The Ideal Data Plan for Traveling in Brazil During 2019
Planning a trip to Brazil? You may be wondering about the best data plan for your stay. Whether you're visiting for work, leisure, or for the 2019 World Cup, having reliable and affordable internet access is crucial. This guide will help you navigate through the various options and decide on the perfect data plan for your travel needs.
Understanding the Market
Brazil, with its vast size and booming economy, offers a range of data plans to cater to both short-term and long-term visitors. However, acquiring a local SIM card can be challenging for foreigners due to strict national ID requirements. It's important to explore different providers and compare their offerings to find the best fit for your trip.
Commonly Recommended Data Plans
The choice of the best data plan for your trip in Brazil heavily depends on the length and intensity of your stay. Here are some commonly recommended options:
Short-term Travel (Less Than 2 Weeks)
Temporary SIM cards from major Brazilian carriers such as Claro, TIM, or Vivo can be a cost-effective solution. These cards provide 5-20GB of high-speed data for around 30-50 BRL per week. This option is perfect for short trips where you just need basic internet access.
Long-term Travel (2 Weeks or More)
Prepaid plans from the major carriers offer 20-50GB of monthly high-speed data for 60-100 BRL per month. These plans are ideal for extended stays and provide better value for money compared to international roaming plans. They also offer faster speeds and lower per-GB costs.
Why Opt for a Local SIM Card?
Regardless of the duration of your stay, purchasing a local SIM card is highly recommended over relying on an international roaming plan from your home provider. Local SIM cards generally offer faster speeds and lower per-GB costs. It's crucial to unlock your phone before your trip to use a Brazilian SIM card effectively.
Challenges for Foreign Visitors
Brazil remains a challenging place for foreigners to acquire a SIM card with a mobile data plan. Unlike most countries, getting a SIM card with data requires a Brazilian national ID number (CPF). However, in preparation for the World Cup 2014, Brazil's mobile companies introduced special packages for international visitors. Unfortunately, after the games, these packages became almost impossible to find.
The Best Data Plan for Foreigners: Claro
Claro emerges as the clear winner for foreigners looking for a reliable and affordable data plan. Here are the key benefits:
Ease of acquiring a SIM card without a CPF: Simply take your passport to any Claro store. Claro stores in tourist centers of major cities are more likely to have helpful staff who speak English. Data plan details: Low-cost daily plan for 50MB at R0.99 per day, with WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter data included for free. Heavy data users can upgrade to 65MB (R1.29) or 85MB (R1.99) daily plans. Included 4GMax chip with automatic connections to Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the city. Initial purchase at a Claro store is essential as only they can activate the line with your passport.One downside is that Claro did not bother targeting World Cup tourists and does not offer English-language customer support. However, Claro remains a better option in terms of availability, pricing, and perks compared to its competitors.
Other Options to Consider
While Claro stands out, other providers like Oi, Vivo, and TIM also offer various prepaid options:
Oi
Be cautious of the Oi pre-paid plan, which requires a Brazilian national ID and a Brazilian credit card. While they do offer an Oi Visitor package, finding it is challenging.
Vivo
Vivo does not currently cater to international visitors, as they do not offer any prepaid plans without a CPF number.
TIM
TIM provides a specific SIM card for visitors, but their service and billing practices are not ideal. International calls and SMS are expensive, and contacting Europe through TIM does not offer any special discounts.
Conclusion
Choosing the right data plan for your trip to Brazil is a crucial decision. Ensure you consider the duration of your stay, your internet needs, and the availability of reliable service. Claro stands out as the best option for foreigners, offering ease of acquisition, competitive pricing, and valuable perks. Whether you're a frequent traveler or a first-time visitor, a Brazilian SIM card will undoubtedly enhance your experience while in Brazil.