How to Buy & Activate eSIM in Brazil in 2025.

TABLE OF CONTENT

1. Why do I need an eSIM in Brazil?

2. Types of eSIM to Buy

3. How do I Activate My eSIM?

4. Random Calls from Brazilian Numbers?

OBS: You will need a CPF number to get an eSIM, instead of comitting a crime in Brazil on your first day by using a CPF generator, check out my CPF Full Guide here and then return here after you get your CPF.

You will need a Brazilian address, you can use your friend's or girlfriend's/boyfriend's address, it will do no harm neither to you or them.

1. Why do I need an eSIM in Brazil?

eSIM in Brazil will introduce a whole new world of opportunities for you if you're looking to get serious about Brazil, but even if you're just passing by as a tourist, you could benefit from buying an eSIM.

Believe it or not, eSIM is not expensive in Brazil and there are various packages that can be useful, which I will get to on 2nd step, for now, let's talk about what you'll be able to do with your eSIM.

I'm sure you've already tried making an online account on one of the Brazil's famous websites, whether it is a shopping website or something else, making an online account will most likely need a verification with a confirmation code which in Brazil is mostly done via cellphone, not with an email as in other parts of the world.

This means that signing up for a loyalty programme on your favorite Brazilian website won't be possible without a Brazilian phone number as well as serious websites like gov.br should you want to use it in the future.

You might also want to keep your home country phone hidden from vendors and people you will meet for the first time, which is why you should get an eSIM, register it on WhatsApp and have a completely independent WhatsApp account without compromising your home country phone number.

2. Types of eSIM to Buy

You'll be able to buy an eSIM "with recarga" or "without recarga", translated as an eSIM with or without credit on it, which is measured in BRL that you've paid at the local store.

I suggest getting an eSIM "with recarga" since for an example, Vivo that I've used has many automatic options which you might accidentally activate and lose your money if you don't know how to navigate through their system of packages.

You've bought your eSIM in a local store, now let's get to step 3 and activate it!

3. How do I Activate My eSIM?

First of all, you'll put the chip in (no joke), after that you'll receive an SMS from Vivo usually from number 8955 saying welcome and giving you your new phone number, make sure to save it or simply keep the SMS to copy-paste it when needed.

Secondly, make sure to turn off your Wi-Fi and turn on your Mobile Data, after which you will need your passport and your CPF number close to you because you'll receive a second SMS usually from number 103 which will have a link that looks like this "cadastro.vivo.com.br", open the link and pass the whole registration process.

I will describe the registration process a little, you'll need to provide your CPF number, date of birth, a selfie, you'll need to scan a document with a photo, most likely your passport, but there are also other options such as CNH (Brazilian driver's license), RG, OAB (Lawyer's order card), CTPS, CRM (Migration card) and many other options, but as I've said, you will most likely use your passport.

You will also need to put in your Brazilian address mentioned above in the observation part.

Your eSIM will now be activated, you will enter the world of receiving 5 messages per day from Vivo about packages (yes, they can be annoying), however there are some really good personalized packages such as unlimited social media package, I believe I've paid only about 30 BRL ($5) for 20 days of unlimited social media and 10GB of internet for other apps, such as my Banco Rendimento account for PIX payments.

4. Random Calls from Brazilian Numbers?

Alright, you've started receiving random calls from Brazilian Numbers, if you answer it will be a person saying you've called them, sent them an SMS or something and you'll be very, very confused, as I was the first time!

Let me explain why this happens; in Brazil, famous number and internet provider companies that sell eSIM's do something that is called deactivation of old eSIM cards, which in translation is they deactivate an eSIM if you haven't put any credit in it for 6 months, thinking that you've abandoned the number.

The reason you are receiving these calls is because someone who used the number you bought on your eSIM before is still using it although they've been marked as inactive and the eSIM has been resold (to you).

That person can make calls, send SMS's and even open an WhatsApp account to keep it reserved so you can't make one, if that happens, you have the right to ask ex. Vivo for a new number, but let me tell you, most of the numbers are resold and it's just the way it is in Brazil, you'll need to block these people calling you, it's not a lot, maybe once in two weeks, but it's annoying work.

How can you combat this? Well, it's very difficult, BUT, if you really care about the number, you can try registering it on https://www.naomeperturbe.com.br/ which will at least block the advertisement calls, which already helps a lot.

CONGRATULATIONS, YOU NOW HAVE YOUR OWN BRAZILIAN NUMBER!