Vivo SIM Card & eSIM for Tourists: How to Get and Activate 2024

David Smith

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Latest update: August 2024

Vivo is a major mobile network provider in Brazil. They offer tourists good Vivo SIM Card & eSIM services. Moreover, this provider also supports eSIM activation which allows you to digitally activate a cellular plan without having to insert a physical SIM card. In this article, let’s find out more about Vivo SIM Card & eSIM options available in Brazil!

I. Overview About Vivo – What you need to know

Vivo was founded in 1993 as Telesp Celular. The full company name today is Telefônica Brasil S.A. It provides mobile phone services, landline phones, internet, cable TV, and fiber internet.

Vivo has over 76 million subscribers in Brazil. It covers 5,046 municipalities which is 97.9% of the area of Brazil. The network covers 4,879 municipalities for 3G and 4,381 municipalities for 4G.

Vivo has many network stores across Brazil. The source estimates it had over 133,000 employees in 2021, including employees and outsourced workers helping to support the network and customers.

Customers can get support by calling Vivo. Support is available in Portuguese and is available 24/7 all year round. Customers can get help with billing questions, network problems, and other issues.

II. Vivo Coverage in Brazil

Vivo is one of the four major mobile networks in Brazil besides Claro, Oi, and TIM. Its nationwide 2G, 3G, and 4G coverage percentages across cities and rural areas.

Vivo has nationwide 4G LTE availability averaging around 75% nationwide. Coverage is best in major cities. Cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo see over 78% 4G coverage both indoor and outdoor.

Regional coverage varies, with some states at 76% and others around 65-70%. Rural coverage lags cities, averaging 60-65% 4G availability. 3G provides reliable backup coverage where 4G signals drop, over 90% nationwide. 4G download speeds range from 15-20Mbps in cities to 5-10Mbps in rural areas. Vivo is deploying 700MHz 4G to more rural zones and 5G in key business districts of major cities.

III. Vivo Speed in Brazil

Vivo’s speed in Brazil having an average 4G download speed on Vivo’s network is 15.3 Mbps nationwide. Cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro see speeds of 20-25 Mbps on 4G.

Rural areas’ average is around 10 Mbps and 4G speeds. The  3G backup network delivers 5-7 Mbps for basic uses. their fastest states see over 17 Mbps average 4G speeds. Vivo continually upgrades infrastructure to support growing data demands and minimize urban-rural divides. Future 5G deployment aims to unlock Gbps speeds in covered locations.

► Our recommendation: Vivo’s extensive network, roaming support, and convenience factors make it a reliable choice for most travelers’ connectivity needs while visiting Brazil.

IV. Does Vivo Have eSIM in Brazil?

Yes, Vivo supports eSIM in Brazil. Vivo eSIM launched in November 2021 on eligible devices at Vivo stores. Its plans include main prepaid/postpaid options matching physical SIMs. Moreover, this alternative is the convenience of digital activation, multiple profiles, and remote changes.

However, to buy a Vivo eSIM, you are only able to buy from Vivo stores directly or via eSIM providers like Gigago eSIM. We highly recommend you get one from retailers or providers for an easier buying process.

V. Top Vivo SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

Here is a table of prepaid plans available for Vivo SIM cards in Brazil based on the information from the URL:

So in summary, Vivo offers prepaid mobile plans starting from R$20 for 4GB valid for 15 days, up to R$100 for 50GB valid for 30 days. Higher data plans provide better value for money.

VI. Where to Buy a Vivo SIM card?

There are several places for travelers to buy a Vivo SIM card in Brazil:

• Vivo Stores: Vivo has official stores located throughout major cities in shopping malls, commercial areas, etc. Cards can be purchased here.
• Supermarkets & Convenience Stores: Many larger supermarkets like Pão de Açúcar sell Vivo SIM cards. Also sold at convenience stores like Mini Mercado.
• Drugstores: Drugstores like Drogaria São Paulo are common retailers for Vivo prepaid SIM cards.
• Newsstands: Popular small shops called Bancas de Journal commonly sell Vivo and other carrier SIM cards.
• Online: Vivo’s website allows ordering a SIM card to be delivered. Only certain packages are available this way for tourists.
• Airports: SIM cards can sometimes be purchased from booths in airports but options are often limited. It is better to buy in the city.

VII. Where to Buy Vivo eSIM for Brazil?

To get a Vivo eSIM in Brazil, you’ll need to visit an official Vivo store. Vivo stores are the sole sellers and activators of eSIM profiles on Vivo’s network. You’ll need a compatible device and passport for registration. Staff will scan a QR code to activate your chosen prepaid or postpaid mobile plan on the eSIM.

 Furthermore, support is expanding but not all Vivo stores may offer eSIM activation yet, remember to check availability first. Especially, there is no online purchasing or activation available currently, so you must do it at a Vivo retail location.

Another way is to buy an eSIM from an online provider to save time and avoid complicated processes. One of the best online eSIM providers is Gigago eSIM. They offer different Brazilian eSIM plans for tourists. You just need to visit their website and get one. For seconds after the payment is done, you will receive a QR code via email to activate your eSIM.

For Brazil, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB 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 Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Brazil, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VIII. How to Top-up Vivo SIM/eSIM

Here are the main ways to top-up a Vivo SIM/eSIM in Brazil:

• Visit Vivo stores or use their website/app to pay via cash, card, or online banking.
• Use Ricardo ATMs owned by Vivo’s parent company.
• Pay at partner retailers like Pão de Açúcar supermarkets.
• Pay via payment apps including PicPay and Mercado Pago.
• Dial *8488# and follow the prompts to top-up over the phone with a card.

Top-ups add credit instantly according to your plan, extending its validity period. Minimum amounts start from R$5 but cards and cash are usually accepted.

IX. FAQs about Vivo in Brazil

X. Conclusion

Vivo is a major mobile provider in Brazil that offers prepaid and postpaid plans with reliable 4G coverage. Both physical SIM cards and eSIM profiles can be purchased from Vivo stores with a valid ID. We have just shown you all how to get and activate a Vivo SIM card & eSIM Brazil. Hope this article will be helpful to you when traveling to Brazil.