Brazil

QDo I need a CPF number to get mobile data in Brazil?

AFor a local prepaid SIM, effectively yes — Brazilian carriers tie activation to a CPF (the national taxpayer ID), which tourists don't have, so buying a Vivo, Claro, or TIM SIM at a shop is slow and often needs a workaround. A travel eSIM sidesteps this entirely: you buy online with a card or Apple/Google Pay, no CPF, no store visit, and it's active before you land.

QWhich Brazil carrier has the best coverage for tourists?

AVivo has the widest national footprint and the strongest coverage in the Amazon and interior; Claro and TIM Brasil are excellent in Rio, São Paulo, and the coastal cities. All three run live 5G in the major metros. Vivo and Claro supply no travel eSIM brand, so YonoSIM routes on TIM — the network that is actually available to travel eSIMs here.

QHow much data does a 1-week Brazil trip actually need?

AAbout 5 GB covers standard tourist use over a week: Google Maps, WhatsApp (which everyone in Brazil uses), rideshare apps, social media, and light streaming. That runs roughly US$14–18. If you're uploading a lot of Rio and Iguaçu photos or tethering a laptop, step up to 10 GB.

QWill my eSIM work in the Amazon or at Iguazu Falls?

AAt Foz do Iguaçu and the Iguazu Falls national park, 4G/LTE is reliable. In the Amazon, coverage is good in Manaus city but drops off fast on river routes and in remote rainforest — expect no signal on boat trips. TIM-backed plans give you the best odds in remote areas, but download offline maps before heading in.