Complete Guide for Travelers 路 Updated 2026
Everything you need to know about buying a local SIM card in Brazil. Compare 3 providers, find prepaid plans starting from $8 USD, and learn exactly where to buy and what documents you need.
Cheapest Plan
$8
Providers
3
Network
Currency
BRL
GRU Airport (Sao Paulo) or GIG Airport (Rio) arrivals, or any Claro/Vivo store
Compare all 3 carriers offering prepaid SIM cards to tourists in Brazil. Side-by-side comparison of coverage, speed, and pricing.
| Carrier | Type | Coverage | Speed | Cheapest Plan | Plans | Buy At |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Claro Brazil Best Coverage | Major | Excellent | Excellent | $10USD 10 GB / 15 days | 2plans | AirportCarrier StoreConvenience Store |
Vivo | Major | Excellent | Excellent | $8USD 7 GB / 15 days | 2plans | AirportCarrier Store |
TIM Brazil | Major | Good | Good | $9USD 8 GB / 15 days | 1plan | AirportCarrier Store |
Coverage and speed ratings per carrier
From
$10
10 GB / 15 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist 10GB | 10 GB | 50 BRL | $10 | 15 days | Unlimited Brazil |
| Tourist 20GB | 20 GB | 80 BRL | $16 | 30 days | Unlimited Brazil |
From
$8
7 GB / 15 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid 7GB | 7 GB | 40 BRL | $8 | 15 days | Unlimited Vivo-to-Vivo |
| Prepaid 15GB | 15 GB | 70 BRL | $14 | 30 days | Unlimited Brazil |
From
$9
8 GB / 15 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid 8GB | 8 GB | 45 BRL | $9 | 15 days | Unlimited TIM-to-TIM |
Select providers to compare their plans directly
Select up to 3 providers to compare. 3/3 selected.
Vivo
Prepaid 7GB
40 BRL BRL
TIM Brazil
Prepaid 8GB
45 BRL BRL
Claro Brazil
Tourist 10GB
50 BRL BRL
Vivo
Prepaid 15GB
70 BRL BRL
Claro Brazil
Tourist 20GB
80 BRL BRL
Visual comparison of carrier pricing in Brazil
Cheapest to most expensive plan (USD)
Cheapest available
$8
Find the best place to buy a prepaid SIM card in Brazil, with details on hours, ease of purchase, and what to expect at each location type.
This is the easiest option for tourists arriving in Brazil.
Carrier counters and kiosks in the arrivals hall. Staff speak English and handle registration on the spot.
Official brand stores with the widest plan selection. Staff can help with activation and troubleshooting.
Available at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, and similar stores. Look near the checkout counter.
Order online before your trip and pick up at the airport, or have it delivered to your hotel.
Bring your passport when buying a SIM card in Brazil. It is required for registration at all official points of sale. Airport counters handle the process quickly.
Brazil uses 4G LTE / 5G networks. Here is how each provider compares for coverage and speed across the country.
Coverage Map for Brazil
Visit each carrier's website for their interactive coverage map
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
Brazil requires SIM card registration. Here is exactly what you need and step-by-step instructions for each provider.
Prepare these before buying a SIM in Brazil
Unlocked phoneRequired
Your phone must be SIM-unlocked to use a local SIM card
PassportRequired
Valid passport for SIM registration
SIM ejector toolRequired
Or use a paperclip to open the SIM tray
Cash in local currencyRequired
Some vendors do not accept credit cards
Photo ID (backup)Optional
A second form of ID in case your passport is needed elsewhere
Local addressRequired
Hotel address for SIM registration form
major carrier
Step 1
Passport
Step 2
CPF number (carrier generates a temporary one)
major carrier
Step 1
Passport
major carrier
Step 1
Passport
Get a printable PDF with provider comparisons, activation steps, and APN settings for Brazil.