Brazil SIM Card Guide 2026: eSIM vs Physical SIM for Tourists
One of the first questions every tourist heading to Brazil asks is: "How do I get internet on my phone?" It seems like it should be simple. You land, buy a SIM card, and you're online. But Brazil makes it surprisingly complicated for foreigners.
After living in Florianópolis for several years and helping dozens of friends, family members, and fellow travelers get connected, I've seen every possible scenario play out. People spending hours at carrier stores. Tourists paying outrageous prices at airport kiosks. Visitors stuck without data for their first two days because they couldn't figure out the CPF requirement.
This guide covers everything: your options for getting a physical SIM card, why it's harder than you'd expect, and why most tourists in 2026 are better off with an eSIM instead. If you just want to see the best eSIM options, jump straight to our best eSIM for Brazil comparison.
Do You Need a SIM Card in Brazil?
The short answer is yes — having mobile data in Brazil is not a luxury; it's practically a necessity.
Brazil runs on WhatsApp. It's not just a messaging app here — it's the backbone of daily life. Restaurants take reservations over WhatsApp. Tour operators send confirmations through it. If you need to contact your Airbnb host, they'll almost certainly respond faster on WhatsApp than email. Even some shops and taxis communicate exclusively through it. Without mobile data, you're effectively cut off from how Brazilians communicate.
Beyond WhatsApp, here's why you'll want a data connection:
- Navigation: Google Maps is essential for getting around Brazilian cities. Street names can be confusing, addresses sometimes don't follow obvious logic, and public transport routes are hard to figure out without a map app.
- Ride-hailing: Uber and 99 (Brazil's local ride-hailing app) are the safest and most affordable way to get around cities, especially at night. Both require a data connection.
- Translation: While many Brazilians in tourist areas speak some English, you'll often need Google Translate — especially outside major cities.
- Safety: A working phone with internet access is a basic safety measure. Being able to call an Uber, share your location, or look up directions quickly matters, especially in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
- Banking and payments: Checking your bank app, using currency converters, and verifying exchange rates all require data.
You could survive on hotel WiFi alone, but you'd be limited to planning everything from your room and then heading out disconnected. For most people, that's not a realistic way to travel.
The Problem — Why Physical SIMs Are Hard in Brazil
If you've bought prepaid SIM cards in other countries, you might assume Brazil works the same way. It doesn't. There are two major obstacles that catch almost every tourist off guard.
You Need a CPF (Tax ID)
This is the big one. To activate a prepaid SIM card in Brazil, carriers require a CPF — Cadastro de Pessoa Física — which is Brazil's individual taxpayer identification number. Think of it as Brazil's equivalent of a Social Security number.
Brazilian law requires all SIM cards to be registered to a CPF. This means that when you walk into a Claro, Vivo, or TIM store, the first thing they'll ask for is your CPF number. If you don't have one, they technically can't sell you an activated SIM card.
Now, there are workarounds. Some tourists have reported that certain stores will register the SIM to a store employee's CPF or use a generic number. Others have gotten lucky at airport kiosks where the staff are more used to dealing with foreigners. But these are inconsistent experiences — you might get a helpful employee, or you might get turned away.
Can foreigners get a CPF? Yes, actually. You can apply for a CPF at a Receita Federal (Federal Revenue) office in Brazil, or at certain post offices (Correios). Some Brazilian consulates abroad also process CPF applications. The cost is minimal (around R$7), but the process involves paperwork, waiting in line, and possibly dealing with a system that only works in Portuguese. For a short vacation, this is rarely worth the effort.
Real Talk: The CPF Situation
I've personally accompanied tourists to carrier stores in Florianópolis. About half the time, the staff will find a way to activate the SIM without the tourist having a CPF. The other half, they'll refuse or say the system won't allow it. There's no consistent policy, and it varies by store, employee, and even the time of day. Planning your connectivity around this gamble is stressful.
Airport SIM Counters Are Overpriced
If you fly into GRU (São Paulo/Guarulhos) or GIG (Rio de Janeiro/Galeão), you'll see SIM card kiosks in the arrivals area. These are your most convenient option for a physical SIM, but convenience comes at a steep markup.
Airport kiosks typically charge R$100-200 (roughly $20-40 USD) for a prepaid SIM with a modest data package — sometimes as little as 3-5 GB. The same data from a regular carrier store in the city would cost R$30-50. You're paying a 3-4x premium for the airport convenience.
On top of the price, airport kiosks often have long lines after international flights, and the activation process can take 20-30 minutes. After a 10-hour flight, standing in another line is the last thing you want to do.
Physical SIM Card Options in Brazil
If you do decide to go the physical SIM route — maybe you're staying long-term, or you've already got a CPF — here are the three major carriers.
Claro
Claro is Brazil's largest mobile carrier and generally offers the best 4G/LTE coverage, especially in southern Brazil. Their prepaid plans (Claro Pré-Pago) offer decent data allowances, and their network reaches most tourist destinations reliably.
- Coverage: Excellent nationwide, strongest in the south and southeast
- Prepaid plans: From R$20/month for basic data, up to R$50/month for 15-25 GB
- Stores: Widespread — found in most shopping malls and city centers
- CPF requirement: Yes, required for activation
Claro is the network that most international eSIM providers (like Saily and Airalo) use as their underlying infrastructure in Brazil.
Vivo
Vivo is Brazil's second-largest carrier (owned by Telefónica) and competes closely with Claro on coverage. They're particularly strong in São Paulo state and parts of the northeast.
- Coverage: Very good nationwide, especially in São Paulo and the northeast
- Prepaid plans: Similar pricing to Claro, from R$18/month
- Stores: Widely available in urban areas
- CPF requirement: Yes, required for activation
Holafly's eSIM service uses Vivo's network in Brazil, which is one reason their coverage is solid in major cities.
TIM
TIM (owned by Telecom Italia) is the third major carrier. They've historically been the budget option with slightly weaker coverage in rural areas, but they've been investing heavily in 4G and 5G expansion.
- Coverage: Good in urban areas, weaker in rural/remote locations
- Prepaid plans: Often the cheapest, from R$15/month
- Stores: Common in cities, less prevalent than Claro/Vivo
- CPF requirement: Yes, required for activation
TIM is fine if you're staying in a major city, but if your trip includes beach towns, national parks, or off-the-beaten-path destinations, Claro or Vivo's coverage is more reliable.
Bottom Line on Physical SIMs
Physical SIM cards in Brazil offer good value if you can get one activated. The CPF barrier is real, the airport markup is steep, and the time investment is significant. For most tourists visiting Brazil for 1-4 weeks, the hassle outweighs the savings.
Why eSIM Is the Better Choice for Tourists
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical chip, you scan a QR code and your phone connects to a local network. Here's why this matters for Brazil specifically:
| Factor | Physical SIM | eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| CPF required? | Yes | No |
| Setup time | 30-60 minutes (store visit) | 5 minutes (from your phone) |
| Available before arrival? | No | Yes — install before you fly |
| Keep your home number? | Need to swap SIM (or use dual-SIM) | Yes — runs alongside your main SIM |
| Language barrier? | Staff may not speak English | Apps and websites are in English |
| Cost (5 GB) | R$30-50 (~$6-10) + SIM cost + time | $12-16 USD (all-in) |
The biggest advantage is no CPF requirement. International eSIM providers are not subject to Brazilian SIM registration laws, so there's zero paperwork. You buy online with a credit card, scan the QR code, and you're done.
The second advantage is timing. You can install your eSIM the day before your flight, while you're still on your home WiFi. When your plane lands in Brazil, you turn off airplane mode and you're immediately connected. No hunting for a SIM card store, no waiting in lines, no first-day-without-data anxiety.
And because eSIMs work alongside your existing SIM, you keep your home phone number active for calls and texts. You just use the eSIM's data connection for everything else.
Is Your Phone eSIM-Compatible?
Most modern phones support eSIM. On iPhone, all models from iPhone XS/XR (2018) onward support eSIM. On Android, most Samsung Galaxy S20+ and newer, Google Pixel 3a and newer, and many other flagship phones support eSIM. Check your phone's settings under Cellular/Mobile Data — if you see an option to add an eSIM or a digital SIM, you're good to go.
Best eSIM Options for Brazil
We've tested and compared the top eSIM providers for Brazil in detail. Here's a quick summary of the top picks — for full pricing tables, speed tests, and in-depth reviews, see our complete eSIM comparison for Brazil.
| Provider | Best For | Data | From | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saily | Best overall value | 1-20 GB | $4.49 | Claro |
| Airalo | Most plan options | 1-20 GB | $4.50 | Claro |
| Holafly | Unlimited data | Unlimited | $7.90/day | Vivo |
For most tourists on a 1-2 week trip, Saily's 5 GB plan at $12.99 hits the sweet spot of affordability and plenty of data for maps, WhatsApp, social media, and occasional browsing. If you want the full breakdown with pros, cons, and side-by-side speed comparisons, check out our detailed guide:
Ready to Choose Your eSIM?
We tested and compared the 5 best eSIM providers for Brazil — with real speed tests, pricing tables, and honest recommendations.
See the Full eSIM Comparison →Other Ways to Get Internet in Brazil
A SIM card or eSIM is the most practical solution, but there are alternatives worth knowing about.
Hotel and Hostel WiFi
Almost every hotel, hostel, and Airbnb in Brazil offers free WiFi. Quality varies wildly — upscale hotels in São Paulo and Rio usually have reliable broadband, while budget hostels and beachfront pousadas can have spotty connections that drop out during peak hours.
Hotel WiFi is fine for evening browsing, uploading photos, and planning the next day. But it won't help you when you're navigating a new city, waiting for an Uber, or trying to WhatsApp a tour operator while you're out.
Verdict: Good as a supplement, not a replacement for mobile data.
Pocket WiFi Rental
Some companies rent portable WiFi hotspot devices that you carry with you. You pick it up at the airport and return it when you leave. These typically offer unlimited data and can connect multiple devices.
The downsides: they cost $8-15/day (which adds up fast), you need to keep the device charged, and you have another gadget to carry and worry about losing. If you lose the device, you'll be charged $100-200 for a replacement.
Verdict: Works for groups traveling together, but an eSIM is cheaper and simpler for solo travelers and couples.
Free Public WiFi
Major cities like São Paulo, Rio, and Florianópolis have some free public WiFi hotspots — usually in parks, public squares, and some shopping malls. São Paulo's WiFi Livre SP program covers many public areas.
However, public WiFi in Brazil comes with caveats: speeds are often slow, connections drop frequently, and public networks are inherently less secure. You should never access banking or sensitive accounts on public WiFi without a VPN.
Verdict: Useful in a pinch, but unreliable and insecure. Don't count on it.
Our Recommendation
For the vast majority of tourists, an eSIM is the best combination of price, convenience, and reliability. You get connected before you land, skip the CPF hassle entirely, and keep your existing phone number. See our full comparison of the best eSIM providers for Brazil to find the right plan for your trip.
Internet in Florianópolis for Tourists
Florianópolis (or "Floripa") is one of Brazil's most visited destinations, with over 600,000 international tourists in 2025 alone. It's also ranked the #2 destination worldwide for digital nomads. Here's what to know about internet access on the island.
Mobile Coverage in Floripa
The good news: Florianópolis has excellent 4G/LTE coverage from all major carriers. Claro and Vivo both have strong signal across the island, including popular tourist areas like Jurerê, Lagoa da Conceição, Praia Mole, and Campeche.
The few spots with weaker signal are remote hiking trails (like the trail to Lagoinha do Leste) and some stretches of the South Island's less developed coastline. But in any town, restaurant, or beach with infrastructure, you'll have reliable 4G.
WiFi in Floripa
Most hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs in Floripa offer WiFi. Quality ranges from excellent (newer apartments in Lagoa, Jurerê) to frustrating (older pousadas in the south). Coworking spaces like Village Coworking and Selina have reliable, fast connections.
For walking around, exploring beaches, and getting around by Uber, you'll want mobile data. WiFi won't help you when you're trying to find the entrance to Praia da Solidão or calling an Uber from Barra da Lagoa at midnight.
Best Option for Floripa
An eSIM on the Claro network (like Saily or Airalo) gives you the best coverage across Florianópolis. Claro's network is particularly strong in southern Santa Catarina. A 5 GB plan is more than enough for a typical 1-2 week Floripa trip. See our full eSIM comparison for pricing.
How to Use WhatsApp in Brazil as a Tourist
If there's one app you absolutely need working in Brazil, it's WhatsApp. Here's a quick guide for tourists:
Why WhatsApp Is Non-Negotiable in Brazil
Over 99% of Brazilian smartphone users have WhatsApp. It's not just for chatting — it's the country's default communication infrastructure:
- Restaurants take reservations via WhatsApp (especially in Floripa and smaller cities)
- Tour operators send confirmations, meeting points, and updates through WhatsApp
- Airbnb hosts will message you there for check-in instructions
- Small businesses use WhatsApp as their primary customer service channel
- Pix payments (Brazil's instant payment system) are often shared via WhatsApp links
Setting Up WhatsApp for Brazil
The great news: you don't need a Brazilian phone number. WhatsApp works with your existing account and home number. All you need is a data connection — which is where an eSIM comes in.
- Keep your existing WhatsApp account (tied to your home number)
- Install an eSIM for Brazil data (see our comparison guide)
- WhatsApp automatically uses the eSIM's data connection
- You can message, call, and video call anyone in Brazil
How Much Data Does WhatsApp Use?
WhatsApp is extremely data-efficient. Even with heavy daily use (50+ messages, a few voice calls, sharing photos), you'll use less than 500 MB in a month. A 1-3 GB eSIM plan gives you more than enough for WhatsApp plus maps and basic browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a CPF to buy a SIM card in Brazil?
For a physical SIM card from Brazilian carriers like Claro, Vivo, or TIM, yes — you typically need a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoa Física), which is Brazil's tax identification number. Foreigners can apply for a CPF at a Receita Federal office or some post offices, but the process takes time and requires documentation. The easiest workaround is to use an eSIM from an international provider, which does not require a CPF at all.
Can I buy a SIM card at the airport in Brazil?
Yes, some international airports in Brazil (GRU in São Paulo, GIG in Rio) have carrier kiosks from Claro or Vivo. However, airport SIM cards are significantly overpriced compared to regular stores, and the staff may still ask for a CPF. Long lines after international flights are common. An eSIM that you install before departure is a faster and cheaper alternative.
Which Brazilian carrier has the best coverage?
Claro and Vivo have the most extensive 4G/LTE networks in Brazil. Claro tends to have slightly better coverage in southern Brazil (including Florianópolis and the south coast), while Vivo leads in some parts of the northeast and rural interior. TIM has improved its coverage significantly but still lags behind in more remote areas. For most tourist destinations, all three carriers offer reliable service.
How much does a SIM card cost in Brazil?
A prepaid physical SIM card (chip pré-pago) in Brazil costs around R$15-30 (about $3-6 USD) for the chip itself, plus you need to add credit (recarga) for a data plan. A basic plan with 5-10 GB of data costs roughly R$30-50 per month. Airport SIM cards can cost R$100 or more. By comparison, an international eSIM for Brazil starts at around $4.50 for 1 GB and goes up to $35 for 20 GB.
Can I use my home SIM card with roaming in Brazil?
Yes, most international carriers offer roaming in Brazil, but the costs are extremely high — typically $5-15 per MB, which means a single GB could cost thousands of dollars. Some carriers like T-Mobile US and Google Fi offer more reasonable international data, but speeds are usually throttled to 2G. An eSIM or local SIM card is almost always cheaper and faster than international roaming.