How to buy a prepaid SIM card for Brazil?

As your trip to Brazil approaches and you're finalising your plans, one important thing to consider is how you'll stay connected and navigate the country. Whether you're relying on maps to explore, using translation apps or simply staying in touch with loved ones, having reliable access to data can make a significant difference in your travel experience.

Swapping your UK SIM for a prepaid Brazil SIM card is a simple and efficient solution to avoid expensive roaming fees. This way, you’ll have constant access to maps, translation apps, and other essential services without relying on Wi-Fi.

Also, if you need a cost-effective way to handle your finances across borders, check out the Wise card. It can help you get ready for your stay in Brazil and save money while travelling abroad. You can pay and withdraw cash like a local for low fees* and at the mid-market exchange rate.

Why should you buy a prepaid SIM card when travelling to Brazil from the UK?

A Brazil SIM card is a great way to save money. UK phone plans typically do not cover international calls or data, so buying a local SIM is a more affordable option than paying the high fees your provider charges for using your phone abroad. his simple change helps you avoid unexpected costs while staying connected throughout your trip.

The main advantage of a local SIM is that you can easily stay in touch with loved ones throughout the day. You will be able to share updates on your adventures without relying on Wi-Fi. Plus, it gives you access to essential travel apps, such as maps and translation services, to help you navigate with ease.

If you're still not convinced you should get a Brazil SIM card, you can always rely on international roaming. Networks such as VOXI or Virgin Mobile offer global roaming packages that cover Brazil. Some other providers, like Tesco Mobile, Sky or Three, charge roaming fees as you go.

How much does a SIM card cost in Brazil?

Most Brazilian operators offer 25 BRL plans, whether weekly or monthly. For example, Vivo has a 22-day plan for 25 BRL, which is suitable even for heavy users.

If you're planning to get an eSIM, Airalo’s prices start at £4.50 for their weekly 1 GB plan. For unlimited data, you might want to consider Maya Mobile, which offers a plan for around £3 per day.

How to buy a prepaid SIM card for Brazil?

You can get a Brazil SIM card at major airports, official provider stores, as well as some pharmacies and bookstores. You can also order a physical SIM or an eSIM before departure.¹

Brazil SIM cards must be registered under the user’s name, so you will need to provide your passport. Most stores accept all payment methods, but it is still a good idea to check with staff whether you can pay by credit card or debit card.

Where can you buy a SIM card for Brazil in the UK?

You can buy a Brazil SIM card online before leaving the UK, but you won’t have many plans to choose from. This means you could miss out on better deals that are available once you arrive in Brazil.

One option is SimCorner’s 12 GB monthly plan. This SIM costs £19 and it also includes 3,000 minutes and no daily limit for data usage.²

Can you buy a Brazil SIM card at the airport?

Yes, you can buy a Brazil SIM card at major international airports, such as Rio de Janeiro GIG or São Paulo GRU. However, options may be limited to Correios Celular and queues can be long.¹

Airport stores are often more expensive than those in the city and may have limited opening hours. It is generally better to buy a Brazil SIM card at a store in the city centre.

Best prepaid SIM cards for Brazil

Here are some of the best SIM card options for your trip to Brazil.

Correios Celular

Correios Celular has three 30-day prepaid options that can be great for tourists: the 5 GB, 15 GB and 30 GB plans.³

For 25 BRL, you get 100 minutes, 100 calls and 5 GB of data in total, including a scheduled recharge. If you pay 30 BRL, you’ll get a plan with 15 GB of data and unlimited calls to any network. Lastly, the 40 BRL has 30 GB of data and unlimited calls as well.³

These are some of their plans, but if they do not suit you, you can always check their website for more options.

TIM

TIM offers a prepaid SIM card designed for international visitors. It costs 25 BRL per week and can be recharged once this expires. This plan includes 1.5 GB of data, with the option to purchase add-ons, such as extra minutes and texts.⁴

Vivo

With Vivo, you can choose a plan that lasts between 15 and 30 days. Their 15-day plan costs 17 BRL and includes 5 GB of data and unlimited minutes. The 17-day plan costs 20 BRL and comes with 6 GB of data.

The two largest plans also include additional data for YouTube. The 22-day plan offers 8 GB of data for 25 BRL, while the 30-day plan includes 10 GB.

As all of these plans renew automatically, be sure to cancel them before you leave.⁵

Best e-SIM cards for Brazil

An eSIM is the easiest way to stay connected in Brazil while avoiding expensive roaming charges. You can buy one before even leaving the UK and activate it upon arrival.

Before buying, check whether your phone supports eSIMs. If it does, here are some of the best eSIM options for Brazil.

Maya Mobile

Maya Mobile offers four data options for Brazil eSIMs: 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB and unlimited data. The eSIM is available for as little as five days, though you can also choose a monthly plan.⁶

To give you an example of their pricing, the 10-day plan with 3 GB of data is priced at £8.99, while the 5 GB plan costs £12.99. The 10 GB plan is available for £20.99, and unlimited data is priced at £3.39 per day.⁶

Holafly

All Holafly eSIM plans offer unlimited data, with prices decreasing the longer the plan duration.

For example, their Brazil eSIM costs £7 per day, but the 10-day plan is £30. A 30-day Holafly eSIM costs £75, which works out to £2.50 per day.⁷

These are data-only plans, allowing you to keep your UK number. Plus, you can share up to 500 MB of daily data via hotspot, so your travel group stays connected.⁷

Airalo

The eSIMs Airalo offers for Brazil are called Maneiro, with six different plans to choose from.⁸

Their plans range from 1 GB to 20 GB of data, so you’re likely to find an option that suits your needs. The 7-day eSIM costs £4.50 for 1 GB, while the 30-day plan with 5 GB is priced at £15. The most expensive option is Airalo’s £35 plan, which provides 30 GB of data.⁸

Spend like a local in Brazil with Wise

As you decide which Brazil SIM card to buy for your upcoming trip, it’s also worth considering options for managing your holiday spending.

The Wise international debit card can be a convenient choice. For a one-time cost of just £7, you can spend and withdraw like a local in Brazil and 150+ more countries. You can also send money to pay for a rental car, accommodation or the like while still in the UK.

With the Wise card, your pounds are automatically converted at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend. You’ll just pay a small conversion fee, or no fee if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

Sign up with Wise today 💰

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 17-Feb-2025