Brazil – Landlines and Mobile Phones

What are the international dialling codes for Brazil, and what are the area codes for the most popular expat destinations?

Brazil’s assigned country code is +55. When placing an international call to Brazil, you first enter your country’s international exit code (commonly 00 or +), followed by 55, the two-digit regional area code, and then the local number. One thing worth noting is that Brazilian area codes do not carry a leading trunk prefix of 0 — so there is nothing to drop when dialling from abroad, unlike the convention in several European countries.

Landline numbers in Brazil consist of eight digits (dddd-dddd), while mobile numbers run to nine digits (ddddd-dddd). Since 2017, every mobile number in the country begins with the digit 9, which makes it simple to tell at a glance whether you are looking at a fixed or mobile number. Regional area codes — referred to locally as DDDs — are two digits long and are conventionally shown in parentheses: (aa) nnnn-nnnn.

As a practical example, calling the number 3333-3333 in Rio de Janeiro (area code 21) from a European country would be dialled as 00 55 21 3333 3333. The table below shows the area codes for cities most frequently selected by expats moving to Brazil:

Domestic long-distance calls in Brazil require the insertion of a two-digit carrier selection code before the area code. The full dialling sequence is 0-xx-aa-nnnn-nnnn, where xx is the carrier code, aa is the area code, and nnnn-nnnn is the local number. This approach is uncommon in much of the world, where long-distance calls do not require manual carrier selection — though in practice, mobile handsets typically handle the carrier selection automatically without any input from the user.

Who are the major landline providers in Brazil, and how can you contact them?

Brazil’s fixed-line market operates under full competition. The largest share of the sector is held by three companies: Telefónica (operating under the Vivo brand), América Móvil (operating under the Claro brand), and Oi. As of 2024, Claro led the fixed-line segment with roughly 6.8 million active lines, representing a 30.6% market share, while Vivo held second place at 25.4%.

Telefónica operates in Brazil through Telefónica Brasil, which has consolidated its fixed and mobile services under the single Vivo brand. América Móvil’s Brazilian operations encompass long-distance carrier Embratel and cable television provider Net Serviços, and these have been progressively brought together under the Claro name. The result of this convergence is that most customers today deal with just one brand for all their telephone services, whether fixed or mobile.

Algar Telecom functions as the most significant regional operator for both fixed and mobile services, covering four states. If you are relocating to the Triângulo Mineiro or southern Goiás, Algar is worth considering alongside the national carriers.

It is important to note that Brazil’s telecoms market changes rapidly. Operators in Brazil face combined federal and state tax levies that exceed 40% of gross revenue, and Anatel has authorised adjustments to fixed-line tariffs in recent years. Always consult providers’ official websites for current rates and plan details, as pricing is subject to regular change. For regulatory matters or consumer complaints, contact Anatel, Brazil’s national telecoms regulator, or use their consumer portal at consumidor.anatel.gov.br.

Who are the major mobile phone providers in Brazil, and how can you contact them?

Following the acquisition of Oi’s mobile assets in 2022, Telefônica Brasil (Vivo), Claro, and TIM Brasil collectively account for more than 95% of all mobile subscribers in Brazil. This high concentration has shifted competitive focus toward network quality and technology investment. For most expats, the practical decision involves choosing between these three operators.

Vivo, the mobile and fixed-line arm of Telefônica Brasil, holds the top position in the Brazilian mobile market, with 98 million subscribers recorded in early 2023. The company has made substantial investments in 4G and 5G infrastructure and provides an extensive range of prepaid and postpaid plans, together with digital extras such as mobile banking integration, streaming portals, and cloud storage.

Claro, a subsidiary of the Mexican group América Móvil, ranked second in Brazil’s mobile market with 82.8 million subscribers as of early 2023. The operator regularly launches new plans with generous data allowances and unlimited options, and received particularly strong ratings for mobile video and gaming performance in independent assessments conducted in 2025.

TIM, controlled by Italy’s Telecom Italia group, occupies third place in subscriber numbers with 61.7 million as of early 2023. While it holds a smaller market share than its two rivals, TIM is well regarded for pricing competitiveness and has been actively expanding its 5G footprint across the country.

Modern LTE and 4G infrastructure is well established across Brazil’s central-south region, but remote parts of the North and Northeast may lack even basic signal in more isolated locations. If your work or lifestyle involves travel across multiple states, Vivo is broadly regarded as the most dependable option for consistent connectivity. 5G services have rolled out at pace since 2023, with all major carriers now active in most state capitals and a growing number of large cities as of 2025.

Plan pricing and data inclusions change frequently. Always verify the latest details on each provider’s official website before committing. For regulatory information or to raise a coverage complaint, refer to Anatel.

How do I get a landline connected in Brazil?

Setting up a new fixed-line connection in Brazil is generally manageable, although the documentation involved and the timeframes can seem more demanding than in some other countries. Whether you own your home or are renting, the procedure is largely the same — though some rental properties already have a line in the previous tenant’s name that may be transferable.

1. Choose your provider. Vivo and Claro are the principal options for residential fixed-line services in most parts of Brazil. Check which operators serve your specific address and municipality before applying, as availability can differ — especially outside large urban areas. You can verify availability at your address via vivo.com.br or claro.com.br.
2. Gather your documents. You will generally need: a valid passport or national identity document; your CPF (Cadastro de Pessoa Física — Brazil’s individual taxpayer registration number); proof of address (comprovante de residência), such as a recent utility bill or a signed rental agreement; and, where you are contracting services at a property that belongs to someone else, landlord authorisation may be requested.
3. Apply online, by phone, or in-store. All the main providers accept applications through their websites and telephone customer service lines. Visiting a branded store in person is a good option if your Portuguese is not yet fluent, as face-to-face service tends to allow for more flexibility. Vivo’s customer service line is 1058; Claro’s is 1052.
4. Wait for installation. After your application is approved, a technician visit will be arranged. Depending on your location and whether cabling infrastructure already exists at the property, installation can take anywhere from a few days to around two weeks. Ask your chosen provider for an estimated timeframe when you apply.
5. Confirm billing details. Payment arrangements are set up at the point of application. Monthly direct debit (débito automático) is the most widely used method and is typically the most convenient approach for newly arrived residents.

Your CPF is central to virtually every formal service agreement in Brazil. If you have not yet obtained yours, making this a priority upon arrival will save time and frustration. The CPF is issued by the Receita Federal (Brazil’s tax authority) and can be obtained at Correios (post office) branches across the country, or at a Brazilian consulate in your home country before you relocate. For consumer rights queries relating to telecoms, Anatel’s consumer portal is at consumidor.anatel.gov.br.

How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in Brazil?

The Brazilian mobile market caters to both prepaid (pré-pago) and postpaid (pós-pago/controle) customers. What is available to you — and how smoothly you can access it — depends significantly on whether you already hold a CPF number, particularly during the first days after arrival.

In principle, anyone in Brazil can purchase a local SIM card, though with certain limitations. A CPF — the individual tax registration number assigned to citizens and residents — is the standard requirement for buying and registering a SIM. That said, mobile operators are permitted to sell a SIM to foreign nationals who visit their stores and present a valid passport instead. Resellers such as market kiosks are far less likely to accommodate this alternative, so heading directly to an official branded store is the recommended approach.

While a CPF is not always enforced as a strict requirement, operating without one can create complications. Reports from early 2024 described Vivo outlets in Rio de Janeiro declining to sell SIMs to customers without a CPF, and Vivo’s own smartphone application will not function without one. In practice, individual store staff may be unfamiliar with the passport-only registration procedure, so visiting a flagship store in a major city or shopping centre gives you the best prospect of a straightforward experience.

For expats who want to get connected the moment they arrive, Vivo provides a Tourist Plan that operates entirely digitally, activated exclusively via eSIM through a dedicated website available in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Registration for this plan does not require a Brazilian CPF — a passport number is sufficient to complete the process.

Signing up for a postpaid contract is a different matter entirely: a CPF is required without exception, along with proof of address and an identity document. Anyone who lacks both a CPF and an established address in Brazil will be unable to obtain a postpaid contract. New arrivals should therefore expect to begin with prepaid and transition to a contract plan once their CPF and residency documentation are in order — a situation broadly comparable to how postpaid agreements work in many other countries, where a credit check and proof of residence are standard requirements.

All three major carriers — Vivo, Claro, and TIM — operate their own retail outlets in cities and larger towns, selling SIM cards and phone plans directly. Online purchases for home delivery are also possible through their respective websites. Large supermarket chains including Pão de Açúcar and Carrefour stock prepaid SIMs over the counter. The international airports serving São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília all have operator kiosks or stores within or near arrival halls.

Prepaid SIM cards are competitively priced, starting at around R$20. Entry-level plans typically include limited data and a small allocation of local call minutes, while tourist-oriented packages with more generous data can cost up to around R$100 (as of 2025 — check providers’ official websites for current pricing).

How do I pay my telephone bill in Brazil?

Both fixed-line and postpaid mobile accounts in Brazil operate on a monthly billing cycle. Invoices (faturas or contas) are issued once per month and carry a specific due date printed on the document. A range of payment options is available — broader in many respects than what is offered in countries where automatic bank debit is essentially the only practical route.

The most widely used payment methods are:

• Débito automático (direct debit): You authorise your bank to settle each bill automatically on its due date. This is the most convenient long-term solution for residents and is accepted by all major providers. It can be configured through your bank’s online platform or at a branch in person.
• Boleto bancário: A uniquely Brazilian payment instrument — a printed or digital payment slip (boleto) is included with your bill. It can be settled at any bank branch, ATM, lottery outlet (casa lotérica), Correios post office, or through internet banking. There is no close equivalent in most other countries; it works like a payment voucher tied to a specific invoice.
• Online banking or app payment: Every major operator provides an account management app and website through which you can view invoices and pay by card or bank transfer.
• PIX: Brazil’s real-time payment infrastructure, PIX, is accepted by telecoms providers for bill settlement. Payments are processed instantly around the clock through most banking applications.
• In-person at provider stores: Bills can be paid directly at Vivo, Claro, and TIM branded retail locations.

Prepaid customers top up their credit (recarregar) using vouchers sold at supermarkets, pharmacies, and petrol stations, or directly through providers’ apps. Topping up a Claro account by phone or online requires a CPF, which is yet another reason to obtain this document as early as possible. Foreign nationals without a CPF may need to visit a store to pay in cash or by card, or purchase top-up cards from supermarkets or retail kiosks.

Missed payments attract a penalty fine (multa) and daily interest (juros de mora), both regulated under Anatel’s rules. Continued non-payment can result in suspension of service. Unlike in some countries where disconnection requires extended notice periods, Brazilian operators can act relatively quickly following a missed payment. Setting up débito automático from the outset is the most reliable way to keep your service uninterrupted.

Are there any practical tips for using phones in Brazil as a newcomer?

WhatsApp is indispensable. Brazil ranks among the world’s most active WhatsApp markets. The app underpins personal communication, business correspondence, customer service interactions, and even payment notifications. Where many countries still rely on SMS for two-factor authentication, Brazilian services frequently default to WhatsApp instead. Downloading it as soon as you have a local number is strongly advisable.

eSIMs are available but come with conditions. Vivo, Claro, and TIM all support eSIMs, though activation typically requires an in-store visit and may vary by plan type. International providers such as Airalo, Holafly, and GigSky offer Brazil-compatible eSIM plans that can be purchased online before or during travel. As of early 2024, Vivo’s eSIM was reported to be available only through official Vivo stores, and in some locations exclusively to postpaid customers. For immediate connectivity upon arrival without the CPF constraint, an international eSIM purchased in advance may be the simplest short-term solution.

Number portability is available but imperfect in practice. All fixed and mobile numbers in Brazil can be ported, though porting between landline and mobile is not permitted, and fixed-line numbers must remain within the area from which they were originally issued. The portability fee is capped at R$4.00, and the transfer should be completed within three days, with no more than two hours of downtime permitted during the switchover. In practice, consumer reports suggest that these time and pricing requirements are not always met. To initiate a port, approach the operator you wish to join — they will coordinate the process with ABR Telecom, the body responsible for number portability administration under Anatel’s oversight.

Bringing a foreign number to Brazil is not possible. International numbers cannot be ported to Brazilian operators. You will need to acquire a new Brazilian number from scratch. If you wish to remain reachable on your existing number, you can retain your home country SIM in a dual-SIM device, or use a VoIP service to forward calls to your new Brazilian line.

Mercosur roaming arrangements. Since 2024, a “roam like at home” arrangement has been in place among Mercosur member states — Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay — modelled on a similar basis to the EU scheme. However, this benefit applies only to postpaid contract customers, not prepaid subscribers. If your work or travel takes you frequently across these borders, a postpaid plan will likely represent better value.

Rural and remote coverage gaps. Parts of northern and northeastern Brazil can have very limited or no signal in isolated rural areas. Before settling on a provider, check the network coverage maps published on each operator’s official website, as signal quality can differ considerably even between neighbourhoods within the same city. It is worth reviewing both 4G and 5G maps for your specific home address and regular commute route.

Customer service operates in Portuguese. The majority of telecoms support in Brazil is provided entirely in Portuguese. Some operators do offer limited English-language assistance — TIM, for instance, can redirect callers to an English-speaking agent by dialling #144 and requesting the service. Building even a basic vocabulary of telecoms-related Portuguese terms, or keeping a translation app on hand, will make in-store and telephone interactions considerably smoother.

Unlocked devices give you more flexibility. Handsets purchased locally in Brazil are frequently locked to a specific network, though unlocked devices can operate on any carrier. If you are bringing a phone from your home country, confirm in advance that it supports the frequency bands used by Brazilian operators. Most devices from reputable international manufacturers are compatible with the standard GSM and LTE bands deployed across Brazil.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my foreign phone number when I move to Brazil?

No — Brazilian mobile operators are unable to accept a port from a foreign number. You will need to register a new Brazilian number when you arrive. If you want to remain reachable on your original number, you can keep your home country SIM active in a dual-SIM handset, or set up a VoIP service to redirect calls from your old number to your new Brazilian line.

Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in Brazil?

A CPF and proof of address are officially required to register a SIM in Brazil. However, operators are permitted to sell a SIM to foreign visitors who present a valid passport at an official branded store, even without a CPF. For postpaid contracts, both a CPF and a confirmed local address are mandatory — there are no exceptions to this requirement.

What is a CPF and why do I need one?

The CPF (Cadastro de Pessoa Física) is Brazil’s individual taxpayer registration number, administered by the Receita Federal. It serves a similar function to a national insurance number or tax file number in other countries. Without a CPF, Vivo’s smartphone application will not work, and many public Wi-Fi networks in Brazil require one to log in. Applying for a CPF at a Brazilian consulate before you relocate is often quicker and easier than doing so after arrival, and it is issued free of charge.

Which mobile operator has the best coverage in Brazil?

For travellers who move frequently between states and need reliable connectivity throughout, Vivo is generally considered the strongest choice. Claro achieved the top ratings for mobile video and gaming experience in 2025 independent testing. TIM provides solid coverage in urban areas at competitive prices. Because signal quality can vary significantly between neighbourhoods, it is worth reviewing each provider’s online coverage map for your home address and typical routes before making a decision.

Can tourists buy a prepaid SIM card in Brazil without a CPF?

A CPF is normally required to purchase a SIM from a Brazilian mobile operator. Anatel does, however, permit foreign tourists to register a SIM using their passport instead. This policy is not uniformly applied across all points of sale — smaller kiosks and resellers are unlikely to follow it. Visiting an official branded store in a city centre or shopping mall offers the best chance of a successful transaction. Purchasing an international eSIM before departure is a reliable alternative that sidesteps this requirement entirely.

How does number portability work in Brazil?

Number portability allows you to retain your existing telephone number when switching to a different operator, provided the number stays within the same local area. The portability fee is capped at R$4.00, though some operators absorb this cost. To initiate the process, contact the operator you wish to move to — they will handle the transfer on your behalf. There is no restriction on how many times a single number can be ported.

Are eSIMs widely available in Brazil?

Vivo, Claro, and TIM all offer eSIM services, generally sold through official stores and sometimes requiring in-person activation. International eSIM providers including Airalo and Holafly offer Brazil-compatible plans that can be bought online and activated remotely, making them a practical choice for expats and visitors who want connectivity from day one without navigating the CPF requirement.

Where can I complain if I have problems with my phone provider in Brazil?

Anatel (Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações), Brazil’s national telecoms regulator, is the primary body for consumer complaints about phone providers. You can submit a complaint through their consumer portal at consumidor.anatel.gov.br or by calling 1331. Anatel oversees billing disputes, service quality requirements, and coverage obligations for all licensed operators. You may also raise complaints via the federal consumer protection platform consumidor.gov.br, which processes complaints against telecoms companies directly.