CPF and SIM Cards in Brazil
A CPF is required for postpaid mobile phone plans. Prepaid SIMs are available with a passport at some providers (Claro, Vivo) but only in-store. Not every store offers this. It is prepaid only. Expect 30 minutes to 1-3 hours wait time in store. Once your CPF is confirmed, switching to a regular postpaid plan is straightforward. A CPF is also required for a bank account and rental contract - it is the first administrative step for any foreigner in Brazil.
Get your CPF before arriving so the SIM card is a 15-minute errand on day one. Without a CPF, a prepaid SIM with passport is possible but takes longer and is not guaranteed at every store. See the CPF guide or remote application via POA.
Best Carriers for Foreigners
Claro
RecommendedBest nationwideMost recommended for foreigners. Strong data speeds in major cities and good rural coverage.
Vivo
Excellent in South/SoutheastStrong network in São Paulo, Rio and southern states. Good 4G/5G in urban areas.
TIM
Good in major citiesCompetitive data plans. Excellent in cities but thinner in rural areas.
Step-by-Step: Getting Your SIM
- 01
Have your CPF ready
Your 11-digit CPF number is all you need - no physical card required.
- 02
Choose how you want to get connected
Option A: Visit a carrier store. Claro, Vivo and TIM stores are found in shopping centers and commercial streets in all major cities. Supermarkets also sell prepaid SIM cards. Option B: Buy an eSIM online. Many carriers now allow customers with compatible smartphones to purchase and activate an eSIM directly through their official app or website without visiting a store.
- 03
Register your details
Provide your CPF and passport information. Whether in-store or online, your information must be registered according to Brazilian telecom regulations.
- 04
Choose your plan
Prepaid: buy a recharge (recarga) starting from approximately EUR 2 that includes data, calls and SMS. Postpaid: sign a monthly contract (requires CPF and credit check). eSIM users can often select and activate plans directly within the carrier's app.
- 05
Activate and test
Physical SIM activation is typically instant. eSIM activation usually takes only a few minutes after verification. Test data and calls before relying on the connection.
eSIM Option: If your smartphone supports eSIM technology, you may be able to purchase and activate a Brazilian mobile plan entirely online through the carrier's official app or website, saving a trip to the store.
Typical Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Need a CPF before getting your SIM card?
Get your CPF sorted before arrival so the SIM card is a 15-minute errand on day one.
Done-For-You CPF Service - €149MoraLá assists with the CPF process but cannot guarantee approval.
About the Author
Béla Christiansen
Founder of MoraLá | German national based in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Personally completed the CPF process as a foreigner
- German national based in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Helped multiple foreigners obtain their CPF
- Direct communication - no outsourcing
- Not affiliated with the Receita Federal or any Brazilian government body
Béla moved to Brazil from Germany at 22 and has been navigating Brazilian bureaucracy firsthand ever since. This guide reflects that direct experience - what actually works for a foreigner without local connections, not a theoretical walkthrough. MoraLá is an administrative assistance service for foreigners navigating Brazilian bureaucracy, primarily focused on CPF registration. It is not a financial services firm. Most recent review: June 2026.
MoraLá is not providing legal advice, legal representation or any service reserved for licensed professionals. It is not a law firm, accounting firm or entity affiliated with the Receita Federal or any Brazilian government body. Nothing on this page constitutes legal or immigration advice.
Related Guides
Other essential resources for foreigners in Brazil: