. What is the country code for Brazil?

Brazil’s country code is 55. This must be dialed after Italy’s exit code (+ or 00).

3. Are all Brazilian mobile numbers 9 digits long?

Yes, most mobile numbers in Brazil have 9 digits after the area code. The first of these nine digits is almost always a 9.

4. What is the cheapest way to call Brazil from Italy?

Using a VoIP service like Telfon is the most cost-effective method. It offers significantly lower rates than traditional phone companies.

5. Can I get a Brazilian phone number while living in Italy?

Yes. Services like Telfon allow you to purchase a virtual number for Brazil. This number works through an app on your phone in Italy.

6. How many hours behind is Brazil from Italy?

Brazil’s main time zone (BRT) is 4 hours behind Italy during standard time (CET) and 5 hours behind during daylight saving time (CEST).

7. Is an area code required for mobile numbers in Brazil?

Yes, you must always include the two-digit area code (DDD) when calling a Brazilian mobile number from another country.

8. Is WhatsApp popular in Brazil?

WhatsApp is extremely popular in Brazil for both personal and business communication. Telfon offers WhatsApp integration for seamless messaging.

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