Brazil is almost the size of Europe, and most visitors combine Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo with one or two places reached by plane: Iguaçu Falls, Salvador and the north-east coast, the Amazon around Manaus, or the Pantanal wetlands. Brazil is not part of the EU's Roam Like at Home area, and plans from Europe often charge roaming by the day. Since April 2025, citizens of the United States, Canada and Australia need an e-visa, applied for online before the trip.
Key facts for Brazil
- EU roaming: not covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: TIM, Vivo, Claro (depending on the plan)
- Emergency numbers: police 190; ambulance 192; fire 193
- Embassies: in Brasília
Areas to avoid
The UK advises against all but essential travel to some river areas in the far west of Amazonas state, towards the borders with Colombia, Peru and Venezuela: the Amazon and its tributaries west of Codajás, the Itaquaí and Japurá rivers, and the Rio Negro north or west of Barcelos. Manaus and the usual lodge trips from the city are outside these areas, but check the travel-safety page before any expedition further upriver.
Keeping your phone safe
Phone theft is the most common crime against visitors in Rio and São Paulo. Thieves on foot, on bikes or on motorbikes snatch phones from people using them near the kerb, at traffic lights, on the beach and at crowded events such as Carnival. Use your phone close to a wall or inside a shop, carry a second payment card separately, and turn on screen lock and remote erase before you travel.
Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo
Coverage is strong in both cities. Uber and 99, a Brazilian ride-hailing app, are the easiest way to get around at night. During Carnival and on New Year's Eve on Copacabana beach, millions of people share the networks, so agree on a meeting point with your group in advance.
Iguaçu Falls
Foz do Iguaçu sits where Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet, and phones there may jump to a neighbouring country's network. With a Brazil-only plan, set your network manually to a Brazilian one; to see the Argentine side of the falls as well, a Latin America or Americas plan covers both countries.
The Amazon and the Pantanal
Coverage is good in Manaus but ends soon after you leave the city by boat. Most jungle lodges offer only limited Wi-Fi, often via satellite, so download maps, books and films beforehand and tell your family when you will be out of reach. In the Pantanal, the signal is just as sparse outside the towns.
Paying
Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including by many beach and street vendors. Pix, the instant payment system Brazilians use for almost everything, normally requires a Brazilian bank account, so visitors pay by card or with a little cash in reais.
Getting connected
A travel eSIM is installed before departure and starts with its first connection in Brazil, so you land with data for rides and maps. Your usual number keeps receiving texts and bank codes.
Brazilian prepaid SIMs from Claro, TIM or Vivo are sold at airports and in phone shops. You register them with your passport, although some apps and services also ask for a Brazilian tax number (CPF).
Consular protection: who to call in Brazil
- 190 for the police, 192 for an ambulance (SAMU) and 193 for the fire brigade, which also handles rescues.
- Rio de Janeiro and some other cities have police stations for tourists, where you can report a theft with help in English.
- Embassies are in Brasília, but most countries also have consulates in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, which handle most cases involving visitors. The Telcomia app shows yours, with address and phone.
- If you are an EU citizen and your country has no embassy or consulate in Brazil, the embassy of any other EU country must help you on the same terms as its own nationals (Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).
- The app has emergency phrases in Portuguese, ready to show on screen.
Questions travellers ask about Brazil
Do I need a visa for Brazil?
Citizens of the United States, Canada and Australia have needed an e-visa since April 2025; most European travellers do not. Check your government's advice before booking.
Will a Brazil plan work on the Argentine side of Iguaçu?
No. For both sides, choose a Latin America or Americas plan.
Which networks does a Telcomia eSIM use in Brazil?
TIM on most plans, and Vivo or Claro on some, with 4G and 5G where available.
What is the emergency number?
190 for the police, 192 for an ambulance and 193 for the fire brigade.
The short version
Install the eSIM before you fly, use your phone away from the kerb, download maps and films for the Amazon, choose a regional plan for Iguaçu, and save 190 and 192.
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