When planning your trip to Brazil, understanding the landscape of roaming charges is crucial for staying connected. Let's dive into the world of Brazilian roaming fees and explore how you can keep your communication costs in check while enjoying all that this vibrant country has to offer.

Are There Roaming Charges in Brazil?

Yes, roaming charges do exist in Brazil for international visitors using their home country's mobile plans. When you use your regular SIM card from your home country in Brazil, you're essentially "roaming" on Brazilian networks. This means your home carrier will typically charge you additional fees for using data, making calls, or sending texts while you're in the country. These charges can add up quickly, so it's important to be aware of them before you embark on your Brazilian adventure.

When Do Roaming Charges Apply in Brazil?

Roaming charges in Brazil kick in as soon as your phone connects to a Brazilian mobile network. This usually happens automatically when you land in the country and turn on your phone. From that moment, any data usage, calls made or received, and text messages sent will be subject to your home carrier's international roaming rates. It's worth noting that even receiving calls or texts can incur charges, and some apps might use data in the background without you realizing it. This is why it's crucial to either have a roaming plan in place or consider alternatives before you arrive in Brazil.

Roaming Fees and Charges in Brazil

Disclaimer: Prices and plans are subject to change. Always check with your provider for the most up-to-date information.

Here's a breakdown of roaming charges and plans for some major international carriers when used in Brazil:

EE (UK): [1]

• Making a call: £1.80 per minute

• Receiving a call: £1.80 per minute

• Sending a text: 60p per text

• You'll need to purchase a data add-on upon arrival

Vodafone (UK): [2]

• Making a call: 60p per minute

• Receiving a call: 36p per minute

• Sending a text: 8p per text

• Internet: 12p per MB

O2 (UK): [3]

• Making a call: £2 per minute

• Receiving a call: £2 per minute

• Sending a text: 50p per text

• Internet: £7.20 per MB

Orange: [4]

Orange Holiday Brazil package limited to 14 days for €24.99:

• 10 GB in 4G/LTE

• Calls NOT included

• Messages NOT included

Movistar (Spain): [5]

• Internet: €12.10 per MB

• To Spain or local numbers: €3.03 per minute + €1.94 connection fee

• To other destinations: €4.83 per minute + €1.94 connection fee

• Receiving calls: €3.03 per minute + €1.94 connection fee

• Sending SMS to any destination: €1.21 per SMS

• Sending MMS to any destination: €4.84 per MMS

KPN (Netherlands): [6]

• Internet: €2.50 per MB

• Making a call: €1 per minute

• Receiving a call: €0.50 per minute

• Sending a text: €0.30 per text

Rogers (Canada): [7]

• $15.00 per 10 MB

• $0.75 per text

• $3.00 per min

• or $15.00 per day - Pay the daily fee and use your own plan (Maximum 20 days per billing cycle)

Telstra (Australia): [8]

$10 AUD per day for "International Day Pass"

• 2 GB data

• Unlimited calls/SMS

Verizon (USA): [9]

• $2.05 per MB

• $1.79 per min

• Travel Pass: $10 per day to use your own plan

T-Mobile (USA): [10]

• $5 per day: 512MB data, unlimited calling

• $35 for 10 days: 5GB data, unlimited calling

• $50 for 30 days: 15GB data, unlimited calling

Keep in mind that these charges can add up quickly, especially for longer stays, making alternatives like Roamless eSIM an attractive option for many travelers.

How to Avoid Roaming Charges in Brazil

You can read our guide on how to avoid roaming charges for more details. Here are some tips:

• Disable data roaming on your phone to prevent accidental usage.

• Connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible and use Wi-Fi calling features if available.

• Download offline maps and travel guides before your trip to reduce data usage.

• Use messaging apps that work over Wi-Fi for communication.

• Consider using an eSIM solution like Roamless for flexible, affordable connectivity.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce or eliminate roaming charges during your Brazilian journey.

Roamless eSIM for Brazil

Roamless eSIM offers a modern solution to the roaming conundrum, with features perfectly suited for your Brazilian adventure:

• No Speed Throttling: Enjoy full-speed data without artificial slowdowns, ensuring smooth browsing and streaming.

• Pay-As-You-Go Flexibility: Only pay for the data you actually use, ideal for travelers with varying usage needs.

• Funds Never Expire: Your balance remains valid for future trips, providing excellent value for frequent travelers.

• No Country-Specific Plans: Perfect for multi-country trips, as you can use the same eSIM across different destinations.

• Local Network Speeds: Connect at the same speeds as local users, ensuring a seamless online experience.

• Easy Activation: Set up your eSIM before you leave home and switch it on as soon as you land in Brazil.

You can visit our eSIM Brazil page or read our guide on the best eSIM for Brazil before planning your travel. With Roamless eSIM, you can say goodbye to bill shock and hello to stress-free connectivity throughout your Brazilian journey. It's the smart choice for modern travelers who want to stay connected without the hassle of traditional roaming charges.

Sources:

[1] https://ee.co.uk/help/mobile/roaming/roaming-costs/countries/brazil

[2] https://www.vodafone.co.uk/help-and-information/costs-and-charges/travelling-abroad

[3] https://www.o2.co.uk/international/using-your-phone-abroad

[4] https://travel.orange.com/en/buy-a-sim/offers/brazil

[5] https://www.movistar.es/tarifas-moviles/roaming/#Brasil

[6] https://www.kpn.com/mobiel-abonnement/bundels/buitenland.htm#bundels_tarieven

[7] https://www.rogers.com/mobility/roaming#searchbar

[8] https://www.telstra.com.au/international-roaming#eligible-destinations

[9] https://www.verizon.com/support/international-services-pricing/

[10] https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/international-roaming-plans/unlimited-calling-data-pass