Last updated on March 11th, 2024 at 05:47 am
Traveling to São Paulo and looking for a Sao Paulo Airport SIM Card? Vivo offers the best signal for Brazil SIM card Sao Paulo airport, while Holafly remains a top choice for unlimited eSIM data in Brazil.
Landing at São Paulo Airport and wondering if you can buy a sim card at São Paulo Airport? Yes, there is a kiosk with Vivo, TIM and Claro the leading SIM card providers in São Paulo and Brazil.
The easiest way is to order your eSIM online where you can get cheap data packages and unlimited data without buying a SIM card in São Paulo. For eSIM options, you can opt for Airalo, Maya and Holafly
If you are going from São Paulo Airport to the city center you should know that it will take 35 minutes by taxi and 60-75 minutes by public transportation.
When getting your São Paulo SIM Card, we recommend not getting it at the airport. This may seem counter-intuitive, but we’ll explain why, based on our experiences.
Related Travel Guides:
WHERE TO STAY IN SAO PAULO
Accommodation prices can take you around $10-12 USD if you sleep in a dorm. For mid-budget accommodation starts at $40-60 USD and for more than $100 USD you will find luxury accommodation in Brazil.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN SAO PAULO
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki
Our Personal Journey with São Paulo SIM Cards
During our extensive travels across Brazil, including arriving in São Paulo airport for our big South America trip, we faced challenges in acquiring local SIM cards in Brazil. This journey involved multiple purchases and store visits. We even finally got our CPF in Brazil! Yes – registered with our ID in Brazil as we stayed for 4 months. Our experience taught us the intricacies of the process, which we’re excited to share with you.
We’ll guide you through getting your São Paulo SIM card, helping you avoid headaches and bureaucratic challenges. We’ll also cover how an eSIM can simplify the process if your phone is compatible.
Navigating São Paulo Airport – Sao Paulo Airport SIM Card
Upon arriving at São Paulo Airport, you’ll find modern facilities including shops, restaurants, and services like currency exchange and lounges. Wi-Fi access is available throughout the airport, allowing you to connect online immediately.
Buy SIM Card in Sao Paulo Airport
Purchasing a SIM card directly at São Paulo Airport can be more expensive. However, Vivo, Claro, and TIM offer SIM cards in stores or third-party outlets like kiosks and pharmacies. Prices are generally higher at the airport, but it’s a convenient option if you need immediate connectivity.
Outside the Airport
For more cost-effective options, visit neighborhoods like Jardins or Pinheiros in the city. These areas have numerous mobile stores where you can purchase SIM cards at standard prices, and staff can assist with activation using your passport.
Online Options & eSIMs
eSIMs are increasingly popular, offering a convenient alternative to physical SIM cards. Platforms like Holafly and Airalo provide eSIM options for Brazil, suitable for short visits or minimal data usage.
Top SIM Card Options in Sao Paulo ( Sao Paulo SIM Card)
When exploring Rio, here are some carriers to consider:
Vivo – SIM Card Sao Paulo Airport
- A leading provider in Brazil, known for extensive coverage. Vivo has the best coverage for sim card in Sao Paulo.
- Data Packages:
- 15 BRL for 4 GB, unlimited social data, unlimited local minutes and SMS, 10 days validity. ( around $3 USD)
- 17 BRL for 5 GB, unlimited social data, unlimited local minutes and SMS, 15 days validity. (around $3.40 USD)
- 20 BRL for 6 GB (+6 GB for YouTube), unlimited social data, unlimited local minutes and SMS, 15 days validity. (around $4 USD)
- 30 BRL for 10 GB, unlimited social data, unlimited local minutes and SMS, 30 days validity. (around $6 USD)
Activating Your Vivo SIM Card Online / Over the Phone ( Sao Paulo SIM Card)
Local Brazil SIM cards can be purchased in various stores like Hudson News, local newsstands and farmacias, and shops like Lojas Americanas in the malls. If you purchased your Sao Paulo Airport SIM card this way, you can either go to the official store of Vivo, TIM, and Claro to have a support staff help you activate your SIM (bring your passport with you and the address details of your accommodation), or follow Vivo’s online activation process.
- Insert the Vivo chip into your phone.
- Choose the correct area code (for Sao Paulo area codes – São Paulo City: 11, Santos: 13, São José dos Campos: 12, Sorocaba: 15, Campinas: 19) and wait for the SMS with your new phone number.
- Restart the device and you’ll receive an SMS with the link to register and complete your SIM activation. The link will be from cadastro.vivo.co.br
- After completing the registration, you’ll have the option to top up to activate the line and enjoy your Vivo services via the Vivo App, the website, official stores, and outside stores.
- If all else fails, visit a physical Vivo store or call *8486 from any mobile phone and talk to Vivo service.
Check the exact location to find Vivo stores to buy a sim card in Sao Paulo.
TIM – SIM Card Sao Paulo Airport
- Offers strong coverage, especially in urban areas.
- Data Packages:
- 15 BRL for 9 GB (+9.9 GB nighttime data), unlimited social data, unlimited local minutes, 100 local SMS, 15 days validity. (around $3 USD)
- 20 BRL for 10 GB (+13.2 GB nighttime data), unlimited social data, unlimited local minutes, 100 local SMS, 20 days validity. (around $4USD)
- 30 BRL for 12 GB (+19.8 GB nighttime data), unlimited social data, unlimited local minutes, 100 local SMS, 30 days validity. (around 6 USD)
Activating your TIM SIM Card Online / Over the Phone
If you want to activate a SIM card on your own, you can do so by following these instructions:
- Activating Your TIM Line:
- Dial *144 to activate your TIM line. Keep your temporary passport in Brazil ready for verification.
- Checking Your Balance:
- To view your current balance, dial *222# from your TIM phone. Your balance will be displayed on your device’s screen.
- Adding Credits:
- To add new credits to your TIM account, call *241 from your TIM phone. You can pay easily and quickly using your credit card.
- Activating Internet Pass:
- Send an SMS with the text “WEB” to 2500 to initiate your internet pass activation. Upon receiving a confirmation SMS, reply with “WEBOK” to the same number. This will provide you with 1.5GB of data valid for 7 days, but ensure you have at least R$25.00 in credits before activating.
- Purchasing Additional Credits:
- Credits for your TIM can be purchased at various locations including banks, lottery outlets, pharmacies, and other similar stores. Find the nearest store to recharge your TIM account when needed.
- If you need more help, check TIM stores near you to get support from local staff.
Check the exact location to find TIM stores to buy a sim card in Sao Paulo.
Claro Sao Paulo SIM Card
- Popular for high-speed data services.
- Data Packages:
- 11.99 BRL for 3 GB, unlimited social data, unlimited local minutes and SMS, 7 days validity. (around $2.40 USD)
- 29.99 BRL for 12 GB, unlimited social data, unlimited local minutes and SMS, 30 days validity. (around $6 USD)
- 34.99 BRL for 12 GB (specialized plans such as TikTok and Free Fire), unlimited social data, unlimited local minutes and SMS, 30 days validity. (around $7 USD)
Check the exact location to find Claro stores to buy a sim card in Sao Paulo. Claro is the cheapest sim card in Sao Paulo.
eSIM Options: Stay Connected Effortlessly
In the digital era, eSIMs offer a convenient alternative to traditional SIM cards. They provide instant connectivity and the flexibility to switch between different profiles as needed, making them an eco-friendly and space-saving solution.
Airalo eSIM – Brazil SIM Card Sao Paulo Airport
Airalo offers varied data packages for Brazil, suitable for short visits or minimal data usage.
Coverage: Available in over 100 countries, including Brazil.
Data Packages: Start at around $9 for 3GB, valid for 30 days.
Below is the list of all Airalo Brazil Data Packages.
- $4.50 USD for 1GB Data Valid for 7 Days
- $8 USD for 2GB Data Valid for 15 Days
- $11 USD for 3GB Data Valid for 30 Days
- $15.50 USD for 5GB Data Valid for 30 Days
- $26 USD for 10GB Data Valid for 30 Days
Holafly Brazil SIM Card Sao Paulo Airport
For those needing unlimited data, Holafly provides comprehensive plans with added call minutes.
Coverage: Extensive connectivity throughout Brazil.
Data Packages: Starting from $19 for unlimited data for 5 days.
Below is the list for all of Holafly Brazil’s Data Packages:
- $19 USD for 5 Days Unlimited Data
- $27 USD for 7 Days Unlimited Data
- $34 USD for 10 Days Unlimited Data
- $47 USD for 15 Days Unlimited Data
- $54 USD for 20 Days Unlimited Data
Maya eSIM – Sao Paulo Airport SIM Card
Maya eSIM is a great alternative to Holafly and Airalo as it has lower data plans ranging from 5 days to a month and also unlimited plans.
Here are Maya eSIM‘s data plans:
- $6USD for 1GB valid for 5 Days
- $16USD for 3GB valid for 5 Days
- $24USD for 5GB valid for 5 Days
- $42USD for 10GB valid for 5 Days
Maya eSIM’s unlimited data plans are as follows:
Maya eSIM Brazil Unlimited Plans:
- $29 USD for 5 Days of Unlimited Data, no hotspot included, after the first 2 GB of daily high speed data, enjoy Unlimited LTE data at 1Mbps.
- $30 USD for 5 Days of Unlimited Data, with hotspot included, after the first 3 GB of daily high speed data, enjoy Unlimited LTE data at 1Mbps.
- $49 USD for 5 Dyas of Unlimited Data, with hotspot included, after the first 5 GB of daily high speed data, enjoy Unlimited LTE data at 1Mbps.
São Paulo SIM Card Guide: Pricing and Convenience Comparison
- Short Stays (5-7 days): eSIMs like Holafly and Maya offer unlimited data starting at $19 USD. Airalo offers budget-friendly options starting from $4.50 USD for 1GB.
- Longer Stays (Up to 30 days): Local SIM Cards like Vivo’s 10GB for around $6 USD offer better value over a month.
- Best Price for Different Usage Patterns: Light users may prefer Airalo eSIM, while heavy users might opt for Holafly or Maya eSIM. For longer stays, local SIM cards like Vivo are more economical.
Our Final Recommendations for Sao Paulo Airport SIM Card
- Budget-conscious travelers: Local SIM cards generally offer better pricing for longer stays or moderate data use.
- Convenience and substantial data over short periods: eSIMs provide a hassle-free experience despite being pricier.
Your choice depends on balancing these factors against your specific needs in São Paulo.
We hope this guide eases your way to acquiring your São Paulo SIM card. Have questions? Feel free to reach out for assistance.
Enjoy your travel to Brazil!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.