Lois Larson
If you're travelling to Brazil, getting a local SIM card at São Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) can be a great way to stay connected during your trip. With a local SIM, you can access mobile data, maps, and other important information right after you land. While it is possible to purchase a SIM card at GRU airport, it can be a bit of a challenge, especially for tourists. In this paragraph, we will explore the options available for buying a SIM card at São Paulo Airport and provide some tips to make the process smoother.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you buy a SIM card at Sao Paulo Airport? | Yes, but it is challenging. |
| Where to buy | Correios Celular (Brazilian Post Office), Conveniencia Livraria bookstore, airport convenience/newsstand stores, TIM, Vivo and Claro kiosks. |
| Requirements | Passport, unlocked phone, cash, CPF (Brazilian tax ID), SIM size. |
| Price | Starting from R$30 with data packages from R$50 for 1-5GB. |
| Alternatives | eSIM, which can be purchased online and activated instantly. |
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What You'll Learn
Buying a SIM card at Sao Paulo Airport
Sao Paulo Airport, also known as Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), is the largest airport in South America and Brazil's busiest international gateway. Getting a local SIM card at Sao Paulo Airport can be challenging, but it is possible and highly convenient for tourists who want to stay connected during their trip to Brazil.
Where to Buy a SIM Card at Sao Paulo Airport
There are several options for purchasing a SIM card at Sao Paulo Airport. Firstly, you can find SIM cards from Vivo and Claro in small convenience stores and kiosks throughout the airport. These shops usually close before midnight, so if you arrive later, consider purchasing an eSIM, which can be activated without a physical SIM card.
Secondly, there is a bookstore called Conveniencia Livraria on the second floor above the international arrivals hall, which sells prepaid SIM cards from Correios Celular, the Brazilian Post Office's mobile service provider. However, note that this store closes at 7 pm, and you may need a CPF (Brazilian tax ID) for activation.
Thirdly, you can order your SIM card online before your arrival and collect it at designated counters at the airport, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
What to Prepare Before Buying a SIM Card
When buying a SIM card at Sao Paulo Airport, you will need to provide your passport for identification. It is also recommended to have an unlocked phone, cash in Brazilian reais, and know the correct SIM size for your device. While a CPF number is not always required, it can be helpful to have one to streamline the registration process.
SIM Card Costs and Data Packages
SIM cards at Sao Paulo Airport start from around R$30, and data packages are extra, typically costing R$50 or more for 1 to 5GB of data. Brazilian SIM cards usually include access to popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, and some data plans even allow WhatsApp usage without deducting from your data allowance.
In summary, while purchasing a SIM card at Sao Paulo Airport is possible, it may be limited by store operating hours and the availability of specific documentation, such as a CPF. However, with some advance preparation, you can stay connected during your trip to Brazil by taking advantage of the SIM card options available at the airport or opting for the convenience of an eSIM.
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SIM card prices and plans
As of June 2025, it is not possible to buy a prepaid SIM card for tourists at São Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU). However, there are other options for purchasing a SIM card or eSIM plan in São Paulo.
SIM cards at Brazil airports typically start from around R$30. Data packages are extra and often cost R$50 or more for 1 to 5GB data plans. Some data packages allow the use of WhatsApp without deducting from your data. One SIM card can usually only be used in one device at a time.
At the Conveniencia Livraria bookstore on the second floor above international arrivals, you may be able to buy a SIM card before 7 pm if you have a CPF, which is mandatory.
Alternatively, you can purchase a SIM card from Correios Celular, the Brazilian Post Office’s mobile service provider, located inside the airport. These SIM cards are affordable, with plans starting at around $6 USD and offering generous data allowances of 3-9GB, depending on the package. However, you will need a CPF tax ID number to purchase one.
You can also order SIM cards online from carriers like TIM, Vivo, Claro, and Oi, and pick them up at designated booths at the airport.
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Required documentation
When purchasing a SIM card in Brazil, you will need to present a valid passport as proof of identity. Additionally, you may also need a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas), which is a tax identification number. The CPF is required to buy a prepaid SIM card from certain providers and is often requested during the activation process.
Some sources suggest that it is possible to purchase a SIM card without a CPF, either from individuals selling them at the airport or from official stores. However, it is recommended to have a CPF to avoid any issues or additional costs.
If you are a foreigner in Brazil, you can obtain a CPF by contacting the Federal Receipt Agency, which will provide you with a list of the required documents. Alternatively, you can consider purchasing an eSIM plan, which can be activated online without the need for a physical SIM card.
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eSIMs
It is not possible to buy a SIM card at São Paulo Airport (GRU). However, you can purchase an eSIM plan online before your flight and have it delivered straight to your email. eSIMs are digital SIM cards that can be integrated into your phone, allowing you to activate mobile data plans remotely. With an eSIM, you can connect to the internet immediately upon landing without waiting for a physical SIM card.
There are several reputable eSIM providers that offer plans for Brazil, including:
- Jetpac: A fairly new provider that offers additional perks such as a free VPN subscription, discounts on airport lounges, and Fast Track passes.
- Holafly: A popular operator that offers eSIMs with unlimited data. However, their eSIMs are data-only, and incoming and outgoing calls/SMS are not supported.
- SimOptions, Nomad, Airalo, GigSky, Airhub, aloSIM, Saily, Roamless, Firsty, Yesim, Sim Local, and Ubigi.
When choosing an eSIM provider, it is important to research their data plans, prices, activation tips, and reviews to ensure that you get the best plan for your needs. Additionally, make sure that your phone is eSIM compatible before purchasing an eSIM plan.
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Buying a SIM card in the city
If you are unable to purchase a SIM card at São Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU), you can always buy one in the city. In fact, buying a SIM card in the city centre is likely to get you better rates with similar or even better data packages.
In São Paulo, SIM cards from all providers are readily available at very reasonable prices. You can find SIM cards in any mall at mobile company stores, where providers such as TIM, Claro, and Vivo will be able to activate the SIM card using your passport number instead of a CPF (Brazilian tax ID).
While it is possible to buy a prepaid SIM card somewhere else, like a market, you will need a CPF to activate it. However, you should be able to call the operator and get it activated with your foreign passport number instead.
If you are unable to get a SIM card activated without a CPF, you could try asking someone you know in Brazil to use their CPF number to activate it for you.
If you are staying in a hotel, it may be worth asking the staff there whether they can help you get a SIM card.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is currently not possible to purchase a prepaid SIM card at São Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU). However, you can buy an eSIM online and activate it upon arrival.
You can purchase an eSIM from esimbrazil.net or traveltomtom.net.
You will need to show your passport as proof of identity and pay in cash. A CPF (Brazilian tax ID) is not always required but can be useful.
Yes, SIM cards are readily available in the city centre and you can usually find them in malls.
