You are traveling to Rio de Janeiro, and your entire trip is already planned. However, when you arrive, you realize you need to buy a data package for your mobile phone. After all, you can no longer travel without the internet, right?
So, read this article to learn how to buy a SIM card in Rio de Janeiro and stay connected during your trip.
Brazilian mobile network companies
The three largest mobile phone operators in Brazil are Vivo (Telefônica/Portugal Telecom), TIM (Telecom Italia Mobile) and Claro (América Movil). And you should consider them in this order regarding the excellence of service and network coverage they provide.
As the competition between these providers is very high, they constantly outbid each other with offers and promotions.
So compare their current offers and choose a company that suits your needs.
How to buy a SIM Card in Rio de Janeiro
Mobile carriers have official stores, authorized resellers, and kiosks throughout Rio de Janeiro. Shopping malls, airports, and city centers are common places to find these retailers. Look for signage or ask locals for the nearest store to your location.
-> Read our post “Where to go shopping in Rio de Janeiro” to find the best shopping malls in town.
You can also buy a SIM card (and top-up) at newsstands, pharmacies, supermarkets, etc. You just need to install it on your mobile phone, call the number provided, and follow the steps. However, in practice, it can be trickier than that.
Carioca Tip:
In Brazil, we call SIM Card “chip” (it pronounces like “sheep”). If you need top-up the service, you need to do a “recarga” (it pronounces: reh-car-gah).
When buying your SIM card, you must choose between a prepaid (pre-pago) or a monthly plan subscription (pos-pago). In either case, you will have to provide certain documents.
In general, to buy a prepaid SIM card in Rio de Janeiro, it is mandatory to provide a CPF number (the Brazilian Individual Taxpayer Registry Number). However, if you are a foreigner, you can register at official stores by requiring only your passport and accommodation address. Ensure you carry a copy of your identification to streamline the process.
The documents necessary to obtain a monthly plan subscription are much more extensive, tough. For the phone line contract, you have to provide either a lease contract or payment of your property tax, a salary statement, a cable TV bill, and, if applicable, licensing documents.
So, if you have just arrived in Brazil or are a non-resident, a prepaid SIM card would be easier to get.
eSIM in Rio de Janeiro
As you have learned, buying a physical SIM card in Rio de Janeiro can be more complex than you probably imagined. Therefore, using an eSIM can be a better and easier choice for your trip to Brazil.
An eSIM works like regular SIM cards, only without putting a physical card in the phone. This means you don’t need to change your SIM card, but you can keep a second line active for data use in other countries. It’s like using two chips in the same device; only one will be virtual.
Both iOS and Android support the use of eSIM and standard SIM cards at the same time. This means you can set up your physical SIM card for voice and text messaging while your eSIM card provides mobile data.
Our recommendation:
Without a doubt, the easiest option for a foreign tourist is to purchase an eSIM for their trip to Brazil. In addition to being more practical, it will save you time having to go to a physical store and present your documents to buy a SIM card in Rio de Janeiro.
We have tested and recommend the eSIM from Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store and offers eSIMs for over 200+ countries and regions.
Airalo’s eSim is for iOS and Android, but they are data-only, meaning you don’t get a phone number and can’t make or receive cell phone calls or text messages. However, they provide high-speed mobile data at very affordable prices.
You can check their offers and easily buy a plan that best suits your needs at this link.
By following our tips, you can seamlessly buy a SIM card in Rio de Janeiro, enhancing your travel experience by staying connected. Enjoy exploring this beautiful city while sharing your adventures with friends and family, all without worrying about connectivity issues.
Are you seeking accommodation in Rio de Janeiro? Explore our comprehensive guide “Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro,” and effortlessly book your ideal hotel here.
If you require any assistance planning your visit or want a custom itinerary for your trip, contact us via WhatsApp! Our local expert team is dedicated to making your journey to Rio de Janeiro memorable.
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