5 Best eSIMs for Brazil in 2026 (Tested & Compared)
Getting a SIM card in Brazil is notoriously difficult for tourists. Brazilian carriers like Claro, Vivo, and TIM require a CPF (a Brazilian tax ID that foreigners don't have), airport SIM counters are overpriced, and the process can eat up hours of your first day.
An eSIM solves all of this. You buy it online before your trip, scan a QR code, and you're connected the moment you land. No CPF, no lines, no hassle.
We tested and compared the top 5 eSIM providers for Brazil. Here's what we found.
In a hurry? Saily is our top pick — best value, reliable Claro network, and plans starting at $2.49/GB.
Quick Comparison Table
Here's a side-by-side comparison of the best eSIM providers for Brazil:
| Provider | Best For | Data | Price (from) | Network | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saily Editor's Pick | Best value | 1–20 GB | $4.49 | Claro | Get Saily from $4.49 |
| Airalo | Most plans | 1–20 GB | $4.50 | Claro | Get Airalo from $4.50 |
| eSIMCard Best Data | Heavy users | 1–50 GB | $5.00 | Claro/Vivo | 10% Off — Visit eSIMCard |
| Holafly Unlimited | Unlimited data | Unlimited | $7.90/day | Vivo | Get Unlimited Data |
| Nomad | Multi-country | 1–10 GB | $6.00 | Claro | Get Nomad from $6 |
#1 Saily — Best Overall Value
Saily is built by the team behind NordVPN, one of the most trusted names in internet security. Their Brazil eSIM plans offer the best price-per-GB ratio of any provider we tested, with reliable coverage on Claro's 4G/LTE network.
Plans & Pricing
| Data | Validity | Price | $/GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | $4.49 | $4.49 |
| 3 GB | 30 days | $8.99 | $3.00 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $12.99 | $2.60 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $19.99 | $2.00 |
| 20 GB | 30 days | $34.99 | $1.75 |
Pros
- Best price per GB
- Backed by NordVPN team
- Clean, easy-to-use app
- Reliable Claro network
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Newer brand (less reviews)
- No unlimited data option
- No phone number included
Who Is It Best For?
Tourists who want the best bang for their buck. If you need 5–10 GB for a week or two in Brazil, Saily offers the most competitive pricing without sacrificing quality. The 5 GB / 30-day plan at $12.99 is the sweet spot for most travelers.
Get Saily — Plans from $4.49 →#2 Airalo — Largest Plan Selection
Airalo is the most well-known eSIM marketplace in the world, covering 200+ countries. For Brazil, they offer multiple plans across different data tiers, all running on Claro's network. Their app has over 1 million downloads and thousands of reviews.
Plans & Pricing
| Data | Validity | Price | $/GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | $4.50 | $4.50 |
| 2 GB | 15 days | $8.00 | $4.00 |
| 3 GB | 30 days | $11.00 | $3.67 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $16.00 | $3.20 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $22.00 | $2.20 |
| 20 GB | 30 days | $28.00 | $1.40 |
Pros
- Most trusted brand in eSIM space
- Widest range of plans
- Excellent app (1M+ downloads)
- Regional plans available (South America)
- Proven track record
Cons
- Slightly higher price per GB than Saily
- No unlimited option
- Customer support can be slow
Who Is It Best For?
Travelers who value a proven, reliable brand with the most plan options. Airalo is the safe choice — it simply works. Their 20 GB plan at $28 is also the cheapest per-GB option if you need lots of data.
Get Airalo — Plans from $4.50 →#3 eSIMCard — Highest Data Allowance
eSIMCard stands out with the highest data allowances on the market — up to 50 GB for Brazil. They use both Claro and Vivo networks, giving you dual-carrier coverage for better connectivity in remote areas.
Pros
- Up to 50 GB plans available
- Dual carrier (Claro + Vivo)
- Good for long stays
- Competitive pricing at high tiers
Cons
- Less well-known brand
- App not as polished
- Entry price slightly higher
Who Is It Best For?
Digital nomads or long-stay travelers who need serious data. If you're spending a month or more in Brazil and rely on mobile data for work, eSIMCard's high-data plans are unmatched.
Get 10% Off eSIMCard for Brazil →Use code 763E5Tcjv3 or click the link above — discount applies automatically.
#4 Holafly — Unlimited Data
Holafly is the only major provider offering truly unlimited data for Brazil. No caps, no throttling. You pay per day ($7.90/day), which means it gets expensive on longer trips — but for heavy data users on short stays, it's unbeatable.
Pros
- Unlimited data — no caps
- Great for video calls and streaming
- Simple per-day pricing
- Good Vivo network coverage
Cons
- Most expensive option
- Per-day pricing adds up fast
- Can't share hotspot on some plans
- No short data plans (minimum is daily)
Who Is It Best For?
Travelers who don't want to think about data limits. If you use your phone heavily — video calls, maps all day, Instagram stories — and your trip is under 10 days, Holafly's unlimited plan gives you peace of mind.
Get Unlimited Data with Holafly →#5 Nomad — Best for Multi-Country Trips
Nomad (getnomad.app) specializes in stackable eSIMs — you can buy one plan per country and switch between them. Their South America regional plan covers Brazil plus neighboring countries, perfect if you're hopping between destinations.
Pros
- Stackable plans (multiple countries)
- South America regional eSIM
- Clean app (4.8 stars)
- Good for multi-stop trips
Cons
- Higher price per GB for Brazil-only
- Smaller data caps (max 10 GB)
- Less Brazil-specific optimization
Who Is It Best For?
Backpackers and travelers visiting multiple South American countries. If your trip includes Argentina, Chile, or Colombia alongside Brazil, Nomad's regional plan saves you from buying separate eSIMs for each country.
Get Nomad — Multi-Country Plans →How to Choose the Right eSIM for Brazil
Here's a simple framework:
Based on Data Needs
- Light use (maps, messaging, social media): 1–3 GB is enough for a week → Saily 3 GB ($8.99)
- Moderate use (above + photos, some video): 5–10 GB → Saily 5 GB ($12.99) or Airalo 10 GB ($22)
- Heavy use (video calls, streaming, hotspot): Unlimited → Holafly or eSIMCard 20 GB+
Based on Trip Type
- Short vacation (5–7 days): Saily or Airalo 3–5 GB plan
- Long stay (2–4 weeks): Airalo or eSIMCard 10–20 GB
- Digital nomad (1+ months): eSIMCard 50 GB or get a physical SIM with CPF
- Multi-country trip: Nomad regional plan
Based on Budget
- Cheapest per GB: Saily (from $1.75/GB on 20 GB plan)
- Cheapest overall: Saily 1 GB at $4.49 or Airalo 1 GB at $4.50
- Best mid-range: Saily 5 GB at $12.99
Cheapest eSIM for Brazil in 2026
If your priority is spending as little as possible, here's the breakdown by price tier:
Cheapest Overall (Lowest Entry Price)
- Saily 1 GB — $4.49 (7 days) — best for a short weekend trip
- Airalo 1 GB — $4.50 (7 days) — nearly identical pricing
- eSIMCard 1 GB — $5.00 (7 days)
Cheapest Per Gigabyte (Best Value for Data)
- Airalo 20 GB — $1.40/GB ($28 total)
- Saily 20 GB — $1.75/GB ($34.99 total)
- Airalo 10 GB — $2.20/GB ($22 total)
Cheapest for a 7-Day Trip
For a typical one-week vacation to Brazil with moderate data usage (maps, WhatsApp, social media):
- Saily 3 GB — $8.99 — best balance of price and data for most tourists
- Airalo 3 GB — $11.00
- Holafly 7 days — $55.30 — unlimited but 6x more expensive
Bottom line: Saily consistently offers the cheapest eSIM for Brazil across most plan sizes. Airalo edges ahead on the 20 GB plan if you need maximum data.
How to Install an eSIM (Step by Step)
Installing an eSIM takes about 5 minutes. Here's how:
Check if your phone supports eSIM
Most iPhones from XS/XR (2018) onwards and Samsung Galaxy S20+ support eSIM. Go to Settings → Cellular (iPhone) or Settings → Connections → SIM (Android) to verify.
Purchase your eSIM plan online
Pick a provider above, select a Brazil plan, and complete the purchase. You'll receive a QR code via email within minutes.
Scan the QR code to install
iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code.
Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM → Scan QR code.
Activate when you arrive in Brazil
Enable data roaming for your new eSIM line. It will connect automatically when you land. Keep your original SIM active for calls/texts if needed.
Pro tip: Install the eSIM before your trip while you have WiFi. Don't wait until you're at the airport without internet.
eSIM Coverage in Florianópolis
Florianópolis (locally known as "Floripa") is one of Brazil's top tourist destinations — an island with 42 beaches, a booming digital nomad scene, and over 600,000 international visitors per year. If you're heading there, here's what to expect from eSIM coverage.
Network Coverage on the Island
Both Claro (used by Saily, Airalo) and Vivo (used by Holafly) have excellent 4G/LTE coverage across Florianópolis. You'll get reliable signal in:
- Centro and Mainland — Full coverage, fast speeds (15-50 Mbps typical)
- North Island (Jurerê, Canasvieiras, Ingleses) — Excellent coverage, popular tourist area
- East Coast (Praia Mole, Joaquina, Barra da Lagoa) — Good coverage, occasional drops in more remote beach sections
- Lagoa da Conceição — Excellent coverage, major nightlife and food hub
- South Island (Campeche, Armação, Pântano do Sul) — Good coverage in towns, weaker on hiking trails
- Lagoinha do Leste — Limited signal on the trail itself (no cell towers), but coverage returns at the beach
Best eSIM Provider for Florianópolis
For Floripa specifically, providers on the Claro network (Saily, Airalo) tend to have slightly better coverage across the island, including the south and interior areas. Vivo (Holafly) is excellent in urban zones but can be weaker on some southern beaches.
Our recommendation for Florianópolis: Saily 5 GB plan ($12.99) — plenty of data for a Floripa trip, reliable Claro coverage island-wide.
Using WhatsApp in Brazil with an eSIM
WhatsApp isn't just popular in Brazil — it's essential. Over 99% of smartphone users in Brazil have WhatsApp installed. Here's how it relates to your eSIM:
Does WhatsApp Work with an eSIM?
Yes, 100%. WhatsApp uses data (not your phone number's carrier) for messaging, voice calls, and video calls. Any eSIM with a data connection will run WhatsApp perfectly. You keep your existing WhatsApp account tied to your home number — the eSIM just provides the internet connection.
Why You Need WhatsApp in Brazil
- Restaurants — Many restaurants, especially in Florianópolis, take reservations only via WhatsApp
- Tour operators — Boat trips, surf lessons, trail guides all communicate through WhatsApp
- Airbnb/hotel hosts — Your host will almost certainly message you on WhatsApp
- Shops and services — Need a haircut? A pharmacy delivery? A taxi? WhatsApp.
- Pix payments — Brazil's instant payment system is often shared via WhatsApp
- Emergency contacts — If you need to reach anyone locally, WhatsApp is faster than calling
How Much Data Does WhatsApp Use?
WhatsApp is very data-efficient:
- Text messages: ~1 KB each (essentially free)
- Voice call: ~0.5 MB per minute
- Video call: ~5 MB per minute
- Sending photos: ~0.5-2 MB each
Even heavy WhatsApp users rarely exceed 500 MB per month. A 1 GB Saily plan ($4.49) is more than enough if WhatsApp is your main use.
Do You Really Need an eSIM in Brazil?
Short answer: yes, unless you're comfortable being offline outside your hotel.
Here's why mobile data matters in Brazil:
- WhatsApp is essential — Brazilians use it for everything: restaurants, taxis, hotels, and even payments. Without data, you're cut off from how the country communicates.
- Navigation — Google Maps and Uber/99 require data. Public transport in most Brazilian cities is confusing without a map.
- Safety — Having a working phone with data is a basic safety measure, especially in unfamiliar areas.
- Free WiFi is unreliable — While hotels and cafes offer WiFi, speeds are inconsistent and public networks are insecure.
An eSIM starting at $4.49 is a small price for reliable connectivity throughout your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a SIM card at the airport in Brazil?
Yes, but it's expensive and complicated. Airport SIM counters in Brazil (Claro, Vivo) charge premium prices and often require a CPF (Brazilian tax ID). An eSIM is significantly easier — you can activate it before you even land.
Does eSIM work in Florianópolis?
Yes. All major eSIM providers (Saily, Airalo, Holafly) use Claro and Vivo networks, which have excellent 4G/LTE coverage across Florianópolis, including beaches and the island's interior.
Which eSIM has the best coverage in Brazil?
Providers using the Claro network tend to have the best overall coverage in Brazil, especially in southern regions like Santa Catarina. Saily and Airalo both primarily use Claro's infrastructure.
Do I need a CPF to buy an eSIM for Brazil?
No. Unlike physical SIM cards from Brazilian carriers, international eSIM providers like Saily, Airalo, and Holafly do not require a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoa Física). This is one of the main advantages of using an eSIM as a tourist.
How much data do I need for a trip to Brazil?
For most tourists, 1 GB per day is more than enough for maps, messaging, social media, and light browsing. For a 7-day trip, a 5 GB plan is a safe choice. If you plan to use video calls or stream content, consider 10 GB or an unlimited plan from Holafly.
Can I use WhatsApp with a Brazil eSIM?
Yes. All eSIM data plans work with WhatsApp, including voice and video calls. WhatsApp is the primary communication app in Brazil, so having a working data connection is essential.
What is the cheapest eSIM for Brazil?
The cheapest eSIM for Brazil is Saily's 1 GB plan at $4.49 for 7 days. For the best value per gigabyte, Airalo's 20 GB plan at $28 ($1.40/GB) offers the lowest cost per GB. For most 7-day trips, Saily's 3 GB plan at $8.99 is the sweet spot.
Can I use Uber and Google Maps with an eSIM in Brazil?
Yes. Uber, 99 (Brazil's local ride-hailing app), and Google Maps all work perfectly with eSIM data. These apps use relatively little data — Google Maps uses about 5-10 MB per hour of navigation, and Uber uses minimal data for ride requests. A 1-3 GB plan is more than enough for daily navigation and ride-hailing.
Does eSIM work for digital nomads staying long-term in Brazil?
For stays up to one month, eSIM plans from Airalo (20 GB / $28) or eSIMCard (up to 50 GB) work well. For stays longer than 1-2 months, you may want to get a local physical SIM card with a CPF, as monthly prepaid plans from Claro or Vivo are cheaper at that point (R$30-50/month for 10-20 GB). Many digital nomads in Florianópolis use eSIM for their first month while they get settled, then switch to local.