Connecting with business partners or family across borders requires clear communication lines. You might need to confirm a hotel booking in Lisbon. Perhaps you are closing a deal with a client in Porto. Understanding the dialing process ensures your important conversations happen without technical hitches.

Calls to Portugal follow a specific logical structure. You must combine the correct exit codes, country codes, and local numbers. This guide breaks down every step for you. We also explore how modern tools like Telfon save money on international rates. For general travel advice, you can check the Visit Portugal official website.

Understanding the International Dialing Format

Every international call relies on a standardized string of numbers. You cannot simply dial the local number as you would if you were in Lisbon. Your UK phone needs specific instructions to route the call abroad.

The structure always includes three main parts. First, you need the exit code. Second, you input the destination country code. Finally, you dial the subscriber’s specific number. Missing any part results in a failed connection.

The Three Pillars of an International Call:

• Exit Code: This lets your carrier know the call is international.

• Country Code: This directs the call to the specific nation.

• Subscriber Number: This connects you to the specific person or business.

The UK Exit Code and Portugal Country Code

You must start with the UK exit code. For landlines, this code is 00. If you dial from a mobile, you can use the + symbol. Both perform the same function.

Next, you need Portugal’s unique identity code. The country code for Portugal is 351. You will use this for every single call to the country. It applies to both landlines and mobile phones.

Visualizing the Sequence:

How to Call Portugal from a UK Landline

Calling from a fixed line in your home or office requires the manual exit code. You cannot use the ‘+’ symbol on a standard landline phone.

Follow these exact steps:

• Lift the receiver and listen for the dial tone.

• Dial 00 (UK exit code).

• Dial 351 (Portugal country code).

• Enter the Area Code (for landlines) or Mobile Prefix.

• Dial the remaining Local Number.

Example:

To call a landline in Lisbon (21) with the number 123 4567:

Dial: 00 351 21 123 4567

How to Call Portugal from a UK Mobile

Mobile phones offer a slightly faster method. Smartphones recognize the + symbol as the universal exit code. This saves you from remembering the specific exit code of the country you are in.

Follow these exact steps:

• Open your phone’s keypad.

• Hold down the 0 key until + appears.

• Dial 351.

• Enter the Mobile Prefix or Area Code.

• Press the call button.

Example:

To call a Portuguese mobile (starts with 9) with number 912 345 678:

Dial: +351 912 345 678

Major Area Codes in Portugal

Landlines in Portugal are tied to specific geographic regions. You need the correct area code to connect to a fixed line. These codes are usually two or three digits long.

If you skip the area code on a landline call, the call will fail. Mobile numbers do not use these geographic codes.

Common Portuguese Landline Area Codes:

Understanding Portuguese Mobile Numbers

Mobile numbers in Portugal function differently from landlines. They do not link to a specific city. Instead, they link to a mobile network provider.

Portuguese mobile numbers usually start with the digit 9. They are nine digits long in total. You do not add a city code like ’21’ before a mobile number.

Common Mobile Prefixes:

• 91: Vodafone Portugal

• 92: TMEO / Other MVNOs

• 93: NOS

• 96: MEO

When you see a number starting with 9, treat it as a mobile. Dial +351 followed immediately by the nine-digit number.

Best Times to Call Portugal

Timing your call is as important as dialing the right numbers. You want to ensure the person is available. Fortunately, the time difference is minimal.

Portugal operates on Western European Time (WET). This is the same as GMT. The UK also operates on GMT. Therefore, for most of the year, there is zero time difference.

Key Time Considerations:

• Business Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

• Lunch Breaks: Portuguese lunches are often longer, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM.

• Daylight Savings: Both countries usually switch clocks on the same dates.

Always double-check schedules if you are calling around late March or late October. Clock changes can occasionally be out of sync by a week.

The Cost of Calling Portugal

Traditional international calls can ruin your budget. Standard carriers charge high rates per minute for cross-border communication.

Many UK providers categorize European calls as “Zone 1” or “Zone 2”. However, calls to mobiles are often charged at a premium rate. A 30-minute business call could cost significantly more than you expect.

Typical Cost Factors:

• Connection Fee: A flat fee just to start the call.

• Per Minute Rate: Charges that accumulate quickly.

• Mobile vs. Landline: Calling a mobile is usually more expensive.

To avoid “bill shock,” you should look for modern alternatives.

Why Choose VoIP Over Traditional Carriers?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has changed global communication. It uses the internet to transmit voice data. This bypasses the expensive copper wire networks of traditional phone companies.

VoIP offers clearer audio and lower costs. It also enables features that traditional phones cannot match. This is ideal for businesses needing reliable connections.

Advantages of VoIP:

• Lower Rates: Save up to 50% compared to standard carriers.

• Flexibility: Call from any device (phone, laptop, tablet).

• Scalability: Add new lines instantly.

Telfon: The Smart Way to Call Portugal

Telfon is a leading cloud telephony solution designed for global connectivity. It serves over 30,000 users worldwide. More than 600 companies rely on it for daily operations.

You do not need complex hardware. Telfon works as a virtual phone calling app. It is perfect for real estate agents, sales experts, and HR personnel.

Why Use Telfon for Portugal?

• Cost Savings: Pay-as-you-go pricing plans help you control your budget.

• Global Reach: Services cover 180+ countries, not just Portugal.

• Platform Availability: Use it on Google Play, App Store, or Chrome Web Store.

Get a Virtual Portuguese Number

A virtual number allows you to have a local presence in Portugal while staying in the UK. You can purchase a Portuguese number through Telfon.

When you call clients from this number, they see a local ID. This increases trust and answer rates. It also allows Portuguese contacts to call you at local rates.

Who Benefits from a Virtual Number?

• Exporters: Build trust with Portuguese buyers.

• Travel Agencies: Provide local support for tourists.

• Remote Workers: Maintain a professional appearance.

• Families: Let elderly relatives call you cheaply.

Essential Features for Business Calls

Business communication requires more than just voice transmission. You need tools to manage relationships and data. Telfon provides advanced B2B features.

Key Features Include:

• Call Recording: Review calls for training or compliance.

• CRM Integration: Log calls automatically.

• Analytics: View charts and graphs of call volume.

• Dashboard Filters: Manage team performance easily.

These features transform a simple phone call into a valuable business asset.

Managing High-Volume Communication

If you run a call center or sales team, efficiency is key. Manual dialing wastes time. Telfon offers automation tools to help.

Productivity Tools:

• Bulk SMS: Send updates to hundreds of clients instantly.

• Broadcast Messages: Reach your entire list with one click.

• Voicemail to Text: Read messages instead of listening.

• Call Forwarding: Never miss a lead, even when out of office.

These tools streamline workflows for high-growth companies.

WhatsApp Integration for Modern Business

WhatsApp is incredibly popular in Portugal. Many businesses use it as a primary communication channel.

Telfon offers WhatsApp integration with multi-account support. You can manage customer chats alongside your calls. This unifies your communication strategy.

Benefits of Integration:

• Unified Inbox: See messages and call history together.

• Number Management: dedicated WhatsApp numbers for support.

• Team Access: Allow multiple agents to reply.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

Sometimes calls fail despite your best efforts. Knowing how to fix these issues saves frustration.

Common Problems and Solutions:

• Fast Busy Signal: You likely dialed the wrong area code. Check the city code.

• Call Does Not Connect: Did you forget the exit code (00 or +)?

• Poor Audio Quality: This often happens with weak mobile signals. Switch to Wi-Fi calling or VoIP.

• Number Not Recognized: Ensure you dropped the initial ‘0’ of the local number if applicable (though rare in Portugal).

Business Etiquette in Portugal

Cultural norms impact the success of your call. Portuguese business culture values politeness and relationship building.

Tips for Success:

• Formal Address: Use titles like “Senhor” (Mr.) or “Senhora” (Mrs.) initially.

• Small Talk: Spend a moment asking about their day. Do not rush immediately to business.

• Patience: Decisions may take longer than in the UK. Do not pressure contacts aggressively.

Building rapport leads to better long-term results.

Security and Privacy with Virtual Systems

Security is a major concern for modern businesses. Cloud phone systems must protect sensitive data.

Telfon includes robust security features. User management allows you to control who accesses what data. You can block nuisance numbers easily.

Security Features:

• Number Blocking: Stop spam calls.

• User Management: Assign specific budgets and rights to employees.

• Twilio Token Management: Secure backend integration.

Analyzing Your Call Data

You cannot improve what you do not measure. Understanding call patterns helps optimize your team.

Telfon provides detailed user analytics. You get access to cards, graphs, and charts. You can see call duration, success rates, and peak times.

Actionable Insights:

• Identify top-performing sales agents.

• Determine the best time of day to call Portugal.

• Monitor costs per user to stay within budget.

Getting Started with Telfon

Switching to a virtual system is simple. You do not need an IT degree. The process is designed for quick adoption.

Steps to Start:

• Download: Get the app from your store (iOS/Android/Web).

• Register: Create your account.

• Select Country: Choose Portugal for your virtual number.

• Choose Plan: Pick a pay-as-you-go or business plan.

• Start Calling: Connect immediately.

You can be up and running in minutes.

Summary of Key Takeaways

• Dial Correctly: Use 00 351 (landline) or +351 (mobile) plus the number.

• Watch Costs: Traditional carriers are expensive. VoIP saves money.

• Local Presence: Virtual numbers build trust with Portuguese clients.

• Use Data: Analytics help businesses improve communication strategies.

• Tool Up: Apps like Telfon offer recording, SMS, and CRM integration.

Calling Portugal is straightforward when you know the steps. Using the right technology makes it affordable and professional. Whether for family chats or closing business deals, you now have the tools to connect effortlessly.

FAQs

1. What is the dialing code for Portugal from the UK?

The dialing code is +351. You dial 00 351 from a landline or +351 from a mobile phone before the local number.

2. Are calls to Portugal included in my UK mobile minutes?

Usually, no. Standard UK minutes cover domestic calls. International calls are charged extra unless you have a specific international add-on or use a VoIP app like Telfon.

3. How much does it cost to call Portugal?

Traditional carriers may charge between 50p to £1.50 per minute. VoIP services like Telfon offer rates significantly lower, often pennies per minute.

4. Can I get a Portuguese number while living in the UK?

Yes. You can purchase a virtual Portuguese number through Telfon. This allows you to receive calls as if you were locally based in Portugal.

5. Is there a time difference between London and Lisbon?

Generally, no. Both UK and Portugal are in the same time zone (GMT/WET). They also switch to Daylight Savings at similar times.

6. Do I need an area code for Portuguese mobile phones?

No. Portuguese mobile numbers typically start with 9 and are 9 digits long. You dial +351 followed directly by the mobile number.

7. Why is my call to Portugal failing?

Check you used the exit code (00 or +). Ensure you did not dial an extra ‘0’ before the area code. Also, check your account balance.

8. Can I send SMS to Portugal via Telfon?

Yes. Telfon supports sending and receiving SMS. You can also use bulk SMS features for marketing campaigns.

9. Is WhatsApp popular in Portugal for business?

Yes, it is widely used. Integrating WhatsApp with your business phone system is highly recommended for customer engagement.

10. What is the best app for calling Portugal?

Telfon is a top choice due to its low rates, high call quality, and features like call recording and CRM integration.