Area Code 85 – Ceará
The phone area code for Ceará is 85 (international format +5585). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.
📞 Exchange Codes (NXX) for Area Code 85
Select a central office code to view local carrier data and detailed information
📍 Geographic Location of Ceará
Overview of Area Code 85 (Brazil)
Area code 85 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the state of Ceará in northeastern Brazil. It serves the state capital, Fortaleza, and its metropolitan region, including cities such as Caucaia, Maracanaú, Sobral, Juazeiro do Norte, and Crato. As a geographic code, it identifies a specific region for landline and fixed-line services, although some mobile numbers may also carry this prefix due to number portability.
Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction
The 85 area code is administered by ANATEL, Brazil's telecommunications regulatory agency. It covers the eastern and central parts of Ceará, with Fortaleza being the primary economic and administrative hub. The region is served by major fixed-line operators such as Oi, Vivo, and Claro, as well as various ISPs offering VoIP services.
Dialing Formats and Instructions
For local calls within the same area code (e.g., from Fortaleza to Caucaia), dial only the 8-digit subscriber number. For calls from other Brazilian area codes, dial 0 + operator code + 85 + subscriber number. For international callers, dial your country's exit code, then 55 (Brazil's country code), then 85, followed by the 8-digit local number. Example: from the US, dial 011 55 85 1234-5678.
Numbering and Overlay Considerations
Currently, there is no overlay code for 85; the region uses a single area code. Subscriber numbers are 8 digits long, typically starting with 2-5 for fixed lines and 9 for mobile lines. Since 2015, mobile numbers in Brazil have been 9 digits, starting with '9', to accommodate increased demand. Fixed-line numbers remain 8 digits.
Caller Instructions
When calling from abroad, always include the country code (55) and drop any leading '0' that might be used domestically. For example, a local number in Fortaleza might be listed as (85) 3456-7890; internationally, dial +55 85 3456-7890. For calls within Brazil but outside the 85 area, use the full domestic format with the operator code (e.g., 0 15 85 3456-7890).
Special Considerations
Due to number portability, a number with the 85 prefix may have been ported to a mobile operator or to another region. Always verify the number's current status if you encounter issues. For VoIP users, ensure your provider supports geographic numbers in Brazil and that you are aware of any emergency service limitations.