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Will my phone work in Brazil? Find out today
Your phone will work in Brazil if it’s unlocked. See how to use your phone in Brazil with carrier-specific tips and international data alternatives.
Yes, while your phone will work with Brazil’s networks, you should be mindful of some things, such as getting it unlocked by your carrier.
We cover this and other ways to use your phone in Brazil, as well as options available depending on your home carrier. We also highlight international data plan options, including a travel eSIM, and why it might be a better alternative.
SIM swapping is the past
Will my phone work in Brazil?
Yes! Your phone will work in Brazil if it’s unlocked and supports the necessary frequency bands.
Check if your phone is unlocked
You can use a local SIM card or eSIM in Brazil if your phone is unlocked. 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 provider.
Here are some quick ways to check if your phone is unlocked:
- Try a different SIM card: If a SIM card from a different provider works with your phone, it’s unlocked.
- Check your 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.
- Use the 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:
- 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).
- 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.
Can I use my phone in Brazil? US devices?
Whether your local internet plan will work in Brazil depends on your mobile carrier and data plan. Most international carriers, including T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon, offer international plans, sometimes with unlimited calls and talk. Let’s explore each in more detail below.
Does T-Mobile work in Brazil?
Yes, since T-Mobile primarily operates on Band n71 (600 MHz), Band 5 (850 MHz), and Band 4 (1700/2100 MHz), which overlap with Brazilian operators’ frequency bands, your phone should work in Brazil.
T-Mobile international roaming services offer monthly-inclusive roaming plans such as the Magenta and Go5G plans in over 215 destinations, including Brazil. If you are not on this plan, you can choose between three International Passes, with prices ranging from $5 to $50 for 512 MB to 50 GB and validity periods of 1- 30 days.
Top tip: To avoid unexpected charges, turn on “Block charged international roaming” in the T-Mobile app. You can also forward calls to a Google Voice number to take advantage of lower calling rates.
Does Verizon work in Brazil?
It depends. Verizon officially shut down its old Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network in 2023. This change affected only very old devices that didn’t support 4G LTE or GSM. 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.
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.
You can use your Verizon phone in Brazil through Verizon’s international roaming-inclusive monthly plan or a TravelPass for $10 daily, which allows you to use your plan’s data, calls, and texts in Brazil.
Does AT&T work in Brazil?
Yes, similar to T-Mobile, AT&T also primarily operates on 850 MHz (n5) and 1700/2100 MHz (n66) bands, which Brazilian operators use.
You can stay connected through AT&T international roaming-inclusive monthly plans or an International Day Pass for $12 per day, which lets you use your regular plan just as you would in the U.S.
Should I use my home carrier in Brazil?
Using your home carrier and roaming internationally on your trip to 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 cost-effective and easy-to-set-up alternatives.
Other ways to use your phone in Brazil
There are three main ways to ensure phone service and reliable mobile internet in Brazil: eSIMs, local SIM cards, pocket WiFi devices, and free WiFi.
Each comes with benefits and trade-offs, depending on the length of your stay, budget, expected data usage, 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 sure if your phone supports eSIM? Check our eSIM-compatible phones list to see if yours is ready to go.
Providers like Holafly offer eSIMs for over 200 destinations worldwide, including unlimited data plans for popular locations like Europe, the US, Mexico, and Brazil. Holafly lets you choose how long you need your eSIM for Brazil, from 1 to 90 days, starting at $7.90 for one day and reaching as low as $3.29 per day of unlimited data usage.
With Holafly’s eSIM plans for Brazil, you also get 500 MB of daily data for sharing with other devices via a hotspot, perfect for staying connected with multiple gadgets.
Or you can opt for a regional plan like the eSIM for Latin America that covers 18 destinations, including Brazil. So, if you’re traveling across other countries, you won’t need to pay to switch plans every time you cross a border.
Tourist SIM card for Brazil
You can buy a physical Brazil SIM card from major local carriers like Vivo, Claro, TIM, or Oi at airports or physical stores. These SIMs offer data, texts, and calls at local rates, helping you avoid expensive roaming fees. However, you will have to deal with the SIM registration process, which can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.
As mentioned earlier, ensure 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.
It’s a popular choice for travelers looking to connect multiple phones, laptops, tablets, or smartwatches while in Brazil. The cost of pocket WiFi for Brazil can exceed $200, depending on your provider, rental duration, shipping fees, and optional add-ons like device insurance.
Or you can opt for Holafly Plans, a monthly rolling eSIM subscription that offers unlimited data in over 170 destinations and unlimited hotspot connections for the rest of your devices.
Free WiFi in Brazil
Free WiFi is available in many parts of Brazil, mainly in airports, tourist destinations, popular cafes like Starbucks and Bob’s, and hotels like Ibis and Accor. 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.
Holafly eSIM for Brazil: The easiest way to get data in Brazil
The verdict? Yes, while your phone will work in Brazil, it’s up to you to decide how smoothly you’d like to connect. Whether traveling to Brazil for business or pleasure, staying connected is key to an experience with peace of mind.
For a more reliable, hassle-free option, try Holafly’s eSIM for Brazil. With unlimited data plans available for 200+ destinations, you can stay connected from the moment you land.
Data that travels as far as you do
Check out our other guides on using your phone abroad:
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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.
