Mobile Operators & SIM Cards in Brazil

Mobile networks in Brazil

Share of mobile lines by operator, as of Q2 2026 (preliminary; share of mobile accesses). Sources are listed at the end of the page.

Anatel's figures for the second quarter of 2026 are preliminary.

Buying a SIM card in Brazil as a visitor

• Brazilian law requires operators that sell prepaid mobile service to keep an up-to-date register of their users.
• The register must hold the user's full name and address and, for an individual, an identity document number or a Finance Ministry taxpayer registry number.
• Claro says a foreigner without a Brazilian CPF (taxpayer number) must activate a prepaid SIM in one of Claro's physical stores, bringing a passport or RNE (foreign resident ID).
• For foreigners without a CPF, Claro's store staff record the customer's full name and passport number (or foreign resident registration).
• TIM says a foreign visitor can buy a TIM SIM in any TIM store or partner store and register for its available prepaid offer.
• To register with TIM, a foreigner gives a passport, RNE or foreign ID number, the address where they are staying, the issuing country and other personal details; foreign ID cards are accepted only from Mercosur countries.
• TIM tells visitors to dial *144 to activate the line, with their passport and Brazilian lodging address at hand.

Without a CPF, bring your passport and the address where you're staying: Claro activates your prepaid SIM only in one of its own stores, and TIM asks for both to register you.

Prepaid offer examples

Prices from each operator's own website or announcements, checked on September 29, 2026. Offers change often, so confirm before you buy.

Using your US phone in Brazil

Whether your US plan covers Brazil, and at what cost, depends on the plan, so check your carrier's international page before you go. Our guide to using your US phone abroad covers roaming, Wi-Fi calling and bill surprises.

To call Brazil from the US, dial 011 + 55 + the number: see how to call Brazil and the Brazil phone number format.

FAQ

Do I need a CPF to buy a prepaid SIM card in Brazil?

Claro and TIM both have a passport route for foreign visitors. Claro says a foreigner without a Brazilian CPF (taxpayer number) must activate a prepaid SIM in one of Claro's physical stores, bringing a passport or RNE (foreign resident ID). To register with TIM, a foreigner gives a passport, RNE or foreign ID number, the address where they are staying, the issuing country and other personal details; foreign ID cards are accepted only from Mercosur countries.

Which is the biggest mobile operator in Brazil?

Claro held 33.2% of Brazil's mobile market in Q2 2026, behind Vivo (37.9%) and ahead of TIM (22.4%). Vivo, Claro and TIM, the operators Anatel does not class as small providers, together held 93.5% of the mobile market in Q2 2026.

Is there a Brazilian eSIM for tourists?

Claro flex pass is an app-based eSIM for international visitors; Claro says no Brazilian ID is required and you pay with an international credit card. To activate Claro flex pass you only need a temporary address in Brazil and your passport number. Claro flex pass plans are priced in US dollars, with no commitment, starting from 15 days. Claro flex pass offers 20 GB, 30 GB or 40 GB of data, with unlimited calls and texts within Brazil, valid for up to 30 days.

Is TIM's "16 GB for BRL 30" really 16 GB of data?

Of those 16 GB, 12 GB is general data and 4 GB is only for social networks. TIM's FAQ says the 4 GB social-network pack (Facebook, Instagram, X) comes with recharges from BRL 30 and is valid for 7 days.