How to Buy a SIM Card at Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) for Tourists: Where and Price?

Discover the best tips and locations to buy a SIM card at Guarulhos International Airport, ensuring you stay connected during your trip.

guide to buy sim card at guarulhos airport

One of the first things you’ll need when traveling to Brazil is a reliable way to stay connected. This article will guide you through the process of buying a SIM card at Guarulhos International Airport. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to buy, the best SIM plans, their prices, and even alternative options.

Highlights

  • SIM card locations: Conveniencia Livraria Bookstore, TIM Kiosk, Vivo and Claro kiosks.
  • Most SIM card shops close before midnight; consider eSIM if arriving late.
  • Requirements: passport, unlocked phone, cash, CPF (optional), and correct SIM size.
  • Order online before travel and collect at the airport for convenience.

I. How to get a SIM Card at Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)?

Getting a SIM card at Guarulhos International Airport is straightforward, with several options available:

  • Order online before and collect at the airport: Convenient for travelers who want a hassle-free arrival. Pre-order and pick up at designated counters.
  • Buy upon arrival: Various kiosks and shops within the airport sell SIM cards, which can be purchased immediately upon landing.
  • Buy eSIM (if phone compatible): Ideal for tech-savvy travelers, this digital option can be activated without a physical SIM card, ensuring instant connectivity.

II. Where to buy a SIM Card at Guarulhos International Airport? 

guarulhos airport map

At Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), you can purchase SIM cards from several locations. Here are your options:

  • Conveniencia Livraria Bookstore

Located on the 2nd floor above the international arrivals hall, this store sells prepaid SIM cards from Correios Celular, the Brazilian Post Office’s mobile service provider.

Note: You may need a CPF (Brazilian tax ID) for activation​.

  • TIM Kiosk

Found near the entrance to the 200 number gates in Terminal 2-B, near the Starbucks. Here, you can get a TIM SIM card with various data plans.

  • Vivo and Claro SIM Cards

You can also find SIM cards from Vivo and Claro in small convenience stores and kiosks throughout the airport.

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

sim card shops at gru airport

No. At Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), most SIM card shops are not open 24 hours. For example, the Correios Celular shop in the bookstore on the second floor above International Arrivals closes at 7 PM. Other shops like Vivo, Claro, and TIM in different terminals also have limited hours and usually close before midnight.

However, the airport has 24-hour services like convenience stores, duty-free shops, and currency exchanges, which may sell SIM cards. Still, availability can vary and may not be reliable for quick purchases.

Recommendation: If you arrive after midnight, it’s a good idea to get an eSIM. You can buy and activate it online before you land, so you won’t have to wait for physical stores to open. This way, you’ll have instant connectivity when you touch down!

IV.  São Paolo Guarulhos Airport SIM card Price

Here are the deals:

Correios Celular:

  • 3 GB data + 100 minutes: 30 BRL (~$6 USD)
  • 5 GB data + unlimited minutes: 40 BRL (~$8 USD)
  • 9 GB data + unlimited minutes: 50 BRL (~$10 USD)

Claro:

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

TIM:

  • 9 GB data + unlimited calls/texts for 15 days: 15 BRL (~$3 USD)

Vivo:

  • 4 GB data for 15 days: 14.99 BRL (~$3 USD)
  • 5 GB data for 15 days: 19.99 BRL (~$4 USD)

Buying a SIM card at the airport is super convenient, but it can be pricey. If you’re watching your budget, picking one up in the city center usually gets you better rates with similar or even better data packages.

V. Registration Process for Buying a SIM card at Guarulhos International Airport

Buying a SIM card at Guarulhos International Airport can be a bit of a task, especially for tourists. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you need:

  • Passport: Needed for ID when buying a SIM.
  • Unlocked Phone: Your phone must be unlocked for international SIMs.
  • Payment Method: Use cash in Brazilian reais. Cards might have fees.
  • CPF Number: Brazil’s tax ID. It’s not always needed but can help.
  • SIM Size: Know if you need a standard, micro, or nano SIM.

While you can get connected quickly, many tourists find the registration process cumbersome. Providing personal details, like your passport and potentially a CPF, can be off-putting for some.

An Easy Solution: Grab an international SIM card online before you head out, or go for an eSIM. These options usually don’t require you to show your passport or any personal information.

VI. eSIM at Guarulhos International Airport – Alternative to Brazil SIM Cards

To be honest, I’ve been praising eSIM technology from the start. Its perks are clear: easy setup, multiple profiles on one device, and eco-friendly.

Getting an eSIM is simple. You can get one from local carriers for tourists or choose an eSIM retailer. I highly suggest going with a retailer for a smoother experience.

Now, welcome you to Gigago – one of the most reliable eSIM providers that has made a big impact in the eSIM world. Here’s why:

  • Over a million users trust us
  • Your eSIM arrives in your email quickly
  • Easy setup with a QR code
  • Coverage in Brazil and beyond
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 Guarulhos International Airport

Do I need to show ID to buy a SIM card at Guarulhos International Airport?

Yes, you will need to show your passport as proof of identity when purchasing a SIM card at the airport​.

Can I pay for the SIM card with a credit or debit card at Guarulhos International Airport?

While some shops may accept credit or debit cards, it is recommended to have cash in Brazilian real as card acceptance can be limited​.

Where are the SIM card kiosks located at Guarulhos International Airport?

SIM card kiosks are located in various terminals: Vivo in Terminal 2, Claro and TIM in Terminal 3, and Conveniencia Livraria on the second floor above International Arrivals.

Do I need a Brazilian tax ID (CPF) to buy a SIM card at Guarulhos International Airport?

Yes, a CPF number is required to purchase a SIM card at the airport, although tourists can usually use their passport as an alternative.

VIII. Conclusion

In conclusion, grabbing a SIM card at Guarulhos International Airport is super easy and helps you stay connected while traveling in Brazil. There are plenty of options to pick from, so you can find a plan that works for you. If you want a simple experience, check out Gigago eSIM for instant connectivity without the fuss of physical SIM cards. Good luck!