There are many reasons to visit Rio de Janeiro. From its modern architecture to its beautiful beaches, attractions such as the “Cristo Redentor,” and its delicious food. But, if you are traveling to this destination, you will need a way to connect to the internet, to fully enjoy your trip. This way you can check for tourists hotspots, tours and local cuisine!
If it’s your first time traveling to this city, and you are unsure how to connect to the internet, don’t worry! You are in the right place. In this article, we will show you all the possible alternatives to connecting to the internet. From cheaper and effortless alternatives like SIM and eSIM cards to alternatives with a higher price, like international roaming or Pocket WiFi.
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Internet in Rio de Janeiro using data
Technology has given us many ways to connect to the internet and anywhere around the world comfortably. Alternatives like the new eSIM or the traditional SIM card are two of the most accessible and comfortable options.
Anyway, you can find other alternatives, less practical, like international roaming, Pockets WiFi, or connecting to the public WiFi of your destination.
Internet in Rio de Janeiro: prices
One of the most important things you have to know is the price of the alternatives we are mentioning here to you. So, to help you compare them and pick the one that best suits your needs. We have created a comparison chart for you, see below:
| Service | Price |
| AT&T Roaming | $2.05/MB |
| Vodafone Roaming | $6.05/MB (IVA included) |
| T-Mobile | $15 per MB |
| Renting a Cello Mobile Pocket Wifi | $144 rent for a week |
| Holafly SIM card | 8GB/12GB for 30 days at $34 and $44 each |
| Holafly eSIM card | 6GB for 15 days at $44 |
| Public Wifi | Free |
SIM card to have the internet in Rio de Janeiro
The first alternative we will show you is one of the best: the traditional SIM card with cellular data for Rio de Janeiro. It is cheaper than international Roaming, and it is very easy to use because basically, everyone has used a SIM at least once in their lives.
To get a SIM card, we recommend you buy it before traveling through an online store to ensure you have an internet connection once you arrive at your destination. One of the best online stores is Holafly. Its SIM card has additional advantages, such as a new telephone number, free reception, cellular data in other destinations, and free shipping!
SIM card for Rio de Janeiro: prices
- 8 GB / 30 days / $34
- 12 GB / 30 days / $44
eSIM card for Rio de Janeiro
Another alternative is the eSIM card for Rio de Janeiro. You won’t have to wait for it to arrive at your house, or visit a physical store to get it because the shipping is free and instantaneous. So, you will be able to receive it anywhere you are, anytime! However, since this cellular product is so recent and just booming, not all devices can manage it yet. So, we recommend you make sure your smartphone is eSIM compatible before buying one.
You can acquire it at the Holafly virtual store. You will enjoy an accessible data plan with additional benefits, such as 24-hour customer service and support, instant delivery, the best coverage around, and so much more.
Holafly eSIM card for Rio de Janeiro: prices
6 GB for 15 days at $44
How to connect to the internet with mobile operators?
If you want to use the roaming service in Rio de Janeiro, you must know that you will have to pay for each MB you consume. So, use your data wisely to make sure you don’t have to pay so much at the end of your trip!
Internet in Rio de Janeiro with AT&T
If you are an AT&T USA user, then you will be able to use international roaming during your trip to Rio de Janeiro. First, you will be able to use cellular data by paying only for your internet consumption, with a roaming rate of $2.05/MB for Rio de Janeiro.
On the other hand, this company also offers some packages that include voice calls, text messaging, and data, such as the International Day Pass, with which you will have to pay $10 a day. So, you can contact them to ask for them to include those services.
Internet in Rio de Janeiro with Vodafone
If you are a Vodafone user and want to connect using roaming, you must pay $6.05 for each MB you use during your trip.
Internet in Rio de Janeiro with T-Mobile
Finally, if you are a T-Mobile customer, you will be able to connect to the Internet while abroad, depending on your plan. The company’s plans cover more than 210 countries, including Brazil. T-Mobile offers 50 GB at $60, 100 GB at $70, and unlimited data plans at $85, each of these plans are charged on a monthly basis.
Likewise, if you have one of the Simple Global Plans, you will be able to connect to the operator’s telephone services at no additional cost; you will only have to pay 0.25 dollars per minute of call. On the other hand, if you have any other T-Mobile plan, you will have to pay 15 dollars per MB of usage.
Pocket Wifi to have the internet in Rio de Janeiro
One of the last alternatives is the Pocket WiFi, little pocket routers that let you have cellular data if you take them with you. The battery of these little devices lasts from 5 to 8 hours, so if you will be out for a long time, we recommend you take with you a Power Bank to have the Pocket WiFi fully charged.
Another advantage is that you can share your cellular data with other devices without it affecting the quality of connection. But you have to know that it is such an expensive product because you pay for the device, the data plan, the shipping, the loss and anti-theft insurance, and other additional factors or included services.
Pocket Wifi Providers
Travelers WiFi: If you want to acquire the services of this company, you have to pay a daily price of $16.4 to get 500 MB. If you exceed the daily limit, your speed will be lower to 512kbps, until the following day. The shipping price is around $30, and you will also have to pay the return cost of the Pocket WiFi.
Cello Mobile: For this company’s Pocket WiFi, you will have to pay a weekly price of $114. You will also have to pay for a delivery, the price of which depends on the country you want to receive it at. You can also rent extra accessories and insurance for the pocket WiFi.
Public Wifi in Rio de Janeiro
The cheapest option to connect to the internet in your destination is using the Public WiFi networks. But even though it can be a great alternative if you want to save money, the truth is that it is one of the least reliable ways to connect to the internet. These types of networks are very slow, and have low security standards.
If you are interested in this alternative, we recommend you not to use it for a long time and avoid providing personal information.
Coverage map in Rio de Janeiro
3G or 4G coverage
Our recommendation
If you are not sure about which alternative you should pick, we recommend you pick either the Holafly SIM or eSIM card. These alternatives will let you enjoy a stable, comfortable, safe, and accessible internet connection. Which also offers additional benefits.
Frequent questions about how to connect to the internet in Rio de Janeiro
The network frequencies you will find in this destination are the following: 700, 850, 900, 1700, 1900, 2100, and 2600.
There are many cellular operators like Movistar, one of the main cellular providers in this country. You will also find two other operators: Tigo and Claro.
You may connect to 2G, 3G, and 4G.
