How to Buy a SIM Card at Congonhas Airport (CGH) for Tourists: Where and Price?

In this article, you will learn how to buy a SIM card at Congonhas Airport, including where to buy, prices, and the registration process to stay connected during your trip to Brazil.

guide to buy sim card at congonhas airport

When arriving at Congonhas Airport (GRU), one of the first things you’ll need to do is get an international SIM card at Congonhas Airport to stay connected with family and friends, navigate the city, and access important travel information.

In this article, I’ll walk you through how to buy a SIM card here, covering where to find the shops, what you need to prepare, and the best plans to pick. By the end, you’ll be all set to grab a SIM card and enjoy a smooth trip to Brazil!

Highlights

  • Buy directly at airport stores/kiosks (newsstand near Gate 1, Claro kiosk).
  • SIM card shops open during regular airport hours, not 24/7.
  • For late arrivals, consider buying eSIM online beforehand.
  • Registration requires a valid passport, unlocked phone, and personal details.

I. How to get a SIM Card at Congonhas Airport (CGH)?

Getting a SIM card at Congonhas Airport is easy, and there are three ways to do it:

  • Order online and pick up at the airport: Buy your SIM card online from providers like Claro, Vivo, or TIM, and pick it up at the airport when you arrive. This lets you avoid queues and get your SIM card quickly.
  • Buy at the airport: You can also purchase a SIM card directly at the airport from a store or kiosk. This is a good option if you’re unsure which provider to choose or want to compare prices.
  • Buy eSIM (if your phone supports it): If your phone is compatible with eSIM technology, you can get a digital SIM card from providers/retailers online. This convenient option removes the need for a physical SIM card.

II. Where to buy a SIM Card at Congonhas Airport? 

where to buy sim card at congonhas airport

At Congonhas Airport (CGH) in São Paulo, you can buy SIM cards from several places:

  • Newsstand near Gate 1: Offers limited options and is open during airport hours. This can be a quick and convenient choice if you are in a rush.
  • Claro Kiosk: This kiosk is conveniently located in the airport terminal and has a bunch of prepaid SIM card options. It’s open during airport hours, making it an easy stop for travelers wanting to connect right after landing!

III. Do SIM card shops at CGH Airport open after midnight?

No. The SIM card shops at Congonhas Airport (CGH) in São Paulo, such as the Claro kiosk and the newsstand near Gate 1, operate during regular airport hours but are not open 24 hours a day. The general operating hours for these shops align with the main airport services, which typically close around 11 PM. Therefore, if you need to purchase a SIM card, it is advisable to do so before midnight.

ATMs, baby changing facilities, and a medical clinic are available at Congonhas Airport 24 hours a day, but SIM card shops are not listed among the facilities that operate around the clock​​. 

Recommendation: If you arrive late at night and need immediate connectivity, consider buying an eSIM online before your trip as an alternative.

IV.  São Paolo Congonhas Airport SIM card Price

The prices for Claro SIM cards are as follows:

  • 2 GB for 7 days: 9.99 BRL (~$2 USD)
  • 6 GB for 30 days: 29.99 BRL (~$6 USD)

Additionally, there is a newsstand near Gate 1 that sells SIM cards, though the options are more limited than those at the Claro kiosk.

V. Registration Process for Buying a SIM card at Congonhas Airport

registration process of buying sim card at congonhas airport

To get a SIM card at Congonhas Airport, you’ll need to provide some personal information and have the following:

  • A valid passport
  • An unlocked phone (check with your carrier before traveling)
  • A payment method (cash or credit/debit card)
  • Your personal details, including name, address, and contact information
  • Proof of identity (driver’s license or ID card)
  • And, in some cases, a copy of your return ticket or hotel reservation

Let’s face it, this process can be a bit of a hassle, especially for tourists. You must show your passport, provide personal details, and deal with language barriers. Many tourists find this process overwhelming and prefer to avoid it altogether.

Valued Recommendation: Think about getting an international SIM card online before you leave. This lets you skip the lines and passport checks. You can also choose an eSIM, a digital card that activates on your phone without needing a physical card or passport.

VI. eSIM at Congonhas Airport – Alternative to Brazil SIM Cards

To buy an eSIM online, visit Gigago, a leading eSIM provider that offers a wide range of eSIM plans for tourists. Gigago allows you to purchase and activate an eSIM from anywhere in the world, making it a convenient option for travelers.

How to Buy eSIM from Gigago?

To buy an eSIM from Gigago.com, follow these steps:

  • Visit Gigago and select the destination country (Brazil) and the type of eSIM plan you want to purchase.
  • Choose the eSIM plan that suits your needs, such as data-only or data-and-voice plans.
  • Enter your email address and payment details to complete the purchase.
  • Receive the eSIM QR code and installation guide via email.
  • Scan the QR code to activate the eSIM on your device.

Why Buy eSIM from Gigago?

  • Easy activation (just scanning the QR code)
  • No physical SIM needed. Totally digital
  • Fast connectivity
  • Affordable plans
strength of gigago esim

For Brazil, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1GB/day for 7 days with $6.00 . What is great about Gigago’s Brazil eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $6.00$46.00 .

Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Brazil; there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VII. FAQs about SIM card at Congonhas Airport

Where can I buy a SIM card at Congonhas Airport?

You can buy SIM cards at newsstands near Gate 1 and from Claro kiosks located within the airport, open during airport hours.

How much does a SIM card cost at Congonhas Airport?

The cost of SIM cards at the airport can be slightly higher than in the city, with prices for basic plans starting around $5 for 2GB of data​.

Can I top up my SIM card at Congonhas Airport?

Yes, you can top up your SIM card at various kiosks and newsstands within the airport.

Is there free Wi-Fi available at Congonhas Airport while I set up my SIM card?

Yes, Congonhas Airport offers free Wi-Fi, which you can use to set up your SIM card and ensure everything is working correctly.

VIII. Conclusion

In conclusion, picking up a SIM card at Congonhas Airport is a breeze and keeps you connected while traveling in Brazil. There are tons of options to choose from, so you can find a plan that fits your needs. For a hassle-free experience, check out Gigago eSIM for instant connectivity without dealing with physical SIM cards. Good luck!