Internet, Wifi, Phone Coverage in Brazil

Mobile Phone & Data Options

Using Your Home Carrier (Roaming)

While this is undoubtedly the most straightforward method, it is often the most expensive. We advise securing an international plan and getting written confirmation of the rates and terms from your provider before you depart to avoid any unwelcome surprises on your bill.

• Check Before You Go: Contact your mobile provider to understand their international roaming plans for Brazil.
• Potential Costs: Be aware that “pay-as-you-go” roaming rates can be extremely expensive. A daily or monthly international pass is often more cost-effective.
• Activation: Confirm if you need to manually activate the roaming plan before your departure.

Buying a Local Brazilian SIM Card

This is usually the cheapest option for data and local calls, especially for stays longer than a week. You’ll get a local Brazilian phone number, which can be useful.

Main Providers

• Vivo: Often considered to have the best overall coverage, especially in rural and remote areas.
• Claro & TIM: Strong competitors with excellent coverage in most urban centers.

Where to Buy

SIM cards are available at airports (though kiosks here can be more expensive), official carrier stores (lojas) in shopping malls, or at large newsstands (bancas de jornal).

What You’ll Need

• An unlocked phone. An unlocked phone is a device not tied to a specific carrier’s network, allowing it to accept a SIM card from any provider. Most phones purchased directly from the manufacturer are unlocked, but if you acquired yours through a carrier contract, it may be locked. You can check its status by contacting your home provider.
• Your passport for registration purposes.
• A CPF number (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas). This is a Brazilian individual taxpayer ID. As a tourist, acquiring one can be a complicated process. While some vendors, particularly at airport kiosks, are experienced with international visitors and may have a workaround, this is not guaranteed. This requirement is the primary complexity when purchasing a physical local SIM.

Using an eSIM

For most short-term visitors whose main need is reliable data, we recommend an eSIM as the most convenient and hassle-free solution.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular data plan from a provider without needing a physical SIM card.

Requirements

Your phone must be eSIM-compatible and unlocked. We suggest you confirm your specific phone model’s eSIM compatibility online before purchasing a plan.

Benefits

• Ultimate convenience: You can purchase, install, and activate your data plan from home before you even depart.
• Keep your home number: Your primary physical SIM can remain in your phone and active for calls and texts from your home number (be mindful of your home carrier’s roaming charges for these).
• Avoids the CPF requirement that is necessary for purchasing a physical Brazilian SIM card.

Popular Providers

Companies such as Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad offer a variety of prepaid data packages specifically for Brazil.

Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi) Availability

In Hotels, Pousadas, and Rentals

• General Availability: Most accommodations in cities and established tourist areas offer complimentary Wi-Fi to guests.
• Quality Varies: Be prepared for inconsistent speeds. In major city hotels, connectivity is typically reliable. However, in remote lodges, such as those in the Amazon or Pantanal, expect the service to be slow, intermittent, or available only in central common areas.
• Confirmation: If constant, reliable connectivity is a priority for you, we recommend confirming the specific Wi-Fi status and quality with your accommodation in advance.

Public Wi-Fi Hotspots

• Where to Find It: Public Wi-Fi is commonly available in cafes, restaurants, shopping malls, and major airports like São Paulo-Guarulhos (GRU) and Rio de Janeiro-Galeão (GIG).
• Security Warning: Public Wi-Fi networks are not secure. You should avoid accessing sensitive personal information, such as online banking or credit card details, while connected to them.
• Recommendation: Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when connected to any public Wi-Fi. A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection for your data, shielding your online activity from potential eavesdroppers on the network. It is an essential tool for protecting your privacy while traveling.

Practical Advice & What to Expect

Coverage in Urban vs. Rural Areas

• Cities: In major cities like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Salvador, you can expect good 4G and growing 5G coverage.
• Remote & Natural Areas: In regions like the Amazon rainforest, the Pantanal, or national parks like Lençóis Maranhenses, cell service and data will be extremely limited or completely non-existent.
• Planning for Disconnection: Before heading to remote destinations, download offline maps and any necessary documents (like hotel confirmations or tickets). It is also wise to inform friends and family that you may be out of contact for periods of time.

Essential Apps to Download

• WhatsApp: This is the primary communication tool in Brazil. It is used universally for texting, voice and video calls, and even for contacting businesses or making reservations. It is absolutely essential.
• Offline Maps: Download maps for your destination cities on Google Maps or use an app like Maps.me. This is a lifesaver when you are navigating without a data signal.
• Ride-Sharing: Uber is widely available and functions well in all major cities. 99 is a popular and reliable local alternative.
• Translation: Google Translate is invaluable. Be sure to download the Portuguese language pack for offline use before you travel.

Power Outlets & Charging

• Outlet Type: The official power outlet in Brazil is the Type N, which has three round pins in a triangular pattern.
• Adapter Needs: Standard two-pin European plugs (Type C) will fit into Type N outlets. However, plugs from the US, UK, Australia, and many other countries will require an adapter. We strongly recommend bringing a universal travel adapter to cover all possibilities.
• Voltage: Brazil’s voltage is not standardized across the country; it can be either 127V or 220V depending on the state or even the city. Most modern electronics like laptops and phone chargers are dual-voltage (100-240V), but it is always wise to check the label on your device’s power brick to be certain.