In Rio your phone is almost essential: to book a car, use the map, get timed tickets or let people know where you are. You have three ways to get data: your carrier's roaming, a Brazilian prepaid SIM or an eSIM. This guide helps you choose and explains what Brazilian carriers ask of a foreign visitor.
At a glance
- Roaming: the simplest option if your carrier has a plan for Brazil. Check the price and included data before you travel.
- Brazilian prepaid SIM: bought in the country and registered with your details.
- ID: carriers ask for your passport number; some accept national ID cards from Mercosur countries.
- eSIM: at least one Brazilian carrier offers a digital plan for visitors that you activate without going to a store. Your phone must be compatible.
- Always: make sure your phone is unlocked if you'll use a SIM from another carrier.
Option 1: your carrier's roaming
It's the fastest option: you activate the plan before leaving and arrive with data. On the plus side, you keep your number for messages and bank verification codes. On the downside, it can be expensive without a specific package. Ask your carrier what's included, how much data and for how many days.
Option 2: a Brazilian prepaid SIM
In Brazil, prepaid lines are registered to a person. According to TIM's help page for foreigners ↗, the details they ask for to register are:
- passport number, RNE or foreign identity document;
- the address where you're staying;
- the issuing country;
- other personal details.
The same page notes that a foreign ID card is only accepted for people from Mercosur countries, including Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay. Conditions may vary between carriers: ask at the point of sale before buying.
Before switching SIMs:
- Make sure your phone is unlocked for other carriers' SIMs.
- Keep your home SIM somewhere safe.
- Think about verification codes: if your bank sends you texts, you won't receive them with the Brazilian SIM.
Option 3: eSIM
An eSIM is a digital SIM installed from your phone, with no physical card. Some Brazilian carriers already sell visitor plans with this technology: for example, Claro presents a plan for international visitors ↗ that, according to its page, is activated digitally with your passport number and a temporary address in Brazil, without a CPF.
The advantage of an eSIM is that you can keep your usual SIM in the phone to receive texts. Before buying, check that your phone model supports eSIM and is unlocked.
How to choose
| If… | Your best option |
|---|---|
| You're traveling for a few days and your carrier has a reasonable package | Roaming |
| You're staying longer and want a Brazilian number | Prepaid SIM |
| Your phone supports eSIM and you want to keep your SIM | eSIM |
Whatever you choose, download offline maps of Rio before the trip and save your accommodation's address. It helps if you land at the airport without data: see how to get from Galeão to Copacabana or from Santos Dumont to Zona Sul.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a CPF to get a SIM?
According to TIM's page, foreigners register with a passport, RNE or an ID card from a Mercosur country, with no mention of a CPF. Conditions may change by carrier: confirm when you buy.
Is there free Wi-Fi in Rio?
Many hotels, bars and shopping malls have Wi-Fi, but it's not a good idea to rely on it alone to get around the city.
What do I absolutely need data for?
To book a ride-hailing car, use the map and show digital tickets. We explain how to book a car in Uber, 99 or taxi in Rio.
Sources: TIM: foreigners in Brazil ↗ and Claro: connectivity for international visitors ↗, accessed October 27, 2026.