Will my phone work in Brazil? Find out today

Brazil is an adventure waiting to happen, from the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro to the tranquility of its rainforests.

Whether you’re tracking down the best açai bowl or navigating local buses, your phone will be your personal guide. But the question is, will my cell phone work in Brazil?

Not every phone is ready to go the minute you land.

In this guide, we answer your key questions, share the best SIM card options to keep you connected, and provide tips to avoid those annoying roaming charges.

We also explore why an eSIM might be a better SIM alternative for travelers.

Will my phone work in Brazil?

Yes! Your phone will work in Brazil, but only if it’s unlocked and supports the necessary frequency bands.

Check if your phone is unlocked

If your phone is unlocked, you can use a local SIM card or eSIM in Brazil. This lets you make international calls, send texts, and use mobile data at local rates.

It’s a simple way to avoid expensive roaming fees from your home country.

Here are some quick ways to check if your phone is unlocked:

1. Try a different SIM card: If a SIM card from a different provider works with your phone, it’s unlocked.
2. Check phone settings: For iPhones, go to Settings>General>About, and scroll to Carrier Lock. For Androids, go to Settings>Connections>Mobile Networks and look for Carrier Lock or Network Lock.
3. Use IMEI number: Go to Settings > About Phone and find your IMEI there, or dial *#06#. Use it to contact your carrier and ask them about your phone status, or use an online IMEI unlock checker.

Check if your phone works with the local networks

Most modern phones will work in Brazil, but you should confirm if yours is compatible. Brazil uses GSM technology and common 4G/LTE bands: 3 (1800 MHz), 7 (2600 MHz), and 28 (700 MHz).

To check if your phone supports these:

1. Find your phone’s model: Go to your phone’s settings, look for “About Phone” or “Device Info,” and note down the model name or number (e.g., iPhone 14, Samsung Galaxy S22).
2. Search online: Type “[your phone model] specifications” into Google. Look for the “network” or “connectivity” section on websites like the manufacturer’s page or GSMArena.

If you have a 5G-compatible phone like the iPhone 12 and newer or Samsung Galaxy S21 and newer, you can access Brazil’s 5G network, especially in major cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Will my home carrier’s plan work in Brazil?

Whether your local internet plan will work in Brazil depends on your mobile carrier and your data plan.

Most international carriers, including T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, and Vodafone, offer international packages. Let’s explore each in more detail below:

Does T-Mobile work in Brazil?

T-Mobile, a major U.S. telecommunications provider, offers free international texting and data in over 215 countries, including Brazil, with their Magenta and Go5G plans.

However, data speeds are slowed down to 128 kbps and 256 kbps. This is fine for basic tasks like messaging and email but may struggle with web browsing, streaming, or uploading photos. 

For faster speeds, you can purchase an International Pass, which offers 5GB of high-speed data for around $35 USD and a 10-day validity — ideal for web browsing, maps, and more data-intensive tasks.

To avoid unexpected charges, Reddit users recommend turning on “Block charged international roaming” in the T-Mobile app.

Another tip is to forward calls to a Google Voice number to take advantage of lower calling rates.

Using your cell phone in Brazil with Vodafone

If you’re a Vodafone user, you can use your phone in Brazil with Vodafone’s international roaming services.

For most Vodafone plans, the Roam Further package lets you use your plan’s minutes, texts, and data for a daily charge of around $7.90.

Will my Verizon phone work in Brazil?

Yes, you can use your Verizon phone in Brazil, but there are a few factors to keep in mind. Verizon officially shut down its old Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network in 2023. 

This means that only very old devices, which didn’t support 4G LTE or GSM, were affected by the change.

If you’re using a modern Verizon phone, you’re already on 4G LTE or 5G, which are compatible with the GSM technology used in Brazil.

Brazil’s carriers, including Vivo, Claro, TIM, and Oi, operate on LTE bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 28, and 40. Some of these overlap with Verizon’s LTE bands (like Band 5), so your phone should connect without issues.

However, coverage may vary depending on your location, and not all Verizon phones support every frequency used in Brazil. Be sure to check your specific model’s compatibility.

Verizon also offers a TravelPass for $10 per day, allowing you to use your plan’s data, calls, and texts while in Brazil.

Does AT&T work in Brazil?

Yes, AT&T works in Brazil through international roaming. If you’re traveling with an AT&T plan, you can use the International Day Pass for $12 per day, which lets you use your regular plan just as you would in the U.S.

You’ll get access to talk, text, and data without worrying about roaming fees.

Should I use my home carrier in Brazil?

No, using your home carrier in Brazil isn’t the best option. While sticking with your current plan might seem convenient, roaming fees and daily charges can add up quickly. 

In the next section, we list some alternatives that are cost-effective and easy to set up. 

Other ways to stay connected

There are three main ways to ensure reliable internet and phone service while in Brazil: eSIMs, pocket WiFi devices, and free WiFi.

Each comes with benefits and trade-offs, depending on the length of your stay, your budget, and how much you plan to use your phone.

eSIM for Brazil

An eSIM is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone. It lets you activate a mobile plan without swapping SIMs — making it especially convenient for travelers. Not all phones support eSIMs, but most iPhones from XS onward, Google Pixels from Pixel 3 and up, and Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer are compatible. 

Providers like Holafly offer eSIMs for over 200 destinations worldwide, including unlimited data plans for popular locations like Europe, the U.S., Mexico, and Brazil.

With Holafly’s plans, you get 500 MB of daily data for sharing with other devices via a hotspot, perfect for staying connected with multiple gadgets.

Holafly lets you choose how long you need your eSIM for Brazil, from 1 to 90 days. 

Holafly offers flexible plan options to suit different travel needs. You can choose from:

• Individual country plans: If you’re visiting just one country, you can get an eSIM with unlimited data specifically for that location, like an eSIM plan for Brazil. 
• Regional plans: These plans cover multiple countries in a specific region. So, if you’re traveling across several countries, like in Europe or Asia, you won’t need to switch plans every time you cross a border. 

International SIM card for Brazil

You can buy an International Brazil SIM card from major local carriers like Vivo, Claro, TIM, or Oi at airports or stores.

These SIMs offer flexible data plans and local rates for calls and texts, helping you avoid expensive roaming fees.

As mentioned earlier, just make sure your phone is unlocked and supports Brazil’s GSM network frequencies, and you’re all set!

Pocket WiFi for Brazil

A pocket WiFi is a portable device that creates a personal WiFi hotspot using local mobile networks, giving you constant internet access on the go.

It’s ideal if you need to connect multiple devices, such as phones, laptops, or tablets while traveling in Brazil.

The cost of pocket WiFi for Brazil ranges from $64 to $349, depending on your provider, rental duration, shipping fees, and optional add-ons like device insurance.

Free WiFi in Brazil

Free WiFi is available in many parts of Brazil, especially in major cities and tourist destinations like Copacabana Beach, Livraria Cultura, Shopping Iguatemi, and Conjunto Nacional. 

However, public WiFi networks are often unsecured, making them vulnerable to hacking. It’s best to avoid logging into sensitive accounts or performing financial transactions on these networks.

If you need constant and reliable internet access, consider alternatives like pocket WiFi or an eSIM for a secure and uninterrupted internet connection throughout your trip.

eSIM for Brazil: A great alternative with Holafly

Brazil, with lively cities like Salvador and Porto Alegre, is a dream destination for many. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, staying connected is key to making your experience smoother.

While free WiFi is available in some cafés or public areas, it’s not always reliable, especially in more remote areas.

For a more reliable, hassle-free option, try Holafly’s eSIM. With unlimited data plans available for 200+ destinations, you can stay connected from the moment you land. 

Whether you’re managing video conferences or sharing travel updates in real time, Holafly’s eSIM keeps you covered. Plus, with regional plans, you can travel across countries without switching plans.

Data that travels as far as you do

Choose exactly how long you need your eSIM — whether it’s one day or 90, you’re in control with Hoalfy.

Grab your Brazil Holafly eSIM here!

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Based in Mumbai, Sharan Kaur Phillora has 6+ years of experience in the B2B writing industry. She has written for brands like Pocket52, Nexweave, Maze, NaNLABS, and Userpilot. When she's not working, Sharan can be found immersed in murder mystery novels or exploring Mumbai's streets on her bicycle in search of the perfect slice of pizza.

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