Mobile internet

Mobile internet in Brazil: What is the best option?

eSIMs, travel SIM cards, data roaming, and pocket WiFi are the best mobile internet options in Brazil. Learn more about each of them here.

Mobile internet in Brazil is widely available, with strong 4G and expanding 5G coverage in major cities, and TIM, Vivo, and Claro work as the three main mobile carriers.

For travelers, options include an eSIM for Brazil or prepaid SIM cards, which connect to these networks and ensure mobile data coverage throughout a trip.

Let’s explore the different options for getting mobile internet, how censorship works, and why the Holafly eSIM is a solid choice for travelers.

In this article

Internet access in Brazil

Brazil has the sixth-highest number of internet users in the world, with more than 181 million. This alone makes it obvious that internet access is plentiful in the country, and you won’t have any issues staying connected.

The country doesn’t have much internet censorship either. While Brazil has banned social media platforms such as Facebook, X, or TikTok in the past, most bans aren’t permanent and were put in place to protect users from disinformation or other threats. The bans are typically lifted when the threats decline.

These bans are handled by the Federal Supreme Court, and when applied, they have mostly concerned threats to democratic institutions, large misinformation channels, and hate speech.

To enjoy the internet in Brazil without restrictions, simply get yourself a data plan from one of the sources below. Let’s take an in-depth look at each of them.

Note: Some free WiFi networks in Brazil require entering the Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas (CPF) due to security reasons.

eSIM for Brazil

If you’re looking for the best eSIMs for Brazil, look no further than Holafly. All plans offer unlimited data, 24/7 customer support, and up to 1 GB of data sharing daily. The eSIM supports up to 5G speeds, so you’ll be able to enjoy a lightning-fast connection in Brazil’s cities.

You do need an eSIM-compatible phone to use eSIMs. However, that shouldn’t be an issue, as most modern phones support eSIM technology nowadays. You’ll also want to make sure it’s unlocked for use on foreign networks; otherwise, you can’t use your phone in Brazil.

Prepaid SIM card

Using a prepaid travel SIM card for Brazil is a great option if you don’t have an eSIM-compatible device. It offers a very similar service, with the key difference being that you have to buy a physical SIM card instead of a digital product.

This also means that, unless you have a dual-SIM phone, you’ll have to remove your regular SIM card for the duration of your stay.

Finding travel SIM cards shouldn’t be hard, though. You’ll find stands from local providers at any international airport in Brazil, as well as at larger retail stores or dedicated cellular provider customer centers in most cities.

Look for a SIM card from any of the providers below while in Brazil for a reliable mobile internet experience.

Claro

Claro is the most reputable cellular service and mobile internet provider in Brazil. According to OpenSignal, Claro offers the fastest mobile internet in Brazil for both download and upload speeds. Claro travel SIMs also provide a cell phone number that you can use to make calls and send SMS messages.

Vivo

While Claro may have the fastest average network connection speed, Vivo stands out for the fastest 5G speeds, according to the same research. They offer several different travel SIM data plans; however, no unlimited data plans are available.

TIM

TIM has received the Consistent Quality and 5G Video Experience awards from OpenSignal, making it one of the most reliable networks in Brazil. Just like Vivo, it has a range of different data plans, though all of them have a fixed amount of data.

Data roaming

Data roaming is another way to stay connected to the internet in Brazil. It could be argued that it’s the most convenient option, since it only requires you to enable data roaming on your phone to use mobile internet on your regular SIM card.

However, data roaming is also one of the most expensive mobile internet options, which is why most users look for a cheaper alternative.

Here are the data roaming rates from some of the biggest cellular service providers in the world:he world:

Provider	Data roaming price
O2	$6 USD per day to access your regular data allowance
AT&T	$2.05/MB
Telstra	$10 per day to access regular data allowance or $3/MB

Some providers offer day passes, which are the only reasonable option for using data roaming. The pay-as-you-go rates tend to be outrageous, and you can easily run up a bill in the hundreds of dollars if you’re active on online platforms or decide to watch a movie or two on data roaming.

Pocket WiFi

Pocket WiFi for Brazil is a great way to stay connected if you’re traveling in a group and need to maintain multiple internet connections at once. It’s much more expensive than eSIMs or travel SIM cards; however, if you split the costs within the group, it can prove to be an affordable option.

Companies like MioWiFi and MyWebspot are great options for renting one in Brazil, with prices ranging from $60 to $84 for a limited-data plan for a week. However, the final price might vary depending on delivery address, insurance, and other add-ons.

But you can opt for a more affordable option: Holafly Plans. This monthly eSIM subscription works in over 170 destinations, with unlimited data plans that include up to unlimited hotspot data and 5G data speeds; the only requirement is an eSIM-compatible phone.

Free WiFi

If you’re desperate for an internet connection, free WiFi is always an option. Bigger cities in Brazil, such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, or Brasilia, have many spots with free WiFi, but keep in mind that you may need to buy something like coffee, lunch, or other goods to access these networks.

Besides that, free WiFi tends to be slower, less reliable, and less secure than mobile networks. It’s a good idea to use the free WiFi to buy an eSIM or find the nearest place that sells travel SIMs.

Due to possible cybersecurity risks, it’s best to avoid any apps or websites that require you to log in or add personal details, especially if you’re not using a VPN.

Plus, as a traveler, it might be hard to connect to some networks where using CPF to get WiFi is mandatory. Some of these might offer free passes for travelers, but it’s not always the case.

Choose peace of mind with Holafly

A travel eSIM is the most convenient option for most visitors — unlimited data, instant activation before you fly, and no need to find a provider on arrival. SIM cards from Claro, Vivo, and TIM are a practical choice for those who also need calls and SMS.

For longer stays or those exploring wider South America, Holafly Plans offers a pay-monthly subscription with unlimited data and unlimited hotspot across 170+ destinations.

From Rio’s iconic beaches to the depths of the Amazon, an eSIM for Brazil gives you unlimited data, 5G speeds, and 24/7 customer support from the moment you land. For those exploring wider South America, the eSIM for Latin America keeps you connected across the continent on a single eSIM.

Plus, every Holafly eSIM comes with Always On; 1 GB of monthly backup data at no extra cost that activates automatically. Whether you cross into Argentina, head to Colombia, or find yourself on a layover, simply keep your Holafly eSIM installed, and your backup data is ready across 70+ global destinations.

Brazil is the largest country in South America, and travelers can also count on reliable mobile internet in these destinations.

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Rokas Aniulis

Senior SEO copywriter

A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.

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