São Paulo is one of the most known cities in Brazil and of the most popular tourist destination, and if this is your next adventure, you will need a great connection to enjoy it to the top. This way, you will be able to keep in touch with your loved ones. You can use the traditional but expensive international roaming, or choose a modern alternative like the new eSIM card with cellular data for São Paulo. This device will let you connect to the internet for an accessible price, and with additional advantages.
If you are interested in eSIM, keep reading. Here we will tell you all you need to know about it: how to buy it, activate it, use it, and more. From the requisites to install it to the data plans and prices. Let’s begin!
Contents
Requisites to install an eSIM card for Sao Paulo
Before you buy an eSIM card, you have to know that since it is such a new product, not all devices can support it. Not all cellphones have the technology needed to have an eSIM installed. So, make sure to read the requirements and conditions below before buying an eSIM:
- You will need an eSIM-compatible smartphone. To know this, you will have to check for this information online.
- Before getting an eSIM, check the compatibility of the eSIM of your provider and your cellphone. Most providers have more compatibility with iPhone XS onwards.
- To make the purchase, you will need an email account. There you will receive the QR code for the eSIM activation.
- To activate it, you will have to be connected to the internet.
- Depending on the provider, you will have to install an app to activate or manage the eSIM.
- Some providers will ask for your address and other personal information in the purchasing form.
eSIM card providers
Now that you are certain that you can get an eSIM card, we are going to tell you about international providers of eSIM cards. But first, you have to know that they only offer eSIM cards for short trips, which means that the eSIM card won’t last longer than 2 months.
If you want to stay in Sao Paulo for more time, you can get an eSIM card from local operators. We are going to tell you about this later.
The eSIM card providers for Sao Paulo are:
- Holafly
- Au by KDDI
- KnowRoaming
- TravelSIM
Data plans and prices of the eSIM card for Sao Paulo
We know that one of the most important things is to stick to your budget. So, you may want to know about the data plans and prices that the eSIM card providers offer. We have listed this information below, to help you with it. This way you will be able to make the best decision.
It is also important to know about the coverage you will have once you get to your destination. We will talk about that later.
Holafly eSIM card for Sao Paulo: data plans and prices
- 15 days with 6 GB, at $44
TravelSIM eSIM card for Sao Paulo: data plans and prices
- 5 GB for 30 days, at $51
Know Roaming eSIM card for Sao Paulo: data plans and prices
- 5 GB for 30 days, at $50
Au By KKDI eSIM card for Sao Paulo: data plans and prices
- 5 GB for 30 days, at $43
eSIM card for Sao Paulo providers: a comparison
| Provider | data | Days | Price ($) | Service and support in English? | Where can I buy it? |
| Holafly | 6GB | 15 | 44 | Yes | Web |
| TravelSIM | 5GB | 30 | 51 | Yes | Web |
| KnowRoaming | 5GB | 30 | 50 | Yes | Web |
| Au By KKDI | 5GB | 30 | 43 | Yes | Web |
Characteristics of the eSIM card for Sao Paulo
Now that you know about the data plans and prices for the eSIM card, we are going to show you its characteristics, to learn more about this device. Not all eSIM cards are the same, it will depend on the provider. But we have listed some general aspects:
- Usually, eSIM cards only offer international cellular data. So, if you want to make calls, you will have to do it using apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Messenger. Remember this will consume cellular data.
- The eSIM card can be used only once. So, do not erase the eSIM from your cellphone if you experience any problems. Contact your service provider first.
- Your cellphone will become a dual-SIM phone once you install the eSIM card. This means that you will be able to use both, the eSIM and the SIM card, at the same time.
- You can have more than one eSIM profile, but you can only use one at a time.
Coverage of the eSIM card
As we already told you, you have to know the coverage you will have with the eSIM at your destination. It is essential because if the coverage is bad, your connection won’t be the best. You may even end up without an internet connection in some places.
To avoid this problem, you have to know about the roaming accords your provider has with the local operators. If your eSIM card connects to the networks of local operators like Vivo, Claro, and TIM, your connection will be great. The Holafly eSIM card connects to the Vivo network, one of the best operators in this country.
4G Vivo coverage map
4G Claro coverage map
4G TIM coverage map
Which local operators offer the eSIM card?
If you are planning to live or stay for a long time in Sao Paulo, you may be interested in acquiring an eSIM card from local operators. This type of card is aimed at residents, so, it is not easy to get, since you will have to show some documents such as your passport or foreign citizenship, to buy it.
To acquire it, you have to visit the website of the operator you choose, or go to the physical store. Once you are there, you will be able to ask for a prepaid or postpaid data plan for an eSIM.
The local operators are the following:
- Vivo
- TIM
- Claro
Frequent questions about the eSIM
No, it is not necessary. But some sellers may ask for your address, so you will need a temporary address in Sao Paulo, such as the Hotel.
Some sellers will let you do it, while others won’t.
It will depend on your cellphone. You have to scan the QR code that you receive after the purchase. Once you do that, you have to pick the eSIM card as the cellular data medium, turn on the data roaming, and that’s it! You’ll be connected immediately!
There are two important aspects you have to know: the amount of cellular data you need, and the number of days you are going to stay in Sao Paulo. Knowing this you will be able to make the best decision.
There are many ways to connect to the internet. But some alternatives are costly or inconvenient. Two of them are international Roaming and Pocket WiFi.
