Last updated: January 17, 2026. Information verified through web research.
Prices and availability change. Always verify with the carrier before purchasing.
The Short Answer: Use an eSIM
For trips under 30 days, eSIM is the easiest option — no CPF required, instant activation, and you can buy it before you even land.
For stays over a month, a local Brazilian SIM offers better value — but you'll need to navigate the CPF question.
Option 1: International eSIM (Best for Short Trips)
Airalo is the top pick — multiple network options (Claro/TIM), 5G in major cities, plans from $4.50 for 1GB/7 days.
| Provider | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Airalo | $4.50/1GB | Overall best, flexible plans |
| Saily | $3.99/1GB | Best value per GB |
| Holafly | $19/5 days | Unlimited data |
| YeSIM | $0.48/day | Budget unlimited |
How it works: Buy online, receive QR code, scan and activate. Works the moment you land.
Option 2: Local Brazilian eSIM (Better for Long Stays)
Vivo, Claro, and TIM all offer eSIMs that you can buy in Brazil. The Vivo Tourist Plan is particularly good for foreigners:
- 55 BRL (~$11) — 25GB, 300 minutes, 100 SMS for 30 days
- You can buy with passport only (no CPF required in theory, but some stores may push back)
To buy: Visit a Vivo store, show your passport, ask for "chip pré-pago" or "plano turístico."
Option 3: Physical SIM Card (If eSIM Doesn't Work)
Landed without a plan? Head to any shopping mall or pharmacy (Drogaria, Ultrafarma, Panvel).
Here's the trick: Most clerks will tell you "precisa de CPF" (you need a CPF). This is technically true for contract plans, but prepaid tourist plans don't require it — they just don't know that.
Say: "Quero um chip pré-pago de turista" (I want a tourist prepaid SIM). Or just point at the prepaid section.
Look for:
- TIM Pré — widely available
- Claro Pré — good coverage
- Vivo Pré — best rural coverage
Expect to pay R$20–50 for the SIM card, plus R$30–80 for a data package.
Local Carrier Data Plans
| Carrier | Plan (BRL) | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vivo | 30 BRL | 5GB | 30 days |
| Vivo | 50 BRL | 12GB | 30 days |
| Claro | 25 BRL | 3GB | 15 days |
| Claro | 40 BRL | 8GB | 30 days |
| TIM | 25 BRL | 4GB | 30 days |
| TIM | 45 BRL | 10GB | 30 days |
Airports: What to Expect
Guarulhos (São Paulo): TIM, Vivo, and Claro kiosks in international arrivals. Airport prices are 40–60% higher than city stores — buy here only if desperate.
Galeão (Rio): Similar setup. More likely to hit "CPF required" pushback — be firm or go to a city store.
Pro tip: For Guarulhos, download your eSIM before you land. You'll have signal the moment you step off the jet bridge.
The WiFi Fallback
If everything else fails: airport WiFi, hotel WiFi, restaurant WiFi. Most Airbnb hosts provide WiFi credentials. You won't die.
But having a local SIM is worth the hassle — for Google Maps alone.
