For those who love to travel and always stay connected, eSIM Brazil appears as a practical and modern solution to avoid physical SIM card swaps, which are often a hassle.
We tested the use of eSIM in several situations and real conditions and present in this guide everything you need to know—with safety and reliability.
That’s why we explain what eSIM is, how it works in Brazil, where to buy it safely, and share the best tips to make the most of this technology today.
This content was produced by the Brasil ATM team, specialists in domestic tourism and financial solutions for travelers. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, we gathered updated information, real experiences, and practical tips tested in the field to help you fully understand and take advantage of eSIM in Brazil.
In this article, you will read:
- What is eSIM and how does it work in Brazil?
- How to buy an eSIM plan in Brazil safely?
- eSIM Brazil vs. physical SIM: understand the differences
- Practical tips to make the most of your eSIM in Brazil
- Conclusion: is using eSIM in Brazil worth it?
- Where to withdraw cash from ATM24h machines in Brazil
- Frequently asked questions
What is eSIM and how does it work in Brazil?
What is eSIM Brazil?
It’s a virtual chip that allows you to activate mobile internet and voice plans without needing to swap out a physical SIM card—ideal for travel or everyday convenience.
The eSIM (embedded SIM) is an evolution of the physical chip we know. It’s a virtual chip embedded in the device that lets you activate data and phone plans without needing to replace a traditional SIM card.
In Brazil, the major carriers—Claro, Vivo, and TIM—already support eSIM, especially for postpaid plans, but the most popular use comes from international providers such as Airalo and Holafly.
These companies sell prepaid digital plans that work inside Brazil and in multiple countries, especially for tourists and travelers.
With eSIM, you can activate a plan instantly just by scanning a QR Code. It avoids lines at physical stores, bureaucracy, and makes the experience much faster.
Why use eSIM in Brazil? Advantages and benefits
eSIM offers several important advantages that make the technology stand out, especially in Brazil, where demand for mobile connectivity is high:
- Quick activation: You buy online, receive the QR Code, and activate the plan on your phone in minutes—without leaving home.
- More flexibility: You can have multiple plans on the same device and switch between them—ideal for frequent travelers.
- Space saving: Your device doesn’t need an extra physical slot, freeing up internal space and preventing loss of SIM cards.
- Better control: Manage your plans through the provider’s or carrier’s app.
- National coverage: Providers like Airalo and Holafly offer stable internet across most of Brazil.
- Sustainability: Eliminates physical SIM production and waste, helping the environment.
How does eSIM work in practice in Brazil?
When purchasing an eSIM from Airalo, you can select the “Brazil with 2GB for 15 days” plan, for example.
The QR Code is sent by email, and from there, it’s just a matter of opening the phone settings to add the mobile plan. After scanning the code, the digital carrier’s signal appears, and the internet starts working immediately.
The physical SIM remains active with your usual number, while the eSIM is used exclusively for internet. This combination helps save on international roaming and keep local WhatsApp contacts uninterrupted.
Our team tested this plan in the field for two weeks, alternating between major cities and smaller towns. In all tests, the connection was stable and efficient for GPS, social media, calls, and remote work. Activation took under 5 minutes, and there was no need for technical support—highlighting the everyday convenience of eSIM.
How to buy an eSIM plan in Brazil safely and affordably in 2025
There are several platforms that sell eSIMs for Brazil, but the most reliable and recommended are Airalo and Holafly. Both offer flexible plans with different durations and prices in USD, ideal for tourists and Brazilians alike.
| Provider | Advantages | Available Plans | Average Price (USD) | Support in Portuguese |
| Airalo | Wide variety of countries/plans, easy activation, intuitive app | National and international plans | USD 7–40 per package | Yes |
| Holafly | Unlimited data plans, 24h support, tourism focus | Brazil and Latin America plans | USD 15–60 per package | Yes |
| Brazilian Operators (Claro, Vivo, TIM) | Guaranteed coverage, postpaid and prepaid local plans | Mostly postpaid with contracts | Varies (in BRL) | Yes |
Step-by-step: How to activate your eSIM in Brazil
Even first-time users will find eSIM easy to activate. Follow this guide:
- Check device compatibility – recent models from iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel support eSIM.
- Choose your provider – Airalo is best for cheaper plans, Holafly for unlimited internet.
- Buy your plan online – via website or app, choose the Brazil plan based on data and duration.
- Receive the QR Code – usually sent by email or directly through the provider’s app.
- Configure on your phone – go to “Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan” and scan the QR Code.
- Activate the plan – confirm activation and wait for the signal. Done, you’re connected.
eSIM Brazil vs. Physical SIM: Understand the differences
| Criteria | eSIM Brazil | Traditional SIM |
| Activation | Online, quick and easy | In-store, can take hours |
| Switching carriers | Easy, multiple plans on one device | Requires physical SIM swap |
| Cost | More affordable, flexible, no extra fees | May involve fees and surcharges |
| Compatibility | Only on eSIM-capable devices | Works on any phone |
| Travel use | Perfect for trips, fast plan switching | Requires local SIM purchase |
| Sustainability | Avoids SIM production/disposal | Discarded SIMs create waste |
Best eSIM Plans to Use in Brazil in 2025: Unlimited Data, Value, and Coverage
| Provider | Plan Type | Data | Calls | SMS | Validity | Price (USD) |
| Airalo | Data only | 1–20GB | Not included | Not included | 7–30 days | USD 5–42 |
| Data + Calls + SMS | 1–10GB | 10–100 min | 10–100 SMS | 7–30 days | USD 6–33 | |
| Holafly | Unlimited data | Unlimited | Not included | Not included | 1–90 days | USD 7.90–317.90 |
Practical and Advanced Tips for Using eSIM in Brazil with Stability and Savings
- Confirm device compatibility before purchase to avoid activation issues.
- Test the plan’s signal and speed right after activation to ensure quality.
- Choose providers that offer support in your language to resolve issues quickly.
- Keep your physical SIM active in case you need to receive calls or texts from your main number.
- Use the provider’s app to monitor data usage and manage plans easily.
Is it worth using eSIM in Brazil?
With the advancement of technology, eSIM is transforming the way we stay connected. In Brazil, this innovation is already accessible for fast, flexible, and affordable internet.
Airalo and Holafly stand out as reliable providers, offering a variety of plans and support in Portuguese—making access easier for both Brazilians and tourists.
If your goal is to avoid bureaucracy, save money, and stay connected with ease, eSIM is an excellent choice.
Where to withdraw cash from ATM24h machines in Brazil
To get the most out of your trip in Brazil, carry some cash. In some areas, it’s essential for food, transport, attraction tickets, and more.
Below are a few ATM24h locations mentioned in this article:
| Where | Location |
| Guarulhos Airport – São Paulo | See all locations here |
| Congonhas Airport – São Paulo | See all locations here |
| Curitiba Airport | See all locations here |
| Brasília Airport | See all locations here |
| Florianópolis Airport | See all locations here |
About Brasil ATM
At Brasil ATM, we see Brazil as a land full of unique beauty and fascinating culture. Our portal, supported by the global ATM24h brand, shows our passion for Brazil. We aim to inspire tourists to explore the country’s wonders safely and confidently.
We provide accurate, up-to-date, and inspiring information in three languages, helping you plan your trip with ease. Also, we offer travel guides, detailed itineraries, and planning tips.
We want to help you create unforgettable memories. We’ll show you both famous destinations like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, and hidden treasures like Lençóis Maranhenses and Fernando de Noronha.
We’re here to help you make the most of your trip.
Enjoyed this article? Read more about Brazil:
- Do you need travel insurance for Brazil?
- How to withdraw money in Brazil
- The safest cities in Brazil
- Is Brazil Safe for Women Traveling Alone?
Frequently asked questions:
You need a device compatible with eSIM (e.g., recent iPhone or Android models) and a digital plan that provides a QR Code for activation. Learn more at Brasil ATM.
eSIM offers broad coverage in major cities and across much of the country, depending on the chosen provider. Discover more at Brasil ATM.
Yes and no, the eSIM can replace the traditional chip, but it also allows for simultaneous use of both, offering more flexibility. See more at Brasil ATM.
Tourists avoid queues and bureaucracy, activate plans online quickly, save on roaming, and keep their local SIM active. Check all advantages at Brasil ATM.
No, each eSIM is activated on a single device and cannot be transferred, requiring a new plan purchase for different devices. Learn more at Brasil ATM.
