Brazil: 4 Best Prepaid SIM Cards Buying Guide (2023)

Brazil – known for its carnivals, well-known football (soccer) players like Neymar, Pelé & Ronaldinho, and the Amazon Rainforest.

It is also the 5th largest country in the world and the largest in South America.

Unlike Australia, the 6th largest country worldwide with a population of 26 million, Brazil has a population of more than 210 million.

It can be rather crowded in the country at times.

But what can you do in Brazil? Probably too much to experience in one lifetime.

From visiting and taking a photo of the iconic Christ the Redeemer to enjoying breath-taking views on the Sugarloaf Mountain cableway.

From sunbathing on the many beaches, such as the Copacabana Beach, to the THRILLING nightlife in all cities, there is no reason to be bored in Brazil.

But before you share your colorful Brazil experiences online, be aware that international roaming can be expensive.

You are way better off using a local SIM card, like a Brazilian one, to enjoy local rates.

Fortunately, Brazilian SIM cards are inexpensive.

You can get a Brazilian SIM card for 10 BRL (1.95 USD), but sometimes up to 15 BRL (2.90 USD), in the official and partner stores of Vivo, Claro, TIM & Oi stores or resellers, including kiosks and pharmacies. Airports, including both in São Paulo, sell SIM cards too.

Those SIM card prices are almost nothing and in line with regional standards.

Some will say that mobile data rates are high in Brazil.

In the (far) past? Maybe. Now, Brazil is one of the 53 lucky countries where the average cost of 1 GB of data is less than 1 USD.

So you will certainly not break the bank on mobile data costs in Brazil.

In this guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Brazil. Let's do this.

Original publication: 2nd of March 2020. Last updated: 14th of March 2023.

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Table of Contents

Can You Buy a SIM Card in Brazil?

Anyone living in or visiting Brazil can buy a Brazilian SIM card from the mobile network operators (Vivo, Claro (includes former Nextel), TIM & Oi) in their stores or from resellers (grocery stores, kiosks & grocery stores), with some restrictions.

Officially, you need a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoa Física) number, which is the local tax ID issued to citizens and residents, to buy and register a Brazilian SIM card.

However, the Main Operators can sell you a SIM card without a CPF number but with your passport (number) instead, if you visit their stores.

Resellers, such as kiosks, are unlikely able to do that.

Therefore, you should visit the official (partner) stores to get yourself a Brazilian SIM card.

Besides that (potential) restriction, you are free to use Brazilian SIM cards.

You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations.

Moreover, you need a phone that supports the frequencies used in the country (preferably all of them to have the most optimal experience while in Brazil).

Furthermore, you need to have a SIM-lock-free device.

Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Brazil?

You can get a Brazilian SIM card in Vivo, Claro (includes former Nextel), TIM & Oi stores and third-party stores, including kiosks, pharmacies & grocery stores. It is also possible to get SIM cards at various international airports, including São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport/Congonhas Airport.

You can buy a Brazillian SIM card in the following airports:

• Belo Horizonte – Belo Horizonte/Confins – Tancredo Neves International Airport (CNF)
• Brasília – Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport (BSB)
• Rio de Janeiro – Galeão International Airport (GIG)
• São Paulo – Congonhas Airport (CGH)
• São Paulo – Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)

You can expect to pay the following for Brazilian SIM cards:

• Vivo Brazil: 10 BRL
• Claro Brazil (includes former Nextel): 10 BRL
• TIM Brazil: 10 BRL
• Oi: 10 BRL

For up-to-date BRL:your currency (let's say USD) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Can You Use Your Phone in Brazil?

Brazil uses GSM for its cellular communications, meaning that you need a GSM-capable phone to use your phone in the country. CMDA-phones will not work in Brazil, but there is about a 99% chance you have a GSM phone anyway.

Besides that, you need to be aware of the ITU Regions to determine whether your phone will work in other parts of the world.

Although there are 3 ITU Regions, you only need to know these two terms: American Frequencies and European Frequencies.

Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe, and Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3) typically use European Frequencies, meaning phones bought in those regions can be used in countries using European Frequencies without issues.

The Americas (North-, Central, and South America + the Caribbean), ITU Region 2, use American Frequencies, which are different from the European Frequencies.

Brazil uses a mix of American Frequencies and European Frequencies for 3G and 4G/LTE. 2G is exclusively on European Frequencies.

If you bought your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, you can go with any mobile network operator.

However, you will not be able to use 2G at all, and Oi's 3G network will not be available to you either.

If you purchased your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, you can go with any mobile operator.

2G is exclusively on European frequencies, but 2G is too slow for modern data browsing. All mobile operators support a standard 3G frequency (2100 MHz) used everywhere in ITU Regions 1 & 3.

4G/LTE should work without issues because they use various European 4G/LTE frequencies used in ITU Regions 1 & 3 (1800 MHz on Band 3 and 2100 MHz on Band 1).

Suppose you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support. In that case, you can go with any mobile operator, as your phone will support both American Frequencies and European Frequencies, even on 4G/LTE (and 5G NR one day).

Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Brazil

Brazil has four Main Operators offering prepaid services that are easily accessible to travelers:

• Vivo Brazil (Vivo Brasil)
• Claro Brazil (Claro Brasil – includes former Nextel)
• TIM Brazil (TIM Brasil)
• Oi

The following frequencies are used in Brazil:

• 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
• 3G: 850 MHz & 2100 MHz
• 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 850 MHz (Band 5), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
• 5G NR: 700 MHz (n28), 1800 MHz (n3), 2100 MHz (n1), 2600 MHz (n7 OR n38), 3500 MHz (n78)

You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.

To check whether your phone will work in Brazil, check out this page by Kimovil or this one by Will My Phone Work (outdated, unfortunately, but extremely user-friendly – useful for phones launched in or before 2019. It does not check for 5G NR compatibility).

Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).

If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.

A Note about Regional Mobile Operators & MVNOs in Brazil

Brazil is home to more than 20 Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) and various regional mobile operators (operating in just one or several states).

Some regional mobile operators do not have a national roaming agreement (such as Sercomtel, which is only active in Paraná).

While others may roam on the networks of the Big Four (Vivo Brazil, Claro Brazil (includes former Nextel), TIM Brazil & Oi), such as Surf (Telecom), allowing for nationwide coverage.

Then you have a bunch of MVNOs that use the networks of the Big Four and offer services at (slightly) lower rates than the Big Four.

However, many of these MVNOs are online-only, require a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoa Física) number (see the SIM Card Registration in Brazil for more information), or are active in select states only.

The main issue with most MVNOs is that they require a CPF number – a local tax ID you will not get as a tourist.

Moreover, even if you somehow managed to get one of these SIM cards, the savings are minimal, and support services will be close to none if you do not speak Portuguese.

As a result, only the Main Operators will be covered in this guide.

5G NR in Brazil

Commercial 5G NR has been available in Brazil since July 2021. It is available on the Vivo Brazil, Claro Brazil (includes former Nextel), TIM Brazil & Oi networks. However, no mobile operator offers 5G NR to prepaid customers (yet).

While it is unknown when 5G NR will be available to prepaid customers, you may not be able to take full advantage of it.

The Brazilian mobile operators throttle 4G/LTE speeds to 5 Mbps for prepaid customers (this will be discussed a bit more in the Brazil Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights section).

This 4G/LTE speed restriction may be lifted when 5G NR is available to prepaid customers. Maybe then, 5G NR will be throttled (or no limits will be imposed).

I guess we have to wait and see.

Best SIM Card in Brazil

Best eSIM in Brazil

TIM Brazil is the only mobile operator offering eSIMs to prepaid customers.

However, TIM has literally only one plan for prepaid customers.

Note that the Brazillian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards (will be discussed later).

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Brazil without personal detail capturing, you can get the Brazil (Joia) eSIM from Airalo.

You have these four options:

1. Brazil/Joia 1 GB eSIM for 7 days
2. Brazil/Joia 2 GB eSIM for 30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Brazil/Joia 3 GB eSIM for 30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Brazil/Joia 5 GB eSIM for 30 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 13^th of March (2023 data only)

The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

For an in-depth analysis of the Brazil Joia eSIMs (covering pros and cons as well), check out my Brazil eSIMs Compared guide.

Or you can get Brazil eSIMs from Holafly.

• Brazil 6 GB eSIM for 15 days

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

For an in-depth analysis of the Holafly Brazil eSIMs (covering pros and cons as well), check out my Brazil eSIMs Compared guide.

Finally, you can also get Brazil eSIMs from Nomad.

By the way, the 5 GB Nomad Brazil eSIM for 30 days is the most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers.

Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off (even on top of current promotions)!

For an in-depth analysis of the Nomad Brazil eSIMs (covering pros and cons as well), check out my Brazil eSIMs Compared guide.

With these eSIMs, you can skip Brazil's (potentially complicated) SIM card registration scheme entirely and use it immediately upon arriving in Brazil!

TIP: check out my Best Brazil eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Brazil, including ones not mentioned above.

Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 14 Asian countries.

The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers to be used in Brazil and 18 other Latin American countries:

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 13^th of March (2023 data only)

¹ on 3G only

With the Latamlink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!

Holafly also has an eSIM covering most of Central- and South America (although the eSIM is called South America eSIM).

But honestly, the Latamlink eSIM is superior (but you can consider the Holafly Central America eSIM if you want 6 GB of data instead in 13 countries – just do not forget about code PHONETRAVELWIZ if you go with Holafly).

TIP: Check out my eSIM lookup tool for an overview of local mobile operators offering eSIMs to prepaid customers and travel eSIMs I use and love (for eSIMs in Brazil and eSIMs worldwide) and my Best Brazil eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Brazil.

Best International/Travel SIM Card for Brazil

If you want to buy the best international/travel SIM card for Brazil, I recommend going with SimCorner's 12 GB Brazil Travel SIM card for 30 days. Consider SimCorner's South America Travel SIM card, also with 12 GB, valid for 30 days in Brazil and (Central+) South America, including Colombia and Peru.

SimCorner's South America SIM card can, in addition to the aforementioned countries, also be used in Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Peru, Puerto Rico & Uruguay.

You can also get the SimCorner International Travel SIM card (new: also available as an eSIM) get 6 GB of data valid for 15 days to be used in Brazil and 100+ countries, including the ones mentioned above and Mexico, Paraguay & the United States.

You can use the Simcorner International Travel SIM card in the following countries:

Instead of spending between 5 USD to 15 USD for SIM cards in each country, get a SimCorner travel SIM card covering numerous countries for just one price!

Use discount code PHONETRAVELWIZ for extra savings!

SIM Card Registration in Brazil

SIM card registration, with the use of your passport information, is mandatory in Brazil. This will be done at the point of purchase.

Officially, every SIM card needs to be registered with your CPF (Cadastro de Pessoa Física) number, which is the local tax ID issued to citizens and residents.

As a tourist, you obviously will not have this CPF number.

As part of the 2012 FIFA World Cup, the Brazilian government relaxed this rule.

The country finally allowed tourists to get SIM cards with their passport (number).

Before that, it was practically impossible to get a Brazilian SIM card without a CPF number.

While the relaxation of this rule has been in effect for almost a decade, many stores will still ask you for a CPF number or will not know how to register a SIM card without it.

Therefore, it is recommended to visit the official stores of the mobile operators (Vivo Brazil, Claro Brazil (includes former Nextel), TIM Brazil & Oi (partner) stores) instead of third-party stores.

These employees are more likely aware of how to register SIM cards without a CPF number, unlike third-party stores, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and kiosks.

Even then, you still may experience some troubles getting a SIM card registered in rural Brazil compared to urban Brazil.

Therefore, it is recommended to get yourself a Brazilian SIM card in touristy areas for a higher success rate.

Getting top-up cards or recharging through eTopUp can be done at third-party stores without any issues.

Note: there are some reports that you can “easily” request a CPF number (for free) at the consulate in your country. This is not something I can confirm nor deny, but I find it unlikely that Brazil hands out tax ID numbers to anyone not living in the country. You can also generate a CPF number online. If those work, I cannot tell either.

Brazil Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights

Currency in Brazil

Brazil uses the Brazilian Real with the symbol BRL (which will be used throughout this guide).

However, prices are often listed as R$ or LS. For example, 25 BRL = R$ 25.

For reference, below are some exchange rates between BRL and USD (US Dollars):

• 1 BRL = 0.20 USD
• 10 BRL = 1.90 USD
• 100 BRL = 18.90 USD

For up-to-date BRL:your currency (let's say USD) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Brazilian Prepaid SIM Cards

Below, I will guide you through Vivo Brazil, Claro Brazil (includes former Nextel), TIM Brazil & Oi, and go through:

• Background information
• Mobile coverage
• SIM card types, prices, and availability
• Recharge/top-up information
• Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)

With that being said, let’s see what Brazil to offer to us.

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Vivo Brazil (Vivo Brasil)

Vivo Brasil, just Vivo, is the largest mobile operator in Brazil.

It is a mobile brand of Telefônica from Spain.

It also has the second-fastest mobile speeds in the country.

Vivo means Alive in Portuguese.

Vivo uses the following frequencies:

• 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
• 3G: 850 MHz & 2100 MHz
• 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
• 5G NR: 5G NR: 700 MHz (n28), 1800 MHz (n3), 2100 MHz (n1), 3500 MHz (n78) – not for prepaid (yet)

This is what you will learn about Vivo:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Vivo SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Vivo Brazil

Vivo has extensive coverage throughout Brazil.

Its coverage is on par with Claro Brazil's, which has the best coverage, and TIM Brazil's, which has the best 4G/LTE reception.

Below is TIM's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

SIM Card Price – Vivo Brazil

You can buy a Vivo SIM card for 10 BRL in Vivo stores and from Vivo dealers. Resellers, including kiosks and pharmacies, sell SIM cards too. It is possible to get a Vivo SIM card at airports, including São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport/Congonhas Airport.

Text NUMERO to 8300 to see your Vivo phone number.

Vivo has no eSIMs.

Note that the Brazilian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM (without personal detail capturing), you can go with the Brazil (Joia) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days – most popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/15 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers).

The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

• Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews

Or you can get Brazil eSIMs from Holafly.

• Brazil 6 GB eSIM for 15 days

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Finally, you can also get Brazil eSIMs from Nomad (from 1 GB/7 days to 5 GB/30 days).

The 5 GB Nomad Brazil eSIM for 30 days is the most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers.

Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off (even on top of current promotions)!

Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink with four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers – to be used in the following 19 Latin American countries:

The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers to be used in Brazil and 18 other Latin American countries:

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 13^th of March (2023 data only)

¹ on 3G only

:

TIP: check out my Best Brazil eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Brazil (including ones not mentioned above).

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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Vivo Brazil

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Vivo Brazil

Vivo has two data-featured prepaid plans: Vivo Pré Turbo (combo) & Planos Elegíveis/Partial Renewals (data-only).

Vivo Pré Turbo – Vivo Brazil

The Vivo Pré Turbo are combo plans with data, minutes & SMS.

These Vivo Pré Turbo are available:

Price	Data	Unlimited App Data	Local Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
11.99 BRL	2 GB	Various 1	Unlimited	Unlimited	7 days
14.99 BRL	3 GB	Various 2	Unlimited	Unlimited	7 days
14.99 BRL	3 GB	Various 1	Unlimited	Unlimited	15 days
19.99 BRL	4 GB	Various 2	Unlimited	Unlimited	15 days

¹ GoRead, NBA, Vivo Avisa & WhatsApp
² GoRead, NBA & WhatsApp
³ GoRead, NBA, Viva Recado & WhatsApp

Planos Elegíveis (Partial Renewals) – Vivo Brazil

The Planos Elegíveis (Partial Renewals) are, from the looks of it, data-only plans.

However, it is a kind of add-on that allows you to keep the benefits of your Vivo Pré Turbo plan without having to spend at least 11.99 BRL.

You also get extra data until you want/can purchase a complete Vivo Pré Turbo plan.

These Planos Elegíveis are available:

Price	Data	Validity
1.99 BRL	200 MB	1 day
3.99 BRL	500 MB	2 days
5.99 BRL	750 MB	3 days
7.99 BRL	1 GB	4 days
9.99 BRL	1.5 GB	5 days
11.99 BRL	2 GB	7 days

APN/Internet Settings – Vivo Brazil

• Name: Vivo
• APN: zap.vivo.com.br

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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Claro Brazil (Claro Brasil)

Claro Brazil, just Claro and officially Claro Brasil, is the second-largest mobile operator in Brazil.

It is also the best mobile operator in most regards in the country.

Additionally, it is the fastest as well.

Claro also acquired Nextel Brazil back in 2019, which used to be the 5th recommended option in this guide.

Claro uses the following frequencies:

• 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
• 3G: 850 MHz & 2100 MHz
• 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
• 5G NR: 2100 MHz (n1), 2600 MHz (n7 OR n38), 3500 MHz (n78) – not for prepaid (yet)

This is what you will learn about Claro:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Claro SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Claro Brazil

Claro has the best coverage in Brazil.

However, TIM Brazil has better 4G/LTE availability.

Below is Claro's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

However, click here to see Claro's official coverage map.

SIM Card Price – Claro Brazil

You can buy a Claro SIM card for 10 BRL in Claro stores. Resellers, including kiosks and pharmacies, sell SIM cards too. It is possible to get a Claro SIM card at airports, including São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport/Congonhas Airport.

Text CLARO to 1052 or dial *1052#, select option 9, select option 6, and select option 1 to see your Claro phone number.

Claro has no eSIMs.

Note that the Brazilian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM (without personal detail capturing), you can go with the Brazil (Joia) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days – most popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/15 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers).

The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

• Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews

Or you can get Brazil eSIMs from Holafly.

• Brazil 6 GB eSIM for 15 days

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Finally, you can also get Brazil eSIMs from Nomad (from 1 GB/7 days to 5 GB/30 days).

The 5 GB Nomad Brazil eSIM for 30 days is the most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers.

Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off (even on top of current promotions)!

Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink with four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers – to be used in the following 19 Latin American countries:

The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers to be used in Brazil and 18 other Latin American countries:

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 13^th of March (2023 data only)

¹ on 3G only

TIP: check out my Best Brazil eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Brazil (including ones not mentioned above).

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Claro Brazil

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Claro Brazil

Claro has two data-featured prepaid plans: Claro Prezão (combo) & Pacotes Adicionais Claro Pré/Additional Packages (data-only).

Claro Prezão – Claro Brazil

The Claro Prezão are combo plans with data, minutes & SMS.

Claro Prezão can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 2006:

Price	Data	WhatsApp Data	On-Net Minutes	Off-Net Minutes	On-Net SMS	Off-Net SMS	Validity	Activation Code
1.99 BRL	100 MB	Unlimited	Unlimited	10 minutes	Unlimited	15 SMS	1 day	DIA
9.99 BRL	2 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	100 SMS	7 days	SEMANA
29.99 BRL	6 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	300 SMS	30 days	MES

Pacotes Adicionais Claro Pré (Additional Packages) – Claro Brazil

The Pacotes Adicionais Claro Pré (Additional Packages) are data-only plans.

Pacotes Adicionais Claro Pré can be activated by dialing *1052#:

Price	Data	WhatsApp Data	Validity
7.99 BRL	300 MB	Unlimited	30 days
13.99 BRL	500 MB	Unlimited	30 days
21.99 BRL	1 GB	Unlimited	30 days
29.99 BRL	2 GB	Unlimited	30 days

APN/Internet Settings – Claro Brazil

• Name: Claro
• APN: claro.com.br

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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TIM Brazil (TIM Brasil)

TIM Brazil, officially TIM Brasil, is the third-largest mobile operator in Brazil.

It is mostly owned by Telecom Italia from Italy.

In 2012, TIM was caught in two scandals where SIM cards were activated and registered on deceased or non-existing people.

Another scandal was where TIM intentionally dropped calls so that customers had to name new calls, which resulted in extra connection charges.

TIM uses the following frequencies:

• 2G: 900 MHz & 1900 MHz
• 3G: 850 MHz, 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
• 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 850 MHz (Band 5), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
• 5G NR: 700 MHz (n28), 1800 MHz (n3), 2100 MHz (n1), 3500 MHz (n78) – not for prepaid (yet)

This is what you will learn about TIM:

* Coverage
* How to Get a TIM SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – TIM Brazil

TIM has the best 4G/LTE availability in Brazil.

This was also confirmed by Opensignal.

It does, however, have a list of locations where 4.5G is available.

Below is TIM's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

However, click here to see TIM's official coverage map.

SIM Card Price – TIM Brazil

You can buy a TIM SIM card for 10 BRL in TIM stores. Resellers, including kiosks and pharmacies, sell SIM cards too. It is possible to get a TIM SIM card at airports, including São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport/Congonhas Airport.

Text NUMERO to 8300 to see your TIM phone number.

It is also possible to get a TIM eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.

Note that the Brazilian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM (without personal detail capturing), you can go with the Brazil (Joia) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days – most popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/15 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers).

The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

• Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews

Or you can get Brazil eSIMs from Holafly.

• Brazil 6 GB eSIM for 15 days

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Finally, you can also get Brazil eSIMs from Nomad (from 1 GB/7 days to 5 GB/30 days).

The 5 GB Nomad Brazil eSIM for 30 days is the most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers.

Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off (even on top of current promotions)!

Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink with four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers – to be used in the following 19 Latin American countries:

TIP: check out my Best Brazil eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Brazil (including ones not mentioned above).

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – TIM Brazil

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – TIM Brazil

TIM has one prepaid prepaid plan (not just one data-featured plan – just literally one plan) called TIM Pré Top.

It costs 15 BRL and features 8 GB of data, 9 GB of nighttime data (between 0:00 and 6:00), unlimited Deezer Go, unlimited local minutes & unlimited local SMS – all valid for 15 days.

TIM Pre Top can be activated by texting TOPMAIS to 4141.

Price	Data	Nighttime Data 1	Deezer Go & WhatsApp Data	Local Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
15 BRL	8 GB	9 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	15 days

¹ between 0:00 and 6:00

APN/Internet Settings – TIM Brazil

• Name: TIM Brasil
• APN: timbrasil.br
• Username: tim
• Password: tim

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

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Oi

Oi is the smallest Main Operator in Brazil.

It used to be known as Telemar until 2007. Then, it rebranded itself to Oi.

Oi also means hi in Portuguese.

The national regulator, Anatel, has fined Oi in the past for not meeting the Quality of Service requirements and its poor customer service.

It is, however, the cheapest option in the country (especially on postpaid – prepaid, not so much).

Oi uses the following frequencies:

• 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
• 3G: 2100 MHz
• 4G: 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
• 5G: 3500 MHz (n78) – not for prepaid (yet)

This is what you will learn about Oi:

* Coverage
* How to Get an Oi SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Oi

Oi has the worst coverage in Brazil.

Its 4G/LTE reception is also lacking compared to its competitors.

Below is Oi's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

However, click here to see Oi's official coverage map.

SIM Card Price – Oi

You can buy an Oi SIM card for 10 BRL in Oi stores and other places, including kiosks and pharmacies. It is possible to get an Oi SIM card at airports, including São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport/Congonhas Airport.

Dial *880# to access the Oi menu.

Oi has no eSIMs.

Note that the Brazilian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM (without personal detail capturing), you can go with the Brazil (Joia) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days – most popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/15 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers).

The Airalo links above will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

• Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews

Or you can get Brazil eSIMs from Holafly.

• Brazil 6 GB eSIM for 15 days

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Finally, you can also get Brazil eSIMs from Nomad (from 1 GB/7 days to 5 GB/30 days).

The 5 GB Nomad Brazil eSIM for 30 days is the most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers.

Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off (even on top of current promotions)!

Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink with four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers – to be used in the following 19 Latin American countries:

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Oi

Oi has one data-featured prepaid plan, which is the Internet Móvel (data-only) bundle.

These Internet Móvel plans are available, which can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:

Price	Data	Validity	Activation Code
0.99 BRL	60 MB	Until midnight	*4160
2.99 BRL	200 MB	Until midnight	*41200
3.99 BRL	250 MB	7 days	*41250
9.99 BRL	400 MB	30 days	*41400
19.99 BRL	800 MB	30 days	*41800
24.99 BRL	1 GB	30 days	*4101
39.99 BRL	2 GB	30 days	*4102

APN/Internet Settings – Oi

• Name: Oi
• APN: gprs.oi.com.br
• Name: oi
• Password: oi

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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The Preferred Way to Stay Connected in Brazil

Getting a SIM card from Claro would do you well when considering a Brazillian SIM card.