How to Get a SIM Card or eSIM for Brazil (Guide for US Travelers)
Why you should get a local SIM card or eSIM in Brazil
Using international roaming from a US carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T‑Mobile, etc.) is convenient but usually very expensive for a multi‑week stay. Data allowances are limited and the cost can easily exceed the price of a full month of local service in Brazil. A local prepaid SIM card or an international eSIM for Brazil gives you fast mobile data for maps, ride‑hailing apps and WhatsApp at a fraction of the cost.
In this guide we explain the two main paths:
Option A – eSIM without CPF: install an international eSIM before your trip and land in Brazil with data working immediately.
Option B – local SIM with CPF: get a Brazilian CPF tax ID first and then buy and register a prepaid SIM in your own name with a local operator.
Fastest option: install an eSIM for Brazil before you fly
If your phone supports eSIM, the simplest path is to buy an international eSIM for Brazil. You scan a QR code, install the eSIM and activate data on arrival. There is no CPF requirement, and you avoid searching for a store after a long flight. Below you can compare some of the main eSIM options our readers use.
eSIM para Brasil (sin CPF)
aloSIM – eSIM Brasil
- ✅ Sin CPF
- ✅ Instalación guiada · Funciona al llegar
- ✅ Desde menos de 5 USD por semana
BRA20→ 20% de descuento en la primera compra al pagar en aloSIM
Saily – eSIM Brasil
- ✅ Sin CPF
- ✅ Mejor precio por GB
- ✅ Instalación en minutos · Funciona al llegar
BRAURU10→ 10% de descuento al pagar en SailyConsejo: instalá la eSIM antes de viajar y activá los datos al aterrizar.
If you prefer a local SIM: first get a Brazilian CPF
To activate a prepaid SIM with Vivo, Claro, TIM or Oi, stores normally ask for your passport and for a CPF tax ID. Without a CPF the clerk may not be able to register the line in your name, which can make it harder to manage the line later (changing plans, recovering the number, or enabling services like Pix).
If you do not yet have one, start with our dedicated CPF guide for US citizens: How to get a Brazilian CPF. Once you have a CPF, you can also consider opening a Brazil bank account as a non‑resident, which makes topping up your SIM and paying for services in Brazil much easier.
Main mobile operators in Brazil
The Brazilian market is dominated by four brands. Coverage and prices change by region, but at a high level:
Vivo
Description: Often the strongest coverage in both large cities and rural areas – a good choice if you will be driving between states or visiting beaches outside major capitals.
Services: prepaid and postpaid plans with 4G and 5G data, unlimited WhatsApp in many bundles and good voice quality.
Website: https://vivo.com.br/para-voce
Claro
Description: Very strong 4G and 5G in big cities such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, with competitive prepaid bundles.
Services: prepaid plans that often include social media or messaging apps without extra data charges.
Website: https://www.claro.com.br
TIM Brasil
Description: Known for aggressive pricing and generous data allowances on prepaid plans. Good option if you are mostly in urban areas.
Services: prepaid bundles with data, voice and SMS that can be purchased in convenience stores and online.
Website: https://www.tim.com.br/rj
Oi
Description: Legacy brand with more limited coverage after restructuring. You may still find Oi chips in some regions but, for most travelers, Vivo, Claro or TIM are safer bets.
Website: https://www.oi.com.br
Step‑by‑step: buying and activating a prepaid SIM in Brazil
Documents needed
- Passport: your main ID document in Brazil.
- CPF: Brazilian tax ID used to register the line. If you have not obtained it yet, follow the guide mentioned above.
- Local contact details: some stores may ask for a Brazilian address or contact phone (hotel address normally works in practice).
Activating your SIM card
- Choose an operator store, supermarket kiosk or airport stand and ask explicitly for a prepaid SIM (chip pré‑pago).
- Present your passport and CPF so the clerk can register the line in your name.
- Insert the SIM in your phone and wait for the initial SMS instructions; in many cases the clerk will activate the first data package for you.
- Download the operator’s app (Vivo, Claro, TIM, etc.) and create an account so you can monitor data, buy add‑ons and recharge using a Brazilian card or Pix.
Typical prepaid prices you can expect
Exact prices change often, but as a reference point many major operators offer weekly or monthly bundles in the range of R$ 20–60 (roughly USD $4–12 at recent exchange rates), with 5–20 GB of data, unlimited WhatsApp and some social networks included. If you only need data for a short vacation, an international eSIM with 5–10 GB can be enough and avoids the CPF requirement entirely.