If you're traveling to Brazil and need a local SIM card, you may quickly discover a common roadblock: most mobile companies require a CPF (Brazilian tax ID) to register and activate the SIM.
This can be incredibly frustrating for tourists on short visits, especially those who want to stay connected immediately upon arrival. Fortunately, there is one exception to this rule—TIM, a popular mobile operator in Brazil, allows travelers to activate their own SIM card using a passport number instead of a CPF.
Buying a TIM SIM Card in Brazil Without a CPF
If arriving at Galeão International Airport (GIG) you will be able to purchase a SIM card right away. There are TIM Sim cards available for purchase at the pharmacy located on the ground floor, in the arrivals area of the airport. The pharmacy located in Salvador (SSA) also sells TIM Sim cards.
Sim cards easily available for purchase at kiosks, convenience stores, pharmacies, and TIM stores in other international airports and throughout most cities and towns.
The process is surprisingly simple and straightforward. After purchasing the SIM card, you can follow these steps to activate it:
Insert the SIM card into your phone.
Dial *144 to reach TIM customer service.
Press 3 for English.
Inform the TIM agent that you want to activate your SIM with a passport number (instead of a CPF).
Within minutes, your sim card will be activated without asking for any CPF, avoiding the bureaucratic process that many travelers encounter when trying to activate a SIM in Brazil.
TIM Sim Pre-paid Plan: What You Get
One of the most common TIM prepaid plans available offers the following benefits:
4.7 GB of data, with additional bonuses when you recharge via the TIM app.
Unlimited calls and texts within Brazil.
5G access, depending on the coverage in your area.
The plan lasts for 20 days, but it can be easily recharged to extend your service.
If you’re a heavier data user or staying longer than 20 days, the app makes it easy to recharge and top up with additional bonuses.
Cost vs. Convenience
While TIM’s prepaid plans may be slightly more expensive than other Brazilian carriers, the ease of activation makes it well worth the extra cost—especially for short-term travelers. Other mobile providers in Brazil, such as Claro, Vivo, and Oi, technically allow SIM card activation with a passport, but finding a store that will actually help you do it is a different story. Many travelers report going from store to store, trying to find someone who knows how to (or can be bothered) to process passport registrations, only to end up frustrated.
In many cases, those who are determined to get a SIM card without a CPF end up relying on a Brazilian friend or acquaintance to register the SIM with their CPF. For newcomers who don’t have local contacts yet, this can be a major hassle.
Conclusion
If you're looking to buy a SIM card in Brazil without a CPF, TIM is the best—and perhaps only—choice for a hassle-free experience. While you might pay a bit more for their prepaid plans, the convenience of being able to activate your SIM card using only your passport makes it well worth it. So when you land at the airport in Brazil, look for TIM and stay connected from the moment you arrive.
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored article. Based on my personal experience, I believe TIM is the best and easiest option for foreign travelers who want to buy a physical sim card.
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