SIM Card Brazil Guide: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

This is the most traditional way to acquire a SIM card Brazil. For travelers with the time and flexibility, purchasing a physical SIM card in Brazil can be one of the most cost-effective methods to stay connected to the internet.

A physical SIM card is a small, removable chip that you insert into your smartphone to connect to a mobile network. Unlike the eSIM, which is embedded in the device’s hardware, the physical SIM card must be purchased and activated manually, typically at a store or kiosk.

It would be an ideal option if not for a recurring issue that, unfortunately, happens in Brazil and has been reported by many tourists. When tourists visit stores to buy a SIM card, vendors often require a CPF (a Brazilian taxpayer identification number) to activate the line.

This has caused significant problems, as most travelers only have their passport. As a result, many end up going from store to store trying to find a vendor who can activate the SIM card without a CPF or solely with a passport.

Below, I’ll discuss the benefits, how it works, the advantages and disadvantages of this option, and provide a deeper dive into this issue faced by tourists, along with helpful tips I’ve gathered from their experiences.

• Affordability: Buying a local SIM card in Brazil is generally cheaper than eSIM options, especially for longer stays. And if you want to save even more, consider purchasing from official carrier stores outside the airport, as they tend to offer lower prices compared to airport locations.
• Wide Availability: Physical SIM cards can be purchased at airports, convenience stores, and official carrier shops.
• Customizable Plans: Many Brazilian carriers offer flexible prepaid plans tailored to various needs, including data, calls, and SMS.
• Local Phone Number: Unlike eSIMs, a physical SIM card usually comes with a local phone number, allowing you to make traditional calls and send SMS messages.

• Find a Vendor: Upon arrival in Brazil, visit a store or kiosk that sells SIM cards. Major carriers like TIM, Vivo, Claro, and Oi are widely available.
• Choose a Plan: Select a prepaid plan that suits your needs—most include data, calls, and SMS.
• Register Your SIM: You’ll need a valid ID (usually your passport) to register the SIM card, as required by Brazilian law.
• Insert the SIM: Place the SIM card into your smartphone and follow the carrier’s instructions for activation.
• Top-Up as Needed: You can recharge your prepaid plan at stores, kiosks, or online using the carrier’s app or website.

• Cost-Effective: Ideal for budget-conscious travelers, with prices often much lower than international roaming or eSIM options.
• Reliable Coverage: Physical SIM cards connect directly to Brazil’s main networks, providing stable service in urban and tourist areas.
• Traditional Communication: Includes a local phone number for calls and SMS, useful for contacting local services.

• Setup Time: Requires finding a vendor, registering the SIM, and setting it up, which can be time-consuming—especially with the common requirement of having a CPF for activation.
• Language Barrier: Some travelers may face difficulties communicating with vendors who speak only Portuguese.
• Limited Convenience: Unlike eSIMs, physical SIM cards cannot be activated online or re-used for other destinations.
• Coverage in Remote Areas: While coverage in cities is reliable, connectivity in rural areas may vary depending on the carrier.

Brazil has three major mobile carriers offering reliable connectivity for locals and travelers alike: Vivo, Claro e Tim (in the past, there was also Oi, but in March 2022, it sold its mobile services to Claro, TIM, and Vivo.).

Each operator has its strengths, catering to different needs based on coverage, cost, and user experience. Below, I highlight the key players and identify the best overall carrier based on research and traveler feedback.

Vivo is widely regarded as the best mobile carrier in Brazil due to its excellent coverage and reliable network, especially in rural and remote areas. It offers a variety of prepaid plans, making it a great option for travelers.

Why Choose Vivo?

• Extensive Coverage: Vivo has the broadest network in Brazil, making it ideal for those traveling beyond major cities.
• Fast Internet: Known for its high-speed 4G and growing 5G network.
• Flexible Plans: Offers a range of prepaid options that include data, calls, and SMS.

Disadvantages of Vivo

• Higher Costs: Vivo’s plans tend to be pricier than those of competitors.
• Setup Challenges: Reports indicate occasional difficulties activating SIM cards without a CPF.

Claro is another popular carrier, offering strong coverage in urban areas and competitive data plans. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who plan to stay within cities and tourist hotspots.

Why Choose Claro?

• Fast Internet Speeds: Claro is recognized for its fast 4G network in major cities.
• Competitive Pricing: Offers affordable prepaid plans with good data packages.
• International Reach: Claro is part of a global telecom group, making it familiar to many international travelers.

Disadvantages of Claro

• Limited Rural Coverage: Its network isn’t as expansive in remote areas.
• Price Variability: SIM cards purchased in tourist-heavy locations may be more expensive.

TIM is known for its affordable plans and good urban coverage. It’s a great option for budget-conscious travelers who need reliable connectivity in major cities.

Why Choose TIM?

• Affordable Prepaid Plans: TIM offers some of the most budget-friendly options among all carriers.
• Wide Availability: SIM cards are easy to find at kiosks, convenience stores, and official outlets.
• Self-Activation Options: Allows tourists to activate their SIM card by calling a number and registering with their passport.

Disadvantages of TIM

• Inconsistent Rural Coverage: Coverage can be patchy in smaller towns and remote areas.
• Limited Support for Tourists: Language barriers and setup issues may arise at some stores.

Based on coverage, reliability, and overall feedback, Vivo emerges as the best choice for travelers in Brazil, particularly those venturing into rural areas. However, for those staying in urban centers or looking for budget-friendly options, Claro or TIM can also be excellent choices.

The cost of a SIM card in Brazil varies depending on the provider, the type of plan, and your specific needs. Here’s a breakdown of typical pricing to help you plan your budget:

Physical SIM Cards in Brazil

Local carriers like Vivo, Claro, and TIM offer prepaid plans, and the cost includes both the SIM card and the chosen plan:

• SIM Card Price: Usually around $2–$10 USD, depending on where you buy it (airport stores tend to be more expensive).
• Prepaid Plans:
  • 2GB to 5GB of data + calls/SMS: $5–$10 USD (valid for 7–15 days).
  • Unlimited data plans: $20–$40 USD (valid for 30 days, available in select carriers).

Additional Costs

• Top-Ups: For physical SIM cards, you may need to recharge your plan, which costs between $2–$20 USD, depending on the amount of data or call minutes needed.
• International Calls: Some plans include international call packages, while others charge extra for these services.

As I mentioned earlier, some tourists report that when they go to stores to purchase a SIM card, vendors often require a CPF (Brazilian taxpayer identification number) to activate the line. This creates significant challenges, as most travelers only have their passport.

As a result, many end up going from store to store trying to find one that will activate the SIM card with just their passport or without requiring additional documents.

In fact, prior to 2012, it was not possible to activate a SIM card without a CPF. However, on September 12, 2012, the Ministry of Communications and ANATEL (the Brazilian telecom regulatory agency) established that foreign tourists could purchase and activate SIM cards using only their passport or a National Foreigner Registration (RNE).

This regulation was further reinforced ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Yet, more than a decade later, the issue persists. While all major carriers officially state that passports are accepted for SIM card activation, the problem seems to lie with store employees and vendors.

They may be unaware of this functionality or, for various reasons, fail or refuse to complete the activation process using just a passport.

This issue is compounded by the language barrier, as most store staff speak only Portuguese, making it even harder for foreign travelers to resolve the problem efficiently.

Below are some solutions shared by other tourists who successfully obtained a SIM card despite the CPF requirement:

(A) Buy a SIM Card at the Airport

Upon arrival in Brazil, head to an official store of Vivo, TIM, or Claro at the airport and try to purchase a SIM card. Many tourists report success in obtaining a card at these locations.

The only downside is that SIM cards purchased at airport stores are typically more expensive than those sold elsewhere. However, this is an ideal option if you prioritize convenience and ease.

(B) Purchase a TIM SIM Card and Activate It Yourself

You can buy a TIM SIM card at newspaper stands, lottery shops, kiosks, copy/printing shops, convenience stores, booths, or even at official TIM stores, either at the airport or elsewhere.

After inserting the prepaid SIM card into your phone, call 2445-2587 (or another number indicated on the card), press 3, press 3 again, and then press * or follow the instructions provided on the SIM card packaging.

They will ask for your passport details, and your SIM card should be activated within minutes. Check this Reddit forum for updated advice and feedback from tourists who successfully activated their cards using this method.

(C) Visit a Tourist-Friendly Store in Rio de Janeiro

If you are in Rio de Janeiro, there is a Claro store in the Copacabana neighborhood with a dedicated staff member who speaks English and assists tourists in obtaining a SIM card.

The store is located at Av. Nossa Senhora de Copacabana, 664 – loja 12, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22050-001.

Some tourists report that prices at this location are higher than elsewhere (Approximately $20 USD), but it’s a reliable and straightforward option.

(D) Use a Brazilian CPF

If all else fails, many travelers resolve the issue by using a Brazilian CPF. This could be the CPF of a friend, relative, Airbnb host, or other acquaintance. Provide their CPF to complete the SIM card registration process.