Telecommunications

With a view to foster competition, the telecommunication authorities have privatized the telecom companies in Brazil, bringing about lower connection fees. This is how you make direct international phone calls from Brazil - dial:
00 (int'l access code) + [carrier code] + [country code] + [area code] + number
 
Users currently have two options of international carriers: Embratel (carrier code 21) and Intelig (carrier code 23). For instance, a call to New York would be dialed:
00 + 21 or 23 + 1 (for the U.S.) + 212 (for Manhattan) + 555-5555 (number)

As to direct long distance calls within Brazil ("DDDs"), typically two or more carriers provide the service, depending on where you are in Brazil. Embratel and Intelig provide long distance service for the country as a whole; other long distance providers may be available.

This is how you make a long distance phone call in Brazil:
0 (DDD access code) + [carrier code] + [area code] + number
 
For instance, if you are in Rio and want to place a call to, say, Brasilia, you would dial:
0 + [carrier code] + 61 (for Brasilia) + 555-5555 (number)

If you need to make long distance calls within Brazil, you should seek information in your hotel as to the carriers that operate in the city you are in. 

As to public phones, they do not accept coins, but rather tokens or phone cards, which can both be bought at newsstands. The huge majority of public phones has been updated to receive phone cards only.

The Consulate-General of Brazil in New York is not a Tourism Office, nor is equipped to provide individuals with detailed information. These pages are for basic information, general purpose only. * We’re not a tourism office * please look at the information above on the left for more detailed help with your questions about Brazil.