If you're traveling to Brazil and need an eSIM for data and connectivity, you're in luck—there are several options available, including Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad. Each company has its pros and cons, especially when considering coverage, price, and ease of use.
Why get an eSim for Brazil?
Getting an eSIM for Brazil is a smart choice for travelers because obtaining a local physical SIM card often requires a CPF, a personal taxpayer number, that most foreign travelers to Brazil do not have. Activating a new sim card without a CPF can be a headache, and will usually require reliance on a third party such as local Brazilian friends, which isn't ideal for those new to the country and visiting on short stays.
With an eSIM, travelers can bypass these complications, quickly activating a local or international data plan before arriving in Brazil. This solution offers convenience, allowing seamless connectivity for navigation, communication, and other online needs throughout the trip.
So, what is the best eSim for Brazil?
This guide compares these three eSIM providers to help you decide which might be best for your trip to Brazil, focusing on the experiences shared by users and key factors like service coverage and pricing.
Airalo
Overview
Airalo is one of the most popular eSIM providers worldwide, offering data plans in over 190 countries, including Brazil. It generally uses Claro’s network, one of Brazil’s top carriers. While its prices are appealing, some travelers have reported mixed experiences with its performance.
Price in USD (Oct 2024)
1 GB – 7 Days for $6.00
2 GB – 15 Days for $11.50
3 GB – 30 Days for $15.50
5 GB – 30 Days for $23.50
10 GB – 30 Days for $42.00
Service Coverage
Airalo operates on Claro’s network, which has decent coverage in major urban areas like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília. However, the service may be slower in rural or less-populated regions. Some users have also mentioned that Airalo can be "intermittent" and slow compared to using Claro directly.
Pros
Affordable: Airalo offers some of the lowest rates for data plans in Brazil.
Easy to Use: No need for a CPF or in-person activation, making it accessible for tourists.
Cons
Performance Issues: Some users report unreliable speeds, particularly when using services like Google Maps or when they need consistent 5G coverage .
Data Limits: Airalo’s data plans are more limited compared to other providers like Nomad or Holafly, especially if you need a lot of data.
Best For: Budget-conscious travelers who mostly plan to stay in larger cities where Claro’s coverage is robust.
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Holafly
Overview
Holafly is another major eSIM provider with a specific focus on international travelers. Holafly offers unlimited data plans, which can be a major draw for travelers who plan to be online constantly during their trip.
Price in USD (Oct 2024)
Unlimited data for 7 days: $8
Unlimited data for 7 days: $29
Unlimited data for 14 days: $48
Unlimited data for 30 days: $94
Service Coverage
Holafly also partners with Claro in Brazil, providing wide coverage in cities and larger towns. However, because it uses Claro’s network, similar coverage limitations apply in rural areas. It’s important to note that Holafly’s unlimited data option can make up for any shortcomings in speed, allowing you to use as much data as needed without worrying about running out .
Pros
Unlimited Data: Holafly’s biggest advantage is its unlimited data option, which can provide peace of mind for heavy users.
Simple Setup: Easy installation and no need for a local CPF, making it perfect for short-term tourists.
Cons
Pricey: Holafly is more expensive than Airalo and other providers, especially for longer stays.
No Calls or SMS: Holafly focuses on data only, so you’ll need other options for calls or texts if needed.
Best For: Heavy data users or those on shorter trips who don’t want to worry about running out of data.
Nomad
Overview
Nomad is a more premium option in the eSIM market and is praised for its faster data speeds and stronger performance, especially in Brazil. It usually partners with Vivo, one of the top two carriers in the country, which gives it a leg up in terms of coverage and reliability .
Price in USD (Oct 2024)
1 GB – 7 Days for $6.00
3 GB – 30 Days for $14.00
5 GB – 30 Days for $20.00
10 GB – 30 Days for $32.00
Service Coverage
Nomad works on Vivo’s network, which is known for its excellent coverage, especially in metropolitan areas and tourist regions. Vivo’s 5G network is expanding across Brazil, and many users report better speeds and reliability when using Nomad’s service, even in regions where other networks might struggle .
Pros
Fast and Reliable: Users consistently report better speeds compared to Airalo, especially when using services like Google Maps or for work-related activities.
Good Coverage: Vivo’s network covers a large portion of the country, and it performs well in both urban and rural areas.
Cons
Price: Nomad is more expensive than Airalo for similar data amounts, though it is still cheaper than Holafly.
No Unlimited Data: While reliable, Nomad does not offer unlimited data options.
Best For: Travelers who prioritize speed, performance, and reliability, especially if they’ll be outside major cities or need reliable data for work.
Final Thoughts
If you're traveling to Brazil and don't want the hassle of getting a local SIM card or dealing with the complexities of CPF registration, eSIMs from Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad are all solid choices.
Airalo is best for budget travelers who will mainly stay in cities.
Holafly is ideal if you need unlimited data and are willing to pay a bit more.
Nomad is perfect for travelers who need reliable and fast internet, especially in areas with weaker network coverage.
Each has its pros and cons, so the best option depends on your priorities—whether that’s price, data speed, or overall convenience. If you've decided to go with Airalo - click here to save 10% on eSIMs at Airalo.com
Do you use an eSim when you travel? Tell me about your experience in the comments below!
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