For tourists visiting Brazil, obtaining a prepaid Vivo SIM card Brazil upon arrival smooths that transition. As one of Brazil’s largest and most dependable mobile carriers, Vivo maintains extensive high-speed 4G coverage nationwide. This detailed guide covers acquiring and activating a Vivo SIM card, permitting visitors affordable cellular connectivity through their trip.
Table of Contents
I. Quick Facts About Vivo
Vivo is the largest mobile operator in Brazil with more than 94 million subscribers. Some key facts about Vivo are:
- Founded year: 1998 as Brasil Telecom, acquired by Telefónica in 2004 and rebranded to Vivo in 2005.
- Full company name: Vivo S.A. (Companhia de Telecomunicações de São Paulo)
- Types of services provided: Mobile network operator, offers prepaid and postpaid plans including voice, text, and high-speed mobile internet on 2G, 3G and 4G networks. Also provides fixed internet, landline phone, and IPTV services.
- Number of subscribers: Over 100 million subscribers as of 2022, making it one of the largest telecom operators in Brazil.
- Coverage: Vivo maintains extensive 4G LTE coverage of over 95% of the Brazilian population, reaching all state capitals and majority of municipalities.
- Estimated number of network of stores, agents: Over 10,000 Vivo stores, points of sales and authorized retailers across Brazil to serve customers.
- Customer support: Toll-free customer support lines available 24/7 in Portuguese. Online chat and ticket support also available in Portuguese from 8am-10pm daily. Vivo app offers FAQs and troubleshooting in Portuguese.
II. Why Vivo When You’re Exploring Brazil – Coverage and Speed
When choosing a network provider in Brazil, Vivo is an excellent choice for tourists because of its large coverage, fast plans and affordable prices
1. Vivo Coverage in Brazil
With towers in all 26 states and the Federal District, Vivo has the widest presence in Brazil. It also offers stable 4G LTE connectivity in remote areas such as the Amazon rainforest.
Vivo has a coverage rate of more than 98% among the urban population in Brazil. In cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, users can enjoy good connectivity both externally and internally.
Vivo’s rural coverage is around 85%, more than competitors like Claro and TIM. Thus, Vivo can enjoy the most reliable service even when traveling in small towns or off-the-beaten-path areas.
2. Vivo Speed
Vivo prides itself on providing customers with one of the fastest networks for mobile data in Brazil. Independent testing has consistently shown Vivo’s 4G LTE network to deliver excellent speeds for activities like streaming videos, online gaming, and large file transfers.
According to Ookla, Vivo achieved average real-world download speeds of 22.5 Mbps in major Brazilian cities. These speeds are on par with many fixed broadband connections and allow users to take full advantage of high-definition. Whether in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro or other metropolitan areas, Vivo subscribers can experience near instant web page loads and app performance. The consistent speed also enables smooth use of data-heavy apps like social media, navigation and ride-sharing with minimal delays.
III. Vivo Connectivity Options for Travelers to Brazil
Travelers visiting Brazil have different options for staying connected on Vivo’s network, including SIM cards, pocket WiFi, and roaming. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages to consider. Here are the main connectivity options available:
| Connectivity Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Vivo SIM Card | – Affordable local rates for calls/data | – Requires phone unlock |
| – Works with your own device | – SIM must be purchased in-country | |
| – Flexible long-term solution | – Need to manage account/balance | |
| Vivo Pocket WiFi | – No phone unlock needed | – Higher daily/weekly cost |
| – Can be shared between devices | – Limited to WiFi coverage area | |
| – Must be returned before leaving | ||
| Roaming on Vivo | – Use existing plan abroad | – Very expensive international rates |
| – No changes to device | – Data limits may apply quickly | |
| – Familiar number/account | – Slow speeds once limits reached |
Prepaid Vivo SIM cards tend to offer the most convenience and flexibility for tourists traveling to Brazil for a short period of time. It offers easy top-ups, voice and text services and a variety of large data packages to choose from.
However, frequent travelers with eSIM compatible devices can also benefit from Vivo’s eSIM option. Digital activation is instant without waiting for physical SIM shipment. Data plans can also be shared across multiple devices within the same Vivo account.
IV. Best Vivo SIM Card Brazil for Tourists & Cost
For travelers who prefer voice/text and audio connectivity, prepaid Vivo SIM card is a suitable choice. They have good value with bendy top-up options. Here are special prepaid SIM options for tourists:
| Plan | Data | Price (USD) | Duration | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vivo Pré | 6GB + 6GB YouTube | $4.00 | 15 days | Unlimited calls, digital services |
| Vivo Pré | 5GB | $3.40 | 15 days | Unlimited calls, digital services |
| Vivo Pré | 4GB | $3.00 | 10 days | Unlimited calls, digital services |
| Vivo Pré | 10GB | $6.00 | 30 days | Unlimited calls, digital services |
Vivo offers a range of competitively priced prepaid SIM card data plans to suit both short-term visitors and long-stay travelers to Brazil. Their Vivo Pré range includes attractively packaged options starting from 4GB of data for just $3 over 10 days, offering great value for light users.
V. Does Vivo Support eSIM in Brazil?
Yes, Vivo has embraced eSIM technology in Brazil, providing a digital solution for staying connected as a tourist.
The mobile operator offers eSIM profiles that can be activated for prepaid plans sold through its official website and app. This allows travelers to conveniently load Vivo connectivity onto compatible eSIM-enabled devices, without the need to insert a physical nano-SIM card.
For those visiting Brazil with eSIM compatible devices, Vivo eSIM is a convenient alternative to arranging a physical Vivo SIM card.
VI. Where Can I Buy a Vivo SIM card and eSIM?
1. Where to Buy Vivo SIM for Brazil?
Travelers to Brazil have various options for obtaining connectivity on Vivo’s reliable network. The main places to buy a Vivo SIM card include:
- Vivo Stores: Vivo has its own branded stores located in major cities and airports. SIM cards and eSIM activation can be purchased directly from staff.
- Convenience Stores: Mini-markets affiliated with gas stations often stock Vivo SIM cards.
- Drug Stores: Large pharmacy chains like Drogaria São Paulo also sell Vivo prepaid SIM cards.
- Major Retailers: Found in shops of operators like Magazine Luiza, Americanas, and Casas Bahia.
Note: When purchasing, you'll need to provide your passport as ID. The friendly store staff can assist with questions on the best prepaid packs for your needs.
2. Where to Buy Vivo eSIM in Brazil?
The easiest way for travelers to purchase a Vivo eSIM in Brazil is by downloading the Vivo mobile app. From the app, visitors can select an eSIM data plan, input their device’s IMEI number for activation, and pay securely with an international credit or debit card.
Vivo also allows eSIM profiles to be ordered online through their website vivo.com.br. Plans and IMEI registration can be completed virtually, with electronic delivery of activation details.
Alternatively, you can purchase an eSIM for Vivo’s network through esimbrazil.net. With esimbrazil.net, eSIM setup is a breeze – just choose your preferred carrier, plan, and pay securely online using any major credit or debit card. You’ll receive your activated profile within minutes via email, without complicated sign-ups or paperwork.
VII. How to Activate Vivo SIM card/eSIM in Brazil?
1. How to Use Vivo SIM Card in Brazil?
Follow these simple steps when inserting your new Vivo SIM card:
- Turn off your phone before inserting the nano-SIM into the tray.
- Power phone back on and follow the on-screen prompts to configure your Vivo SIM.
- Enter your phone number and create a PIN code when asked.
- A welcome text from Vivo confirms activation.
- Top up your SIM right away by purchasing a prepaid data pack to start browsing.
If you have dual SIM slots, you can use the Vivo SIM alongside your home SIM. On iPhone, toggle between the lines using the Settings app.
2. How to Activate Vivo eSIM?
To activate a Vivo eSIM profile on your device:
- Purchase your Vivo eSIM plan online and receive the QR activation code by email.
- On your phone, go into Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.
- Use your camera to scan the QR code you received.
- Follow the prompts to install the Vivo eSIM profile. Entering phone number or PIN not needed.
- Once activated, you can manage your eSIM plan in the Cellular settings.
That’s all it takes! Both your physical SIM and eSIM can work simultaneously with dual SIM capabilities. To switch data between them, go into Cellular settings.
VIII. Brazil Vivo Call & SMS Rates
Vivo offers affordable prepaid calling and texting rates when using Vivo SIM card in Brazil:
- Local calls: R$0.99/min
- Calls to other Brazilian mobiles: R$0.99/min
- Texts to Brazilian numbers: R$0.19 per SMS
These per-use call and text rates are quite reasonable. Bundles are also available if you plan on making more local calls.
For international calls and texts, rates start at R$2.99/min for calling the US or Canada for example. Sending SMS internationally is around R$0.99 per text.
Making affordable calls back home on Vivo’s network is easy using apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio and Skype over data.
IX. Useful USSD Codes for Vivo SIM card/eSIM
Vivo offers several handy USSD codes to check account balance and activate services directly from your phone’s dial pad:
- *8486# – Check prepaid balance
- *1515# – Activate Vivo Turbo SIM
- *1516# – Check bonus data balance
- *2315# – Activates unlimited night data
- *3457# – Confirm your own number
USSD codes provide a quick way to access account info and manage your Vivo SIM or eSIM without installing separate apps.
X. How to Top-up Vivo SIM card/eSIM
Maintaining your prepaid Vivo SIM is easy with multiple recharge options:
- Top-up Online: Convenient online top-up through Vivo’s website/app using international credit card.
- Vivo Stores and Retailers: Purchase top-up cards called recargas at Vivo stores and partner retailers like supermarkets.
- 7-11 Stores: Pay cash for prepaid top-ups at 7-Eleven convenience stores nationwide.
- Via PIX Payment: Send PIX instant transfer to Vivo’s virtual keys for easy online recharge.
Vivo prepaid does not expire as long as you maintain a minimum positive balance. For heavy data use, opt for the larger 2-week or monthly data packages to maximize savings.
XI. FAQs about Vivo Brazil
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using Vivo while traveling in Brazil:
Does Vivo offer 5G service?
Vivo launched 5G service in select Brazilian cities starting 2021. 5G coverage is still limited but expanding quickly across Vivo’s 3.5GHz spectrum holdings.
Does Vivo SIM work for roaming outside Brazil?
Vivo prepaid SIM allows roaming in 200+ countries. But data roaming rates are very expensive, so a local SIM is recommended when traveling outside Brazil.
Can I use Vivo SIM in another phone?
Yes, Vivo SIM cards are transferrable between unlocked phones. To activate your SIM in a new phone, insert it and dial *1515# to register the change.
Does Vivo block VoIP, FaceTime or messaging apps?
No, Vivo does not restrict usage of apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype etc. You can call and message freely over data.
How long is Vivo tourist SIM valid for?
Vivo SIM cards for tourists aimed at visitors are typically valid for 60-90 days. You can extend validity by recharging before expiry.
XII. Final Words
We hope this detailed guide covered everything you need to know about getting connected on Vivo’s network during your Brazil travels – whether you choose a Vivo SIM card or eSIM.
With its strong coverage, fast speeds and affordable prepaid plans, Vivo is a top choice for hassle-free cellular service across Brazil. Just purchase a nano-SIM before your trip or activate a Brazil eSIM digital profile once you arrive.
