Which carriers matter, what buying a SIM involves, and when an eSIM is the smarter move.
Reliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.
One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.
Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.
The CPF is the real wall: travelers report being turned away at store after store across Sao Paulo and Rio. Topping up Claro by phone or online also needs a CPF, so top up in person or with vouchers. A Brazilian number is the identity layer for WhatsApp, Pix and delivery apps, so a data-only travel eSIM can fail app verifications. The clean fix: a CPF is free and can be arranged before your trip through a Brazilian consulate or Receita Federal's online form.
The carrier most likely to sell prepaid to a foreigner on passport alone, with good coverage including smaller coastal towns. Even so, success varies by store.
The largest network with good national coverage, but the strictest about requiring a CPF.
Hit-or-miss on the CPF requirement depending on the store, and coverage thins out in remote beach areas.
The post office's mobile brand, sold at post offices, some pharmacies and newsstands. Indoor signal is weak.
Every SIM must be registered to a person, but legally a foreign passport is enough: no CPF (the Brazilian tax ID) is required by law. In practice Vivo and Claro staff often refuse without one because their systems assume it, so try TIM first and be ready to visit several stores.
Guac eSIM covers Brazil with data plans starting from $1.50 per GB and instant activation, so your phone is online the moment you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular alternatives.
SIM cards and eSIM in Brazil