If your next destination is Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, or Fortaleza, we are sure you want to stay connected to the internet with the best Brazil SIM card. Here, we will tell you about the features, advantages, benefits, rates, and comparisons so you can have the best option and stay connected.
Brazil is one of the main tourist destinations in South America, with one of the most incredible wealth of flora and fauna. This article will compare the best SIM cards for Brazil and forget about expensive roaming.
If your cell phone is compatible, we advise you to buy an international eSIM card, this is much easier to purchase and install on your cell phone without the need for delivery. You will receive a code in your email with the eSIM for Brazil; scan it, and you have the internet on your cellphone!
Did you know that with an eSIM Brazil, you will have Internet without a physical card? We send you a QR code to your email, and that’s it. You’re connected in Brazil!
Contents
Why buy a SIM card for Brazil?
Because having internet is perfect to stay connected with family and friends while visiting the country, SIM cards offer different cheap deals so you can forget about the expensive roaming offered by your cellphone operator.
Which SIM card for Brazil offers the most data at a better price?
We advise you to look for a SIM card that allows you to keep your WhatsApp number, is easy to use, i.e., insert it into your cellphone/device, activate “Data roaming,” and that’s it!
Therefore, we will show you several international SIM options, although only one alternative offers you the best amount of data at the lowest price and with the best coverage. See for yourself in the following chart:
Holafly offers unlimited data plans with 4G LTE coverage for 5, 7, 10, 15, or 20 days. As their services are virtual SIM card services you can easily purchase and install your data plan from home.
Where to buy the best data SIM card for Brazil
You can buy a SIM card for Brazil both before arriving at your destination (virtual shops like Holafly, for example) and during your trip (airports, shopping malls, and mobile operators stores). Remember that the best option is to do it before your trip, so you will avoid worrying about it later on and have more time to visit Brazil.
Buy my Brazil SIM card an online shop
This is the perfect option in coronavirus times. Forget about looking for stores and waiting in long lines at stores. Purchase from the comfort of your home and receive your international SIM card without leaving!
Here are some options such as features, advantages, and disadvantages of operators with online stores that facilitate your purchases.
Holafly Brazil virtual SIM card
Holafly has five options for virtual SIM cards Brazil, offering unlimited data and coverage of 5 to 20 days.
| Days | Data | Price |
| 5 | Unlimited data | $19 |
| 7 | Unlimited data | $27 |
| 10 | Unlimited data | $34 |
| 15 | Unlimited data | $47 |
| 20 | Unlimited data | $54 |
Advantages:
- Unlimited data plans are available.
- Immediate shipping!
- Very easy to use. Just scan the QR code, activate your “mobile data,” and you are connected.
- Help 24 hours a day in English and other languages in case you have any questions.
- You keep your number on WhatsApp.
Disadvantage:
- Does not include phone number for calls
How much data do I need to travel to Brazil?
The amount of internet you need depends on you. If you are a social media lover, maybe you are looking for restaurant recommendations, or you simply need to have internet for work while traveling. Everything you need to know to know how much data you need on your trip, we tell you here.
SIM for Brazil from One SIM Card
It has a prepaid SIM card, which costs you up to 30 USD, and offers you more than 15 types of data packages. Note that this company will charge you for everything, both the card and the shipping.
Advantages:
- You will be able to receive local calls and SMS totally free.
- You will have a variety of data packages.
Disadvantages:
- You will be charged only for the card, with a little data, around 30 euros.
- You will also be charged for shipping, which would be around 2.5 euros and upwards.
How much does a SIM card for Brazil cost?
Now that you know the features, advantages, disadvantages, and prices, I will now show you a comparison of the promotional prices (offered in their online ads) and final prices, what they will charge you.
| Card cost | Cost data | Shipping cost | total cost | |
| Holafly | – | $19 | – | $19 |
| One SIM Card | $27,46 | $82,53 | $2,74 | $112,73 |
Now you will see that only one option charges you what it proposes, while the other charges you additional costs, even tripling the price.
Buying a SIM card in Brazil with Vivo, Claro and TIM
You can buy a SIM card at airports (such as Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo), stores (specialized or official of each cellphone operator), supermarkets, kiosks, pharmacies, vending machines (if you require data packages when you have already bought the prepaid SIM card). Keep in mind to always carry your passport when buying a prepaid SIM card.
We will show you three options from the leading cellphone operators in Brazil, such as Vivo, TIM, and Claro. There are a few more, but we will focus on these.
Vivo
Being one of the main cellphone operators in the country, Vivo has around 73 million subscribers. Its SIM cards start at 400 MB and can operate on tablets and modems.
Advantages:
- Its costs with not excessive compared to other competitors.
- Its data packages have a variety ranging from 500 MB and up.
Disadvantages:
- To activate each plan, you have to send a text message to 9003.
- Be careful that some data packages may offer lower speed. Always check each plan in detail.
TIM
With 66 million subscribers, TIM has all coverage types, 2G, 3G, and 4G. Its plans range from 30 to 180 days. Remember that some packages are only exclusive for TIM customers, to activate a data plan you have to send an SMS or dialing *241#.
Advantages:
- It has daily and monthly packages with modest prices and in local currency.
- Some packages offer unlimited WhatsApp.
Disadvantages:
- You will not access all the benefits promoted unless you are a customer of that cellphone operator.
- Some data packages are only valid per day and cannot be accumulated throughout the entire time interval.
Claro
With a 25% market share and with 50 million consumers, Claro has one of the best 4G/LTE coverage. Some of its data packages offer unlimited SMS or WhatsApp.
Advantages:
- Some promotions include unlimited SMS and WhatsApp.
- They offer economical options starting at 50 MB.
Disadvantages:
- Remember that, to place credit for data packages, for example, you will have to dial *577*.
- They will require a passport to buy a SIM card or data package from this operator.
SIM card for Brazil, which one to buy?
Without a doubt, whenever you have a compatible mobile phone, the best option is the Holafly virtual SIM card for Brazil. Unlimited data plans, multilingual customer service, multilingual website, and the possibility to recharge your service with top-ups.
Frequently asked questions about the Internet and SIM cards for Brazil
You can get internet in Brazil in different ways, for example: buying a SIM card or eSIM, contracting roaming from your cellphone operator, using free wifi, and even renting a Pocket Wifi.
Roaming in Brazil costs depend on the offers provided by your cellphone operator. These vary according to your contracted service. You should consider the alternative of buying a prepaid SIM card for Brazil.
Choosing a Brazil SIM card is easy. First, find the best suits the days you will be traveling and how much data it provides. Second, find out if it includes a phone number, local calls, and SMS and if it allows you to share data with other devices.
The easiest way is to do it with online providers (such as Holafly) or when you arrive at your destination at the airport and in operator stores.
Prices vary according to the days of validity of the data plan, if it includes shipping costs and if you are provided with a phone number in Brazil. For example, for an approximate price of $19, you can receive a SIM card with unlimited data.
