Prepaid SIM Cards in Brazil

Prepaid SIM Cards in Brazil: Everything You Need to Know

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If you’re planning a trip to Brazil, staying connected is essential—whether for navigation, translation, local bookings, or sharing your journey on social media. A Brazilian prepaid SIM card is the most convenient and affordable way for travelers and expats to access mobile internet and local calls. This guide provides everything you need to know about prepaid SIM cards in Brazil in 2025—from network frequencies and coverage to biometric registration and tourist-friendly data plans.

Basic Information About SIM Cards in Brazil

Brazil has a well-developed telecommunications market with multiple mobile operators offering prepaid services. The main mobile providers are:

  • Claro – Great urban coverage and high-speed internet
  • TIM Brasil – Affordable plans and extensive coverage
  • Vivo – Widest 4G/LTE reach, especially outside cities
  • Oi – Budget-friendly, limited in rural areas

All of these operators support prepaid plans (“Pré-Pago“) and are easy to purchase at airports, malls, and official stores across Brazil.

Official Websites

Here are the official websites for the top four providers:

You can find plan details, app download links, and store locations on their websites.

Frequencies Used in Brazil

Before you insert a local SIM card, make sure your phone is unlocked and supports the following network frequencies:

  • 2G: 850 MHz, 900 MHz (rare, mostly decommissioned)
  • 3G (UMTS/HSPA): 850 MHz, 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: Band 3 (1800 MHz), Band 7 (2600 MHz), Band 28 (700 MHz)
  • 5G: Band n78 (3500 MHz) and others (mostly in large cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro)

Most modern smartphones (especially iPhones and Android flagships) support these bands.

Coverage & Speed

Coverage and speed vary by region:

ProviderUrban CoverageRural Coverage4G Speed5G Availability
ClaroExcellentGoodFastest overallAvailable in major cities
VivoExcellentBestVery fastBroadest 5G coverage
TIMVery goodModerateReliableExpanding rapidly
OiFairPoorSlowerLimited or no 5G

For travel outside major cities or remote beaches like Fernando de Noronha, Vivo offers the best rural performance.

At a Glance Comparison

FeatureClaroVivoTIMOi
SIM Card PriceR$10–20R$10–20R$10–20R$10–15
Tourist SIM✅✅✅❌
eSIM Available✅✅✅❌
Top-up OptionsApp, VouchersApp, OnlineApp, USSDApp, Kiosk
App in EnglishPartiallyPartiallyPartially❌

Biometric User Registration

Since 2020, biometric registration is mandatory for buying a SIM card in Brazil. This includes:

  • Valid passport
  • Photo and fingerprint taken in-store
  • CPF (Brazilian Tax ID) – not required for tourists, but some vendors may ask

The registration process typically takes 10–15 minutes.

What to Expect When Buying

  • Purchase at official stores, not kiosks, for proper activation
  • SIM card packaging includes a PIN/PUK and a phone number
  • Some stores may charge a setup fee, but often this includes a basic data plan

Device Registration

There’s no IMEI registration requirement for tourists. However, if you plan to stay over 90 days, it’s advisable to register your device with Anatel, Brazil’s telecom authority.

More info: https://www.gov.br/anatel

Mobile Apps for Each Provider

You can easily top-up, check usage, and manage your plan with these apps:

SIM Card Price

The price for a prepaid SIM card in Brazil is between R$10 to R$20 (approx. USD $2–$4), often with some credit included.

At airports, expect to pay more, sometimes R$40–50 for a “tourist pack.

Prepaid Plans Overview

Here’s a typical overview of prepaid plan options in 2025:

DataValidityPrice (R$)Includes
3 GB7 days15Unlimited WhatsApp
10 GB30 days35–40Unlimited social apps, SMS
20 GB30 days50–60Calls + bonus for app recharge

Some providers offer double data when recharging via the app.

Tourist SIM Cards

Claro and Vivo both offer special tourist plans:

Claro Brasil Pré-Pago Tourist Plan
  • Data: 12 GB
  • Validity: 30 days
  • Price: R$49
  • Includes: Unlimited WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and local calls
Vivo Easy Tourist
  • Buy online or at stores
  • Flexible daily packages via the app

These SIMs are optimized for short-term travelers and include easy activation in English.

Top-Up Codes for Brazil Prepaid SIM Cards

OperatorUSSD Top-Up CodeHow to UseOther Top-Up Options
Claro*555*PIN#Dial with your recharge PIN (e.g., *555*123456789012345#)Claro app, online banking, retail stores
Vivo7000Call 7000 and follow the voice instructionsMeu Vivo app, ATM, internet banking
TIM*244*PIN#Dial the code with voucher PIN (e.g., *244*987654321098765#)Meu TIM app, website, stores
Oi*300 or *805Call and follow instructions to enter PINMinha Oi app, bank apps, convenience stores

Activation

Activating your SIM card is usually done in-store by a sales representative:

  1. Insert SIM into your phone
  2. Submit passport and biometric data
  3. Wait for confirmation SMS (may take a few minutes)
  4. Top-up using app, voucher, or credit card

How to Check Remaining Balance

Each provider has its own method:

  • Claro: Dial *1052# or use the app
  • Vivo: Dial *8000# or use the Meu Vivo app
  • TIM: Dial *222# or use the Meu TIM app
  • Oi: Dial *880# or check through the Oi app

Most apps allow push notifications for balance and data usage.

Conclusion

Getting a prepaid SIM card in Brazil is straightforward, affordable, and essential for a smooth travel experience. Whether you’re enjoying Rio’s beaches, exploring the Amazon, or working remotely from São Paulo, Brazil’s top mobile operators like Claro, Vivo, and TIM offer competitive plans, strong urban coverage, and simple tourist-friendly options.

Make sure your phone is compatible with Brazilian networks, register with your passport, and download the provider’s app for easy balance checks and recharges.

With the right SIM, you’ll stay connected wherever your Brazilian adventure takes you!

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