Brazil SIM card, roaming, eSIM and other ways to get Internet abroad | May 2024

Getting Internet access in Brazil: all your options

Internet connection is probably one of your biggest concerns now that you are organizing your trip to Brazil. It's normal that you want mobile data abroad, as it will allow you to make all kinds of reservations and queries that will be constant during your stay in the South American country.

But don't worry, because there are many options available to you to get a good Internet connection in Brazil. Our intention is to detail each of them with all their advantages and disadvantages.

But first, we leave you with this table, so you can get an idea of what you would have to pay in each of the modalities:

How much does it cost the Internet in Brazil?
Service	Price/Days	Data
eSIM Brazil Holafly	From £34/30 days	From 6GB
Brazil SIM card	From £2/7 days	2GB
Wifi in Brazil: Portable Public	From £4/day Free	2GB/day Unlimited
Roaming in Brazil: EE O2 Three	From £44/30 days From £6/day From £3/day	8GB 1MB 1MB

How to get a SIM card in Brazil?

Your first thought is to get a SIM card as soon as you arrive in Brazil. After all, they are still a very convenient and cheap option, as you can find them in any supermarket or specialized shop. It is true that you can also buy your prepaid card online, but you will have to wait for it to be delivered to your home or hotel.

Another advantage is that you can buy data-only SIM cards in Brazil. This way, you won't pay for calls you probably won't make and, above all, you won't have to commit to any company beyond your trip.

And don't forget to check the compatibility of your mobile phone with the SIM card. Currently, there are different sizes: regular, microSIM or nanoSIM.

Here are the main cellphone providers working in the country:

• Claro SIM card Brazil: It is one of the most important companies in the territory, so its coverage and service are very efficient. You have a choice of 2GB and 6GB mobile internet plans.
• Vivo Brazil SIM card: This brand is the main competitor of the previous one, so you can find it in any supermarket or specialized shop. They also offer different plans depending on the amount of data and the length of your stay.
• Correios SIM card in Brazil: Its biggest advantage is that it offers a variety of data plans ranging from 4GB to 60GB.

eSIM Brazil: your best option

While buying a SIM card in Brazil is not a bad option, we believe there is another option that has an advantage: eSIM. This is a virtual card that you can activate from your phone with a simple QR code, so you don't waste time looking for a shop downtown.

What is an eSIM card?

The convenience offered by eSIMs is one of their biggest advantages. That is why they are gaining more and more ground over the traditional prepaid cards. Many companies offer this service, such as Maya Mobile, Ubigi or TravelSim. But none offer plans as comprehensive as Holafly's eSIMs.

• Advantages of signing up for an eSIM to travel to Brazil with Holafly
• It is so convenient that you only need to activate it with a QR code from your phone.
• You can call their customer service at any time of the day.
• Make calls from WhatsApp without paying a penny.
• You can keep your old SIM card in case you ever need to use it.
• It is one of the cheapest options.
• You won't have to go anywhere to buy the card, as you will receive it directly in your mailbox.

• Disadvantages of the Holafly Brazil eSIM card
• You will not be able to use your local number to make calls or send messages.
• You are not allowed to share your data with other devices.

As you can see, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages by far, so we think this is a good option to get Internet in Brazil. In addition, Holafly's eSIM offers outstanding coverage, as it connects to the network of Vivo, the country's leading phone operator. Not to mention that you will also have 24/7 customer service at your disposal.

Connect to a wifi network in Brazil

Those who don't want to go thought the trouble, prefer to connect directly to the public wifi of any establishment. And while it can get you out of trouble, these connections have their drawbacks, especially when it comes to your personal data.

These networks are not at all secure, so we recommend that you don't do any banking or online shopping when you're connected. Strangely enough, it is relatively easy for a stranger to access your details and bank accounts.

Rent a portable wifi in Brazil

A better option is to use a pocket wifi or MiFi. This is a device that you can rent to have mobile data abroad. Here are the main companies from which you can request this service:

• WifiVox: With this company, you will be able to connect up to 5 different devices to the Internet with 1GB of mobile data at maximum speed.
• Travel Wifi: It offers 2GB packages, but you will have to pay more than the previous one.
• MioWifi: Its fast 4G connection will allow up to 5 of your devices to access the Internet.
• Klook Wifi: The best thing about this brand is that it offers a wide variety of plans ranging from 1GB to 4GB of Internet data.

How does roaming work in Brazil?

Another option is to activate the roaming service offered by your phone company. It is true that this can be convenient because you will have to do practically nothing, but it will cost you an arm and a leg. Especially if you are travelling to a country like Brazil, which is outside Europe.

That said, here are the plans of the three main operators working in the UK:

• EE roaming in Brazil: With this company, you can pay as you go or purchase a monthly data plan to get access the Internet.
• Roaming with O2 in Brazil: As in the previous case, you can contract 24-hour or month-long plans.
• Three roaming for Brazil: Although you have to pay for mobile internet, you can call and text UK numbers at no extra cost.
• Vodafone roaming for Brazil: From £6/day, you can enjoy Internet connection on your mobile.

Average Internet in Brazil

The average download speed of broadband Internet in Brazil is around 36 Mbps ⁽¹⁾ , so you won't have any connection problems during your trip. At least in major cities, where broadband networks are widespread.

The most common networks in Brazil are 3G and 4G, although you will also find 5G ⁽²⁾ in cities such as Brazilia, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Why you should have Internet in Brazil?

From contacting your family to sharing your adventures on social media, there are many reasons why you should have Internet access in Brazil:

• Keep in touch with your family via WhatsApp: Making calls from your number abroad is always complicated, so you'll want to be able to make them via WhatsApp at no extra cost.
• Check the weather: You know that Brazil is a country that has a rainy season. Also, there are months when it can get very hot. Knowing these variables will allow you to be better prepared for whatever comes your way.
• Make reservations in hotels and restaurants: In addition to your accommodation, you will be able to enjoy the best restaurants and eateries in Brazil. If you have Internet on your phone, it will be much easier to book a place in one of them.
• Find your way around with Google Maps: If you want to get around the city easily, you will need an application of this type on your phone, for which you need Internet.

Having the Internet in your pocket will allow you to make the most of your trip to Brazil. You can book and organize everything you need to visit Manaus and try one of its delicacies: piranhas. You can also buy a bus ticket to go swimming in the Gruta do Lago Azul or book a night in Rio de Janeiro to party at the Carnival.

For this and much more, we think you should get Holafly's eSIM Brazil.

Tips before travelling to Brazil

Brazil is an exotic country brimming with beauty, but you should know that it also has its quirks. Here are a few tips you should bear in mind before you travel:

• Get up early: This can be recommended on almost any trip, but even more so in Brazil. Remember that the sun rises very early and the sun sets very early. You'll want to take advantage of the daylight hours to contemplate all its beauty.
• Learn Portuguese: Although in some establishments you will be able to communicate in English, we recommend that you learn a little of the local language so that you can interact more naturally.
• Avoid street ATM: If you want to avoid theft and other unnecessary hassles, we recommend that you withdraw money inside the cashier.
• Vaccination: It never hurts to know what vaccinations are recommended for travel to any foreign country. In the case of Brazil, travellers are usually vaccinated against yellow fever.
• Beware of beaches: Because they are so crowded, they are a favourite haunt for pickpockets. And if you look like a tourist, you'll be an easy target.

You may be lucky enough to be able to visit several destinations, either as a tourist or as a digital nomad, if so you are interested in knowing how to have internet in different places, here are some that may be of interest: