In this post we will tell you what is the best eSIM for traveling to Brazil and that will allow you to connect to the Internet immediately without paying excessive bills like with roaming, or risking your data on public wifi networks. Share your photos in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo or Salvador de Bahia and move around the country like a local with internet on your cell phone.
There are currently a wide variety of eSIMs with different features such as speed, data limit, technical support, price or duration of plans, so we have compared the main brands such as Holafly, Airalo or SimOptions, among others, and we share their advantages and disadvantages to help you make a decision.
If you want to know more about eSIM cards and the best option for Brazil, read on. We can tell you in advance that the unlimited data eSIM cards like the ones from Holafly are a safe choice with unlimited data, no extra charges and 24/7 support.
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Comparison of eSIM for a trip to Brazil
When comparing different eSIM brands we must take into account all the features that will determine if the card fits the needs of our trip. That’s why we have prepared this summary table with all the essential information about Holafly, Airalo, Maya Mobile, Simoptions and Ubigi to help you choose. Later on we will elaborate on all the important aspects so that you don’t miss any information.
| Brand | Plan duration | Data sharing | Unlimited data | App | GB per plan | Support | Price | Trustpilot | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holafly | 5, 7, 10, 15 and 20 days | No | Yes | Yes | Unlimited data on all plans | In English and other languages, direct chat and WhatsApp | 19€ – 57€ | 4,7 | 4,3 |
| Airalo | 7, 15 and 30 days | Yes | No | Yes | 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB and 10GB | In English, via a bot | 4,5$ – 26$ | 2,6 | 3,9 |
| Maya Mobile | 5, 10, 15 and 30 days | Only on some plans | Yes, only 5Mbps per day | Yes | 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, unlimited | In English, via email | 6€ – 120€ | 4,4 | 3,6 |
| Simoptions | 14, 15 and 30 days | No | No | No | 3GB, 5GB, 6GB and 10 GB | In English, via chat | 24,9$ – 39,9$ | 4,4 | 3 |
| Nomad | 7 and 30 days | Yes | No | Yes | 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB | In English, via email or the App | 9€ – 32€ | 4,4 | 3,6 |
1. Holafly, eSIM for Brazil with multilingual customer support
| Advantages | All data plans for Brazil have unlimited data. They offer data packages by continents and by countries. Holafly eSIM cards are easy to purchase and install with a QR code or manually. They have eSIM cards for 160 destinations. 24/7 technical support in Spanish, English, German, French, Italian and Japanese. Very flexible prices. You can pay in euros, dollars and Mexican pesos. It has an App where you can check consumption and the days remaining on the contract. Flexible data plans of 5, 7, 10, 15 and 20 days. |
| Inconveniences | Their eSIM cards do not include calls or sms. They are one of the most expensive options on the market, but it’s worth it because you don’t run out of data and don’t have to recharge. Holafly’s eSIM card for Brazil does not allow data sharing. You can’t do the setup through their App. They only offer one data plan. They do not offer unlimited data for Brazil. |
Holafly is one of the best options to buy eSIM cards and travel with peace of mind as the brand offers unlimited data, a 24/7 customer support service in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Japanese that responds in less than a minute by chat or WhatsApp, and is currently the company with the best customer rating on Trustpilot with a score of 4.7.
On the Holafly you can find5 plans for Brazil of 5, 7, 10, 15 and 20 days with unlimited data ranging from 19 to 57 euros. You also have the option to buy an eSIM for all of Latin America which includes Brazil along with 14 other countries. This data plan is very practical when traveling through several countries, so you won’t have to switch eSIMs every time you cross a border.
| Data plan | Price in Euros | Price in Dollars | Price in Mexican Pesos |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 days | 19€ | 19$ | $399 |
| 7 days | 27€ | 27$ | $517 |
| 10 days | 34€ | 34$ | $699 |
| 15 days | 47€ | 47$ | $899 |
| 20 days | 57€ | 57$ | $1199 |
The Holafly eSIM cards can be installed easily by scanning the QR code that you will receive by email once you have completed the purchase. The installation can also be done manually without the need for a computer, simply writing a code in the settings of your mobile that you can consult in the mail or in your App, which is very convenient to control the duration of the data plan.
After testing Holafly eSIM cards we can say that they are one of the most expensive options on the market, but that in the end they are cost-effective because you can travel without worries thanks to their customer service, being the most efficient of all the eSIM cards we have tested. Here we share with you this ranking where we evaluate from 1 to 5 all the features of the Holafly eSIM cards for Brazil based on our experience.
| Data | Duration | Support | Price | App | Speed | Data Sharing | Currencies | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3,5 | 4,8 | 4 | 3,5 | 4,8 | 0 | 4,5 | 4,3 |
In this post you can read about our experience with Holafly eSIM cards and some users’ opinions: Our review of Holafly eSIM: is it worth it?
2. Airalo, the cheapest eSIM brand for traveling to Brazil
| Advantages | They offer regional, country or global data packages. Airalo eSIM cards are easy to purchase and install. It is one of the cheapest brands in the market. They offer a wide variety of eSIM cards with different duration, price and gigabytes. They have eSIM cards for 190 countries. Their eSIM card allows you to share data with other devices. They allow you to recharge the eSIM. They have an App and you can buy and install the eSIM from it. |
| Inconveniences | Gigabytes are limited to 10GB or less and do not have unlimited data cards. Short-term plans have very limited gigabytes of 1GB and 2GB. Their eSIM cards do not include calls and sms. Their services and technical support is exclusively in English and takes a long time to respond. |
This company, founded in Singapore in 2019 by Turkish entrepreneurs Abraham Burak and Ahmet Bahadir Özdemir, was one of the first to offer these services, and has a wide coverage of countries where they offer eSIM cards.
Airalo’s eSIM card data plans for Brazil have durations of 7, 15 and 30 days, and prices range from $4,5 to $26. Airalo is known for being one of the cheapest brands on the market, however, its technical service leaves much to be desired and takes a long time to respond. In addition, their data plans have very limited gigabytes and you will most likely run out of data in the middle of the trip and have to recharge. This means that in the end the costs will increase and what seemed like a cheap option will be expensive in the end.
| Data plan | Price in U.S. Dollars |
|---|---|
| 7 days – 1 GB | 4,5$ |
| 15 days – 2 GB | 8$ |
| 30 days – 3 GB | 11$ |
| 30 days – 5 GB | 15,5$ |
| 30 days – 10 GB | 26$ |
Although Airalo is cheap and offers a wide variety of eSIM cards that can be controlled through their App, the truth is that it is not one of the best options because of the technical service, as you can see on Trustpilot in the user reviews and ratings. Airalo has one of the lowest scores with 2,6. Here you have the ranking of each aspect of Airalo and in this post you can also read about our opinion of the brand: Our review of Airalo eSIM: is it worth it?
| Data | Duration | Support | Price | App | Speed | Data Sharing | Currencies | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 4,5 | 3 | 3,8 |
3. Maya Mobile, data packages of up to a month
| Advantages | Maya Mobile eSIM cards are easy to purchase and install with QR code or manually. They have eSIM cards for 194 destinations. Data plans limited to 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB that can run out quickly. Flexible pricing. Possibility of sharing internet in some plans. To recharge you can configure auto-recharge after 30 days. Data plans with a duration of 5, 10, 15 and 30. They have an unlimited data eSIM plan. |
| Inconveniences | Their eSIM cards do not include calls or sms. They do not have an App. The unlimited data plan has a 2GB daily limit. Technical support in English via a bot. |
This company offers eSIM cards for 5, 10, 15 and 30 in Brazil. In this case, the price of the data packages varies depending on the gigabytes. In total they have 5 packages of 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB and one with unlimited gigabytes. Maya Mobile’s unlimited gigabyte plans are relative because they have a speed limit of 5Mbp, which drops to 1Mbps after 2 daily GBs have been used. The price ranges from €6 to €120.
Like Holafly, Maya Mobile is characterized by the speed and simplicity of its contracting process and installation, which is also done through a QR code that you receive by email. In addition, they have a 100% refund policy of the purchase in case the data does not work, which is not common since they have a minimum of two data providers in each country where they offer their services.
| Data plan | Price in Euros |
|---|---|
| 5, 10, 15 and 30 days – 1 GB | 6 – 8€ |
| 5, 10, 15 and 30 days – 3 GB | 12 – 15€ |
| 5, 10, 15 and 30 days – 5 GB | 18 – 23€ |
| 5, 10, 15 and 30 days – 10 GB | 26 – 34€ |
| 5, 10, 15 and 30 days – unlimited data* | 27 – 120€ |
In Trustpilot you can see that the brand has an average score of 4.7, but there are hardly any comments. Here the table with the score for each of the features of their eSIM cards.
| Data | Duration | Support | Price | App | Speed | Data Sharing | Currencies | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3,6 |
4. SimOptions y their marketplace
| Advantages | They offer regional, country or global data packages. SimOptions eSIM cards are easy to purchase and install. They have eSIM cards for 160 countries. |
| Inconveniences | Gigabytes are limited to 10GB or less and do not have unlimited data cards. The features of eSIMs for the same country vary according to the brand contracted. Not all eSIM cards allow recharging data. Customer support depends on each brand and good customer service cannot be guaranteed. Their plans do not include calls or SMS. The speed depends on each eSIM card brand. There is no App to control data consumption. |
SimOptions is an eSIM card marketplace where local mobile carriers in each country sell their eSIM cards. The brand, with offices in Paris, Thailand and Hong Kong, offers data plans for eSIM cards in more than 160 countries and also have regional and global plans.
For Brazil you will find 4 plans of 14, 15 and 30 days with data limits of 3GB, 5GB, 6GB and 10GB. Prices range between $24.9 and $39.9. None of the plans offer calls or the ability to recharge.
The main drawback of SimOptions is that its website is a bit chaotic and the data plans, as they are from different brands, are very diverse and their features vary a lot, not only the price, speed or duration, but also the customer support, the possibility of recharging or sharing data. This will force you to look in detail at each brand and will make it harder for you to make a decision. In the case of Brazil, you’ll see that SimOptions works with Ais and Three HK companies.
| Data plan | Price in U.S.Dollars |
|---|---|
| 30 days – 3 GB | 24,9$ |
| 30 days – 5 GB | 34,9$ |
| 15 days – 6 GB | 39,9$ |
| 14 days – 10 GB | 39,9$ |
Our personal experience is that with SimOptions cards you lose a lot of time comparing between one and the other. In addition, the price is high, you can only pay in dollars and they don’t give you the guarantee of a good technical support. Here we rate SimOptions eSIM cards from 1 to 5 and in this post you can read about our opinion and what other customers think about the brand: Our review of Sim Options eSIM: is it worth it?
| Data | Duration | Support | Price | App | Speed | Data Sharing | Currencies | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 3 | 3,5 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
5. Nomad and their App
| Advantages | They offer regional, country or global data packages. Nomad eSIM cards are easy to purchase and install. The app is very convenient and allows you to recharge the eSIM. They offer a wide variety of eSIM cards with different prices and amount of gigabytes. They have eSIM cards for 112 countries. Technical support both in the app and on the web. Very affordable prices. The duration of the plans is varied. |
| Inconveniences | Gigabytes are limited to 10GB or less and do not have unlimited data cards. Short-term plans have very limited gigabytes (1GB). Their eSIM cards do not include calls or sms. Their services and technical support are exclusively in English. |
Nomad is a marketplace dedicated to the sale of eSIM cards from different local brands, which in the case of Brasil is Truphone. It works the same way as SimOptions, but their website and App are much better developed and it is a bit easier to compare between the eSIM cards. One of the advantages of the brand is that it has an App where customers can easily and quickly sign up for data plans.
The brand offers data plans in more than 100 countries and also by continents so that we can make use of our Internet connection even if we are moving between different countries. In the case of Brazil, the data packages only have a duration of 7 and 30 days, which is not very flexible. In addition, they have data limits ranging from 1 GB to 10 GB. The fact that they don’t have unlimited data plans is a big disadvantage since we will be forced to recharge.
| Data plan | Price in Euros | Price in Dollars | Price in Pounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 days – 1 GB | 8,6€ | 9$ | 7,5£ |
| 30 days – 3 GB | 13€ | 14$ | 11,5£ |
| 30 days – 5 GB | 18,5€ | 20$ | 16£ |
| 30 days – 10 GB | 29,5€ | 32$ | 25,5£ |
The Nomad App is very useful to monitor the consumption and recharge in case we run out of data. We can also use it to get in touch with customer service, which unfortunately is only in English.
Here you can see our ranking of Nomad’s eSIMs.
| Data | Duration | Support | Price | App | Speed | Data Sharing | Currencies | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3,5 | 3,5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3,6 |
Conclusion: what is the best eSIM for Brazil
In this post we have seen that there are many important factors to take into account when comparing eSIM cards because for each kind of trip you will have different connection needs. That’s why we have prepared this section where we tell you based on our experience which eSIM card is best for Brazil.
When we travel we don’t want to run out of data in the middle of our trip, so the eSIM cards with unlimited data are the best option, such as Holafly. Maya Mobile also offers plans with unlimited data, however, they are not real since after the first 2 gigabytes per day of the contract, the speed drops from 5 to 1Mbps.
We know that it can be complicated to calculate the gigabytes you will need during your trip, that’s why we have prepared this table that will help you to estimate the GBs you will need based on your usual consumption.
| Plataform | Gigabyte consumption per hour |
| 0,12GB – 0,18 GB | |
| 0,12GB – 0,18 GB | |
| 0,06 GB | |
| Tiktok | 0,18 GB – 0,8 GB |
| Netflix | 0,3GB – 7GB |
| Youtube | 0,14GB – 1,7 GB |
| Amazon Prime | 0,8GB – 6GB |
The installation process of eSIM cards is always simple and fast, but it is true that there are some companies that make it even easier. The first thing is to check if your phone is compatible with the eSIM of the brand. This information can be found on the website of each provider.
The purchase of the eSIM for Brazil can be done through the web with some brands such as Holafly or SimOptions, or through the app like with Airalo or Nomad.
The only brands that allow installation through the App are Airalo and Nomad, and in the case of Holafly, in the App you can get the code to install the eSIM manually without using a computer. You can also do the installation scanning a QR code that you will receive in the email as soon as you complete the purchase with Holafly, Airalo, or Maya Mobile.
On the other hand, it is very important to consider the customer service to help you with the installation process and solve any doubt or problem. Most brands such as Maya Mobile or Airalo have a chat bot that takes a long time to respond and only does so in English. In the case of Simoptions, customer support depends on the brand of eSIM card you have chosen. In this aspect Holafly’s technical support is the best as it responds in less than 1 minute in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, and Japanese via web chat or WhatsApp.
Many times when we travel we want to share data with other devices and only some providers like Airalo make it possible.
But one of the most important aspects is price. The cheapest brands are Airalo and Maya Mobile, however, their data plans are very limited and you’re likely to run out and have to pay again for the top-up. That’s why it’s sometimes recommended to pay a little more and get an unlimited data eSIM card like Holafly’s so you can be sure you won’t have to recharge again.
All in all, Holafly’s eSIM cards are the best choice for travel to Brazil because of their unlimited data and multi-language customer support that responds in less than a minute. With Holafly you will never run out of data on your trip.
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Other options for internet in Brazil
eSIM cards are the fastest and most efficient way to get internet connection in Brazil, but if for some reason, such as the incompatibility of your cell phone, you can’t use them, don’t worry, we will discuss other ways to connect to the network.
However, here are the reasons why we always travel with eSIM cards.
| Convenience | Immediate delivery and activation upon purchase. Purchase prior to travel. Easy installation; unlike SIM cards, there is no need to remove the original card. You’ll be connected as soon as you land, no need to find a store first. You’ll find tailor-made plans to suit the duration and needs of your trip. No need to rely on batteries, as with Pocket wifi. You won’t have to carry an extra device during your trip, like the Pocket Wifi. |
| Peace of mind | You will have 24/7 technical support in English, unlike with a SIM or Pocket Wifi. You will not have to worry about forgetting or losing any device other than your cell phone. |
| Security | You will avoid using public wifi networks vulnerable to hacking. You will avoid entering personal data in endless forms to get Wifi. No need to open or manipulate your mobile phone like with SIM cards. |
1. Buy a SIM card in Brazil
SIM cards are an easy way to get internet in Brazil and make local calls. The main operators where you can buy aSIM card in Brazil are Orange and Three UK, with stores located at international airports and in the commercial areas of the cities. In tourist areas they are always more expensive to purchase, so we can also recommend buying them online before embarking on your trip.
SIM cards have different data plans to choose from and vary depending on the duration, gigabytes or price, which usually ranges from €29 to €79.
| Advantages | There are a variety of brands and data plans to choose from. Installation is fast. They can be purchased online or in physical stores. You can make calls and send messages with a local number. |
| Inconveniences | It always replaces your regular SIM, which can be lost or damaged. The cell phone must be opened and handled during the installation process. You have to travel to buy it or wait for the card to be delivered. When the contract of your travel SIM expires, it must be replaced by another one. You will not be able to keep your regular phone number. |
2. Rent a Pocket WiFi
Another alternative for connecting to the Internet in Brazil is to rent a Pocket WiFi, that is, aportable router that you can use to access the Internet wherever you go.
| Advantages | Can be used by several devices at the same time. You can choose the gigabyte package that suits you best. No need to install anything on our cell phones. |
| Inconveniences | It is one of the most expensive options. There are few brands to choose from. Contracts are usually of long duration. In addition to the data plan, you have to pay for rental, insurance and shipping costs. The battery lasts 6 hours maximum. If you use it with more people you have to be in the same room. You have to carry it with you wherever you go and you run the risk of losing it. |
In Brazil there are several brands that rent pocketwifis, such as Travel Wifi, MioWifi or My Webspot. The rental price ranges from $4 to $10 per day, and Travel Wifi also offers the option of buying it for $160 or more.
Keep in mind, that to the price you have to add shipping costs and extras such as car charger, extra battery or insurance. This means that although initially it may seem very cheap, in the long run it will be more expensive.
The purchasing process varies a bit from brand to brand. While some like Travel Wifi will send the rental router to your house, others like My Webspot require you to pick it up from approved stores.
This option is interesting when we only need internet in a very specific space, for long periods of time or when we travel with more people, since everyone can benefit from the connection and share the costs. In general, the router can be shared between 5 and 10 people, depending on the brand. These devices have an autonomy of between 6 and 12 hours.
3. Search for free WiFi networks in Brazil
As you can imagine, this is the cheapest option. However, as you may already know, it is also the most frustrating alternative in most cases. Slow connection, time limit or eternal forms that promise WIFI after you submit all your data.
| Advantages | It is free of charge. There is nothing to install on our cell phones. |
| Inconveniences | It is difficult to find free access wifi networks. Public wifi networks are often slow or give connection problems. You often have to fill in forms and share your personal data. Some free wifi networks have limited time. You have to be near the router to connect. These networks are vulnerable to hacking. |
This is an option that should be used with caution for security reasons. Public WiFi hotspots are very vulnerable to hacks or cyberattacks, providing access to private data. It is therefore recommended to spend as little time as possible connected, use it for specific queries and do not expose your personal data.
These are some places where you can find WiFi on your trip to Brazil in case of a need: airports, museums, subway, parks, cafes, restaurants and hotels. There are also APPs that tell you where to find WiFi hotspots, as well as Facebook, which also offers this service.
4. Activate roaming for Brazil
One of the options that is losing more and more popularity due to its high costs is roaming, also known as data roaming. It is the simplest option as you can receive calls and connect to the Internet without having to install anything or change your phone number, however, the bills are very high.
If you travel from Spain, for example, there are several companies that offer roaming service abroad. Some examples are Movistar, Jazztel, Yoigo, Vodafone or Orange. Before embarking on a trip it is recommended to ask your current carrier the cost of roaming to compare to other services such as eSIM cards. Generally the MB in Brazil Roaming ranges between 6€ and 12€. Think that Instagram consumes between 0.12GB – 0.18GB per hour of use.
If in the end you decide to use another option, remember to turn off data roaming on your cell phones or change the main line in the case of using an eSIM.
| Advantages | There is no need to install anything on our cell phone. There is no need to contract any extra service. You can receive calls, send messages and connect to the internet immediately. |
| Inconveniences | This is the most expensive option. Sometimes it is activated without us realizing it. Not all telephone companies offer this service. |
Frequently asked questions about eSIM cards in Brazil
Most models of popular brands such as Apple, Samsung, Motorola, Huawei or Google are supported as long as they are recent models. Several iPads are also compatible. However, it is best to consult the website of each provider, where they will indicate all the compatible models.
eSIM cards allow you to have internet on your cell phone when you travel abroad without having to remove your regular SIM card, as is the case with SIM cards. This is possible thanks to a chip that is incorporated in the latest generation of cell phones.
The purchase of the eSIM data plan can be done through the web or the App of some brands. Choose your destination, the duration and the gigabytes of the data plan and pay securely.
The installation and activation of the eSIM is a really easy procedure that will only take a few minutes.
Once you have verified that your cell phone is compatible with the product and chosen the data plan that best suits your needs, go to the mobile data settings on your smartphone and select “add data plan”. Then the camera will open so you can scan the QR code that you will have received in the mail after the purchase. The installation and activation of your card will then begin.
This process must be carried out with an internet connection, so it is recommended to do it before starting the trip or as soon as you arrive at the hotel.
SIM cards can be purchased in physical stores or online, with delivery times ranging from 48 to 72 hours. There are also companies that offer same-day express shipping.
Most carriers offer packages with data limits. Holafly, unlike the rest, offers a wide variety of unlimited data packages.
To activate the eSIM card it is necessary to have internet connection, so it is recommended to do it before starting your trip.
Data packages usually last for weeks or months, however, there are providers such as Holafly that offer more flexible packages between 5 days and 3 months.
Unlimited data plans do not normally allow data sharing, but plans with a specific number of GBs included do.
The data of the unlimited plans is really unlimited. Note in any case that local mobile operators may temporarily reduce the speed if you make a very intensive use of applications such as Netflix or Youtube. These limits are more intended to avoid network saturation by a few users.
Holafly is a Spanish company launched in 2018 that you can trust, it has been tested by more than 400,000 customers, travel blogs and Youtubers. Holafly markets eSIMs since 2019.
Holafly has more than 10,000 positive experiences published on Trustpilot, with an “Excellent” rating and 4.7 average score.
SIM Options has both positive and negative reviews, and an average Trustpilot score lower than Holafly, at 4,4. SIM Options is a Hong Kong-based company.
Maya is owned by a U.S. company, Maya Virtual Inc. Reviews of Maya on Truspilot are good, with an average score of 4.7.
Truphone is a UK company and Google technology partner. On Trustpilot they have a score of 1,8.
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