Are you planning your trip to Brazil and looking for the best way to stay connected with an eSIM? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an eSIM when traveling to Brazil including a comparison of the best Brazil eSIMs in 2024.
Don't waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendations below and order an eSIM for Brazil on the internet and get connected in just a couple minutes. Below you will find up to date prices as per September 2024, including all specifications per tourist eSIM.
This guide will explain how eSIMs work, show you when and where to order an eSIM for Brazil, answer all FAQ about using eSIMs, more about the network coverage and 4G/5G data speed, show the difference between eSIMs for tourists and local prepaid sim cards in Brazil and of course links to directly order your eSIM for traveling to Brazil online.
HEADS UP! Buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Brazil is a nightmare. If you are still in doubt about buying an eSIM on the internet or waiting till you get to Brazil and buying a local prepaid sim card then let me tell you: get an eSIM!
You can read all about my experiences trying to get connected in Brazil in my blog about buying a prepaid sim card for tourist in Brazil. In short: without a CPF (Brazilian tax number) it is nearly impossible to buy a sim card in Brazil!
Since 2012 I am already traveling the world full time and throughout the years I turned my passion for traveling into a lifestyle and became a full time nomadic travel blogger. That is why I constantly get to a different country and pretty much every week I need to look for a new sim card to stay connected.
In 2023 I visited for example 34 different countries in 1 year so imagine how many different prepaid and eSIMs I used throughout the year.
In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, but nowadays I mostly use eSIMs to stay connected when traveling abroad. On my latest trip to Brazil I tested the below recommended Brazil eSIMs for tourists.
You can also find a complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Brazil in 2024 for those who don't have an eSIM compatible phone. However, as mentioned before it is a mess in Brazil. If your phone is not eSIM compatible you are better off buying an international prepaid sim card.
On Traveltomtom you can find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world: Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Asia, Turkey, Egypt, Dubai, Europe, United Kingdom, Italy, USA, international eSIMs and many more.
So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and eSIM advice for your holiday destination. Bookmark Traveltomtom and let me help you save money while traveling!
Some links in this guide about the best eSIMs for Brazil are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!
My recommendation
Let me start with giving you my eSIM recommendation. These are my favorite eSIMs for traveling to Brazil in 2024.
1. Jetpac eSIM for Brazil - $25 USD
- 10 GB data-only eSIM
- 5G ready
- Valid in Brazil only
- Valid for 30 days
- $3.99 USD per Gigabyte
Jetpac is by far the best value eSIM for Brazil in 2024. On top of that Jetpac offers more services like free lounge access if your flight is delayed, a free VPN subscription, etc.
Traveltomtom readers now get an extra 10% off on all Jetpac eSIMs when using the promo code: TOMTOM10 at check out!
2. Orange Holiday World eSIM - $39.90 USD
- 10 GB data-only eSIM
- 4G/LTE
- Valid in 123 countries
- Valid for 14 days
- $3.99 USD per Gigabyte
The Orange Holiday World eSIM is an international eSIM. This eSIM is data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are not supported. The Orange Holiday World eSIM is not 5G ready, so max data speed is 4G/LTE.
Is Brazil one of your stops on a trip around the world then you can also look into getting an eSIM for world travelers. There are a bunch of eSIMs that cover multiple countries and some are great for traveling to South America.
There are 2 very important things to check before ordering an eSIM for Brazil or in general before using an eSIM.
Unlocked phones only
Make sure your phone is unlocked. eSIMs for tourists only work in unlocked phones. If you are not sure if your phone is unlocked then contact your mobile internet provider in your home country.
In general phones from Europe, Asia and the Middle East tend to be unlocked. Phones from North America are often locked.
If your smartphone is locked that means it does not allow another prepaid sim card or eSIM to operate in the device. You can easily unlock your phone, but depending on your mobile internet provider you will be charged a fee for unlocking your phone.
eSIM compatible phones only
Second, and equally important: eSIMs only work if your smartphone supports eSIMs, also called eSIM compatible. All newer smartphones support eSIMs. If you are not sure if your phone is eSIM compatible then simply go to Google and type in your mobile phone model in the search bar and ask if it is eSIM compatible. You will get the answer instantly.
If your phone is NOT eSIM compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an eSIM for traveling to Brazil.
However, you can still order a sim card for Brazil on the internet before your trip. Find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2024.
Brazil eSIM comparison
Buying an eSIM or a physical prepaid sim card on arrival in Brazil at any of the international airports is unfortunately still not possible. At for example Rio de Janeiro (GIG) and Sao Paulo (GRU) there are no phone stores or convenient stores that sell prepaid sim cards for tourists.
It is actually almost mission impossible to buy a tourist sim card without a CPF (tax number) and even if you somehow manage to do so you will can only get a physical prepaid sim card, not an eSIM.
Luckily there are multiple eSIM providers on the internet that sell Brazil eSIMs for tourists. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for traveling in Brazil from one of the well-known eSIM providers like Airalo, SimOptions, Nomad, Holafly, Jetpac, Sim Local, Roamless, etc. that have proven to be reliable operators.
SimOptions and Airalo have been long time favorites of Traveltomtom but are they still the best and cheapest? The competition is fierce...
So before you buy an eSIM first read all my tips below!
SimOptions is the only eSIM provider that also offers international prepaid sim cards for Brazil. These are pre-activated physical prepaid sim cards that will be delivered to your door step before your trip and it is plug and play when you arrive in Brazil.
Airalo, Sim Local, Roamless, Jetpac, Holafly and Nomad only sell eSIMs for Brazil.
Jetpac
Traveltomtom started recommending Jetpac eSIMs after they were tested extensively by the Traveltomtom Team and since there only have been positive reviews and recommendation about their product and costumer service it has Traveltomtom's approval.
Given the updated rates for Brazil eSIMs from Jetpac, no eSim comparison for Brazil is complete without Jetpac.
Here are the Jetpac Brazil eSIM plans for 2024:
- 1 GB data for 4 days = $1 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $19 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $25 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $60 USD
Click here for more info or to order a Jetpac Brazil eSIM.
Traveltomtom readers now get an extra 10% off on all Jetpac eSIMs when using the promo code: TOMTOM10 at check out!
The Jetpac Brazil eSIM plan with 10 GB data for $25 USD makes it the best buy eSIM for Brazil available on the internet and therefore is Jetpac my top recommendation for Brazil eSIMs.
The Jetpac Brazil eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls and sms are not supported. These eSIMs do not come with a phone number and they operate on the Claro 4G/LTE/5G network in Brazil.
You can instal your Jetpac eSIM before your trip to Brazil, but it only activates from the moment it connects to a supported network in Brazil or one of the other supported countries. That moment your days also start counting. The Jetpac eSIMs have to be installed within 1 year.
An extra advantage of using a Jetpac eSIM is that you get a free VPN subscription, 50% discount on airport lounges and Fast Track passes. And they provide free lounge access if your flight is delayed. However, you will have to register your flight before you travel and in case of a delayed or canceled flight a LoungeKey voucher will automatically be provided.
These are complimentary services that no other eSIM provider offers. For more info check the Jetpac website.
SimOptions
SimOptions is a reputable eSIM provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your tourist eSIM for Brazil through SimOptions is done fast and easy.
Why using SimOptions?
Traveltomtom has used SimOptions sim cards since 2018 for staying connected when traveling abroad in more than 50 countries around the world. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest eSIM deals.
SimOptions has loads of eSIM plans for Brazil as well as South America, check below.
The SimOptions South America plans are valid in 15 countries: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela.
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $11.40 USD
- Unlimited data for 7 days = $54.90
- Unlimited data for 15 days = $79.90
- Unlimited data for 30 days = $119.90
These South America eSIM plans are not 5G ready, max data speed is 4G/LTE.
These are the SimOptions eSIM plans that are only valid in Brazil:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $5.90 USD
- 3 GB data for 15 days = $15.90 USD
- 5 GB data for 15 days = $25.90 USD
These Brazil eSIM plans are 5G ready.
Then last but not least there SimOptions sells the Orange Holiday World eSIM:
- 10 GB data for 14 days = $39.90 USD
The Orange Holiday World eSIM is valid in 123 countries around the world.
Click here to order any of the above SimOptions eSIMs for Brazil.
All the SimOptions eSIM plans for Brazil are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are not supported. SimOptions does not specify exactly which mobile network they use in Brazil.
The best value Brazil eSIM deal from SimOptions is the Orange Holiday World eSIM with 10 GB data for $39.90 USD which comes down to $3.99 USD per Gigabyte.
The validity of these eSIMs is 6 months to 1 year and the credit validity starts instantly after installing the eSIM, even if you are not in Brazil. For more info check the SimOptions website.
Airalo
Airalo is a very reliable eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo eSIMs uncountable times in lots of countries around the world. I can totally recommend using Airalo for ordering an eSIM.
Why using Airalo? Airalo is the market leader in eSIMs and is a very reliable eSIM provider with excellent reviews and great costumer service. Traveltomtom never faced a major issue using Airalo eSIMs.
Here are the Airalo data-only eSIM plans for Brazil in 2024:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $6 USD
- 2 GB data for 15 days = $11.50 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $15.50 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $23.50 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $42 USD
Click here to order an eSIM for Brazil from Airalo.
The Airalo eSIMs for Brazil are from Joia and they operate on the 4G/LTE network of Claro. Unfortunately the Airalo Joia aSIMs for Brazil are not 5G ready yet.
The best value eSIM from Airalo gives you 10 GB data for $42 USD, which comes down to $4.2 USD per Gigabyte.
In the most popular places to visit in Brazil you will find a 4G/LTE signal and the data speed is pretty good these days. There is in fact still very little 5G in Brazil as September 2024.
For more info about the best 4G/5G mobile data network in Brazil check my complete guide for the best prepaid sim card for Brazil in 2024, including network coverage maps of all the mobile internet providers.
All the Airalo eSIMs are data-only sim cards without a phone number, so any phone/sms service is NOT supported. An Airalo eSIM has to be installed within 1 month and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network. For more info check out the Airalo website.
Holafly
Holafly is another well-known eSIM provider but unlike other eSIM providers they only offer eSIMs with unlimited data. However, there is a catch and that is a so-called FUP (Fair Use Policy).
More about it later, but it could mean that you suddenly have a very slow data connection for a whole day until the data speed restores.
Here are the Holafly unlimited data eSIM plans for Brazil:
- 1 day 'unlimited' data = $8 USD
- 2 days 'unlimited' data = $10 USD
- 3 days 'unlimited' data = $13 USD
- 4 days 'unlimited' data = $16 USD
- 5 days 'unlimited' data = $21 USD
- 6 days 'unlimited' data = $25 USD
- 7 days 'unlimited' data = $29 USD
- 8 days 'unlimited' data = $31 USD
- 9 days 'unlimited' data = $35 USD
- 10 days 'unlimited' data = $37 USD
- 11 days 'unlimited' data = $40 USD
- 14 days 'unlimited' data = $48 USD
- 20 days 'unlimited' data = $62 USD
- 30 days 'unlimited' data = $75 USD
As you can see the Holafly eSIMs are significantly more expensive than Airalo, Nomad, Jetpac and SimOptions if you stay longer than a week. For short stays it could be worth it considering Holfaly Brazil eSIMs.
The Holafly eSIMs for Brazil are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported. These eSIMs do also not come with a phone number.
According to the Holafly website their eSIMs are 5G ready and they operate on the TIM and Vivo network.
You can use a hotspot on the Holafly eSIMs, but it is capped at 500 MB per day.
Why 'unlimited'? Because there is a Fair Use Policy and Traveltomtom has had bad experiences with an FUP in the past. Suddenly your data speed is slowed down for 24 hours because you apparently used too much data. More info later.
Imagine being on a 10 hour bus or train ride and after 2 hours you will get a message that you used too much data for the day. Then you have to wait 24 hours for the data speed to be reset to normal.
Therefore Traveltomtom's is not a fan of eSIMs with 'unlimited' data with an FUP and therefore it is not my first recommendation when looking for an eSIM for Brazil.
Also, the Traveltomtom Team tested Holafly in some another countries and was pretty disappointed with the overall performance. In a certain country Holafly was using the weakest mobile data network operator in that country and while people all around constantly had a proper data connection, the Holafly eSIM did not even have signal. Even in big cities the struggle was real and we constantly had to ask for the public WiFi of the hotel or restaurant because the Holafly eSIM was super slow.
I understand it could be a different story in Brazil but Traveltomtom was put off a bit by Holafly eSIMs.
Nomad
Traveltomtom has recommended Nomad eSIMs in the past a lot, but unfortunately the Traveltomtom Team at the same time experienced some issues with installing Nomad eSIMs as well as their performance.
Although Nomad has great Brazil eSIM plans, it is not Traveltomtom's first recommendation.
Great about the Nomad Brazil eSIMs is that they are 5G ready and their rates are lower than Airalo, Jetpac and SimOptions.
Here are the Nomad eSIM plans for Brazil:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $6 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $20 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $32 USD
Click here to order a Nomad eSIM for Brazil.
The Nomad website is a little less user friendly for finding the best eSIMs for traveling to Brazil. You can't see all eSIM deals in one overview, you have to click a little here and there.
The best value Nomad eSIM for Brazil is the one with 10 GB data for $32 USD, which comes down to $3.2 USD per Gigabyte.
The Nomad eSIMs are from eSIM Go and they are data-only. Incoming and outgoing calls and sms are NOT supported. They operate on the 4G/LTE/5G network of Vivo and are 5G ready.
The Nomad Brazil eSIMs have to be installed on your phone within 60 days and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Brazil. Basically when the plane lands. For more info check the Nomad website.
What is the cheapest eSIM for Brazil?
No eSIM provider can beat the Jetpac eSIM plan for just $1 USD. It gives you 1 GB data for 4 days in Brazil.
Another cheap eSIM for Brazil is the SimOptions 1 GB data plan for 7 days for just $5.90 USD.
Why ordering an eSIM for traveling in Brazil
eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Brazil in 2024 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.
The most important reason to get an eSIM is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Brazil without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants and bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply staying in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or your banking apps when paying contactless.
One of the best things about arriving in Brazil with an activated eSIM is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your eSIM later.
There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Brazil, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Brazil so much more convenient and fun!
At the same time we don't want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 20 MB * $3 USD = $60 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2024.
eSIMs are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!
Overseas data roaming plans
So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed. Do you have the patience to handle 3G? It is frustrating when all around you in pretty much every amazing tourist destinations in Brazil there is 4G/LTE available.
And price-wise it should be a no brainer since you have seen how affordable the eSIMs for Brazil are.
Uncountable times travel friends have asked me: "Tom, can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!". Trust me, get yourself an eSIM or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Brazil.
Spend a couple dollars extra and be connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from friends.
Where to buy an eSIM for Brazil?
Online
You can buy an eSIM for Brazil on the internet through an eSIM provider. There are loads of eSIM providers for Brazil. Traveltomtom compared multiple eSIM providers like Airalo, SimOptions, Nomad, Holafly, Jetpac, Sim Local, Roamless, etc. and concluded that the ones mentioned in this guide are the best eSIM providers in 2024.
When buying an eSIM for Brazil through one of the above recommended eSIM providers you only need your email address and the eSIM is instantly ready to use after installation. There is no ID registration needed.
On arrival in Brazil
There are 3 main mobile internet providers in Brazil: Vivo, Claro and TIM. Unfortunately as per September 2024 none of the mobile internet operators in Brazil offer eSIMs for tourists. They only offer physical prepaid sim cards for tourists, but only if you have a CPF, a Brazilian tax number.
That sounds complicated! Well... let me tell you: IT IS COMPLICATED!
For more info about buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Brazil in 2024 click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Brazil, how to get around the CPF registration thing and all my experiences trying to buy a local prepaid sim card in Brazil.
Flying into Brazil and landing at one of the international airports in Brazil of Sao Paulo (GRU) or Rio de Janeiro (GIG) then good luck if you thought you would buy a tourist sim card on arrival. In Brazil there are no sim card shops at any of the main international airports, believe it or not!
I experienced this first hand in Rio de Janeiro and in Sao Paulo. At both airports I wanted to record a YouTube video and gather all the information for writing a blog, but there are simply no possibilities for tourists to buy a sim card.
When to order/activate an eSIM for Brazil?
You can order an eSIM for Brazil pretty much any time you want. Most eSIMs have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.
More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the eSIM. The validity of some eSIMs start straight after the installation, other eSIMs only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.
Traveltomtom advices to instal your eSIM on the day of departure to Brazil or before. You will need a stable internet connection to instal your eSIM. Pretty much all the international airports in Brazil have free public WiFi which works ok most of the time, so you could use that to install your eSIM.
Just make sure it is a stable internet connection. Therefore just to make sure Traveltomtom advices you to install/activate your eSIM in your home country.
My personal advice is to instal your tourist eSIM for Brazil before you get into the plane, because then as soon as the plane lands you will be connected to the internet without any problems.
How do I know all this? Traveltomtom has visited Brazil 5 times and traveled all around the country.
How to activate an eSIM
Installing and activating an eSIM is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an eSIM and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email. But wait, it gets even easier. Just scan the QR code.
When you order an eSIM plan for Brazil you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.
You will see a summary of your eSIM order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Brazil eSIM.
But installing an activating an eSIM is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the eSIM on. The QR contains all the information about your Brazil eSIM.
Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your eSIM is successfully installed.
Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your eSIM otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.
Tip: if you order an eSIM with the same phone where you want to instal the eSIM on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.
Things to know before ordering an eSIM for Brazil
Here are some general tips and answers to FAQ about using eSIMs when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for Brazil eSIMs, but are things you have to know before buying an eSIM in general.
Make sure your phone is unlocked
To make sure you didn't miss this, let me say this again: eSIMs only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any eSIM without any problems.
If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Brazil. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.
If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a portable WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Brazil or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Brazil and use it as a portable WiFi device.
Which smartphones support eSIMs?
Another very important thing you have to check before buying an eSIM is if your smartphone supports eSIMs. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support eSIMs.
The fastest way to find out if your phone is eSIM compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) eSIM compatible? Simple as that!
Can I trust these eSIM providers?
All the eSIM providers for Brazil recommended in this guide are reputable eSIM providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Brazil.
Traveltomtom has used Airalo and SimOptions sim cards now for more than 5 years and never really faced a major issue.
Check out the pros and cons of SimOptions in our article: Honest Review of SimOptions.
The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested and reviewed Nomad and they have proven to be a reliable eSIM provider. However, some mixed reviews have come back from the Traveltomtom Team about connectivity and activation.
Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider, but Traveltomtom only received positive feedback and excellent reviews about the eSIMs and services of Jetpac.
Sim Local has more than 100 sim card shops and kiosks in international airports around the world and has been selling sim cards for tourists for more than 5 years. Read Traveltomtom's honest review about Sim Local eSIM provider.
Since Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data and an FUP I hardly use Holafly, but when I did I was not happy. So now I let the Traveltomtom Team randomly test Holafly and just like myself, mixed reviews have come back. Some positive, some negative.
On top of that there is now also Roamless, an eSIM provider with no data expiration. Truly a game changer!
Traveltomtom does NOT sell Brazil eSIMs, Traveltomtom only compares and recommends you to use eSIMs for traveling to Brazil.
All eSIM providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.
Can I keep my phone number from home with a Brazil eSIM?
Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM to stay connected when traveling to Brazil. An eSIM can be used next to your physical or eSIM from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an eSIM.
So you can have multiple eSIMs installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!
For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Your new Brazil eSIM you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.
This is also the trick to keep receiving sms for example for OTP (one time password) sms to login to applications.
Switching between physical and eSIMs is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings. Just always make sure your sim card from home is switched off for data roaming.
Can I make phone calls with a Brazil eSIM?
No, unfortunately all the tourist eSIMs for Brazil available on the internet do NOT include calling and texting. The eSIMs from SimOptions, Airalo, Nomad, Holafly and Jetpac are all data-only eSIMs and any outgoing calls/sms are not supported.
If you (somehow manage to) buy a prepaid sim card for tourists on arrival in Brazil then you get (unlimited) calling and texting included.
Most hotels, restaurants and tour companies in Brazil have WhatsApp services, so you can easily give them a call through WhatsApp. There is no direct need for local calling minutes.
Does a Brazil eSIM come with a phone number?
No, none of the Brazil eSIMs that you can buy on the internet come with a phone number, which also means you can not receive any phone calls or sms.
Local prepaid sim cards that you can buy once you arrive in Brazil offer incoming and outgoing calling and texting.
In the above Brazil eSIM comparison you can find all the specifications per eSIM.
Can I use 5G on an Brazil eSIM?
Yes, the eSIM plans from, Jetpac, Holafly and Nomad are 5G ready as well as some of the SimOptions eSIM plans for Brazil. The Airalo and eSIM plans are not 5G ready and max data speed is 4G/LTE.
That said, the 5G network coverage of TIM, Claro and Vivo is not yet widespread. There is pretty much only a 5G signal in the famous cities.
Are there eSIMs for Brazil with unlimited data?
If a sim card with unlimited data is truly unlimited, no throttling, no data speed cap, but unlimited high speed data then YES AMAZING! The unlimited data eSIMs from SimOptions are truly unlimited and recommended.
Holafly eSIMs for Brazil include unlimited data but they also have an FUP. Traveltomtom does NOT recommend these kind of eSIMs.
Always ask yourself is unlimited truly unlimited? Is there a catch? If the unlimited data is not on max data speed, then there is a so called Fair Use Policy (FUP). Which means that your data speed will be capped after you used an X amount of Gigabytes.
Holafly is an eSIM provider that sells eSIMs with unlimited data for Brazil and uses a this so-called Fair Use Policy. However, Holafly does NOT specify what the FUP is. Which is very concerning!
Traveltomtom does NOT recommend Brazil eSIMs with unlimited data plans with an FUP. On Holafly sim cards I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. After I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal.
Those 24 hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media was not even loading!
Especially on days that you have a long bus or train ride and you need a lot of data, you definitely don't want any data speed restrictions that day.
If you think you will never use more than 2 GB per day, then these Holafly or Nomad eSIMs might be your favorite eSIM.
However, if you don't use so much data per day then what's the point of an eSIM with unlimited data!?
There are a lot of different specifications per eSIM. Another reason why I advice you to take a close look at my comparison of the best eSIMs for traveling to Brazil in 2024 before choosing your favorite.
Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to Brazil?
eSIMs are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Brazil, but what is the best way?
There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Brazil:
- Local prepaid sim cards
- International prepaid sim cards
- eSIMs
Let's compare eSIMs, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards, for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.
Local prepaid sim cards
In general if you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards are a cheaper way to stay connected, depending on the length of your trip.
However, throughout the article I am sure you already read how painfully difficult it is to buy a prepaid sim card in Brazil. It is only possible to buy one if you have a Brazilian tex number (CPF), which tourists obviously don't have. IF you have a Brazlian friend you can ask them or you go from phone store to phone store and see who is willing to make an exception.
That is what I did, no joke. I went though all that hassle for you to show you what it is like... see my Brazilian sim card vlog below.
If you manage to get one then local prepaid sim cards in Brazil offer pretty small data plans however, they are fairly cheap. For around $6 USD you get a physical sim card plan with 5 GB data.
That said, a local prepaid sim card can only be purchased on arrival in Brazil in a phone store but NOT on the internet.
Another big difference is that local prepaid sim cards have the advantage that they come with a local phone number and mostly with calling minutes and sms bundles. That means incoming and outgoing calls are supported.
More info about the best Brazil sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Brazil.
International prepaid sim cards
If your smartphone is not eSIM compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Brazil. Some of them are great for Brazil as well as in all other countries in for example Europe, Americas and Asia and you can easily order them online.
If after visiting Brazil you are traveling onwards in Asia then check Traveltomtom's list of the best sim cards for traveling internationally in 2024.
As I mentioned before SimOptions also sells physical prepaid sim cards for traveling internationally.
A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your door step before your trip to Brazil. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground in Brazil and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!
If you look at the international prepaid sim cards above you see that the Three sim card is actually a really good option and even cheaper than an eSIM. A physical prepaid sim card with 10 GB data only costs $24.90 USD. That is only $2.49 USD per Gigabyte.
Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Brazil directly online via SimOptions.
eSIMs
As explained throughout the article there are two different eSIMs:
- eSIMs that you buy on the internet through a third party
- eSIMs that you buy in Brazil in a mobile internet provider store
However, as of September 2024 the mobile internet providers in Brazil do not offer eSIMs for tourists. They only offer physical prepaid sim cards for tourists in Brazil.
eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards
Getting an eSIM on the internet is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Brazil, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Brazil.
You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop on arrival in Brazil. As soon as the plane lands, you are online!
But what is cheaper? An eSIM or a local prepaid sim card for tourists?
When we compare the prices for Brazil eSIMs with the prices for local prepaid sim cards in Brazil, it is an easy conclusion that local prepaid sim cards are much more affordable as you get many more Gigabytes for the same price.
For around $10 USD you get a prepaid sim card with 5 GB data for 1 month. For more info check out my article about the best prepaid sim cards for Brazil in 2024.
But local prepaid sim cards can only be bought in Brazil on arrival (if you have a CPF) in a sim card shop and a tourist eSIM for Brazil can be bought in 2 minutes on the internet before your trip to Brazil without any form of identification.
Remember that some of the eSIMs for Brazil also go down to only $3.2 USD per Gigabyte.
After a long flight you just want to get to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected. With eSIMs you buy on the internet you are connected as soon as the plane lands.
For this convenience Traveltomtom definitely recommends to order one of the listed best eSIMs for Brazil in the comparison above.
Many reasons why a lot of travelers simply get an eSIM for Brazil. Faster, easier, less stress and even cheaper depending on how much data you need.
Data speed
Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an eSIM is that eSIMs are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO's operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.
This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that eSIMs through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an eSIMs is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator.
Bottomline: the data speed of eSIMs can be less compared to a local prepaid Brazil sim card.
I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best eSIM for your trip to Brazil were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison, tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your eSIM for Brazil right away.
If you still have any questions about eSIMs then please leave me a comment below and I am more than happy to help you out.
Curious what the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.
Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world. As of September 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.
Enjoy your trip to Brazil!