In short: Brazilians traveling to Europe face roaming fees that can exceed BRL 150 per day with carriers like Vivo, Claro Brasil, or TIM. A PuraSim eSIM gives you 4G/5G data for the entire month in Europe for less than BRL 180. This practical guide explains everything you need to know before flying from Guarulhos to Europe.
eSIM for Brazilians: What it is and how it works
An eSIM (electronic SIM) is a virtual chip embedded in your cell phone. Instead of buying a physical chip at the airport in Lisbon or Madrid, you download a data plan directly to your device before you travel. No queues, no losing your Brazilian chip — the eSIM works like a second line on your cell phone.
For Brazilian travelers in Europe, this means:
- Arriving in Portugal, Spain, Italy, or France with internet already working.
- Keeping your Brazilian number active to receive calls and messages.
- Paying much less than roaming from Vivo, Claro, or TIM Brasil.
- No surprises on your bill when you return to Brazil.
PuraSim offers eSIM plans for Europe that cover 30+ countries with 4G/5G data. See eSIM Europe and eSIM Brazil.
Price comparison in Brazilian Reais (BRL)
As of June 2026 (1 USD ≈ BRL 5.10):
| Option | Data | Price (BRL) | Per GB (BRL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vivo Brasil Roaming (Europe) | 200 MB/day | ~BRL 120-150/day | ~BRL 600-750 |
| Claro Brasil Roaming (Europe) | 150 MB/day | ~BRL 100-130/day | ~BRL 667-867 |
| PuraSim eSIM Europe 5 GB | 5 GB 4G/5G, 30 days | ~BRL 41 | ~BRL 8.2 |
| PuraSim eSIM Europe 10 GB | 10 GB 4G/5G, 30 days | ~BRL 87 | ~BRL 8.7 |
| PuraSim eSIM Europe 20 GB | 20 GB 4G/5G, 30 days | ~BRL 179 | ~BRL 8.9 |
The savings are clear: for BRL 150 (the cost of 1 day of Vivo roaming), you can buy a PuraSim plan of 15+ GB that lasts the entire month in Europe. The difference in cost per GB is up to 80 times.
Step-by-step activation for Brazilian cell phones
- Check your phone's compatibility. iPhones from XS, Samsung Galaxy S21 onwards, and many modern Motorola and Xiaomi devices support eSIM.
- Confirm that the device is unlocked. Cell phones purchased without a carrier plan in Brazil are usually unlocked. Those purchased with a Vivo, Claro, or TIM plan may be locked — request unlocking from your carrier free of charge.
- Choose the PuraSim plan for Europe. For a 2-3 week trip with normal use, we recommend 10 GB.
- Install the eSIM with the QR Code. On iPhone: Settings → Cellular Data → Add Data Plan → Scan QR Code. On Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIM Manager → Add eSIM.
- Set up the eSIM as the data line. Keep your Brazilian chip as the voice line and the PuraSim eSIM as data in Europe.
- Activate upon arrival in Europe. Install in Brazil, activate upon landing. The plan starts counting with the first data usage.
For more context, see our article eSIM for Mexicans in Europe — the tips are equally valid for Brazilians.
Favorite European destinations for Brazilians
Brazilians are one of the largest groups of Latin American tourists in Europe. Their favorite destinations:
- Portugal — The most visited destination by Brazilians in Europe. Lisbon, Porto, Sintra, the Algarve. The common language makes everything easier, but you still need data for the Lisbon metro and tourism apps.
- Spain — Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Ibiza. Spanish is easy for Brazilians, and Spain is a classic stop on European tours.
- Italy — Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice. Brazilians love Italy for its gastronomy, fashion, and art.
- France — Paris is a dream destination for many Brazilians. Museums, fashion, and French gastronomy attract tourists from all over Brazil.
- Germany, Netherlands, and Belgium — For business and cultural tourism. Frankfurt has a notable Brazilian community.
- Greece and Croatia — Sun and beach destinations increasingly popular among Brazilians.
A single PuraSim Europe eSIM plan covers all these destinations without changing chips.
Tips for the Brazilian traveler
- Install the eSIM from São Paulo, Rio, or wherever you are. Don't wait until you get to Guarulhos airport. Guarulhos WiFi can be saturated.
- Use Google Maps offline for Portugal. Download Lisbon, Porto, or the region you visit to use without data as a backup.
- WhatsApp is your line with Brazil. With your eSIM data, you can make free video calls with your family in São Paulo, Rio, or Porto Alegre.
- Prices in Portugal are cheaper than in Spain or France. Your eSIM helps you find restaurants, accommodation, and transport with good reviews and local prices.
- Use Wise for your payments in euros. The BRL/EUR exchange rate at Brazilian banks is unfavorable. Wise offers a much better exchange rate. Your eSIM keeps you connected to manage the app.
- European winter is colder than it seems. Brazilians, accustomed to the heat, are surprised by the winter in Madrid or Paris. Bring warm clothes and check the weather with your eSIM data.
Frequently asked questions about eSIM for Brazilians in Europe
- Do unlocked Brazilian cell phones work with eSIM in Europe?
- Yes. iPhones and Samsung Galaxy bought unlocked in Brazil work perfectly with eSIM in Europe. Those bought with a Vivo, Claro Brasil, or TIM plan may be locked — request unlocking from your carrier.
- How much does the eSIM cost in Brazilian Reais (BRL)?
- As of June 2026 (1 USD ≈ BRL 5.10), PuraSim plans for Europe range from approx. BRL 41 (1 GB) to BRL 179 (20 GB).
- Does the eSIM work in Portugal?
- Yes. Portugal is one of the first destinations for Brazilians in Europe and is fully covered by PuraSim's Europe plan.
- Can I pay with Pix or boleto bancário?
- PuraSim accepts international credit and debit cards and PayPal. For local payments in BRL, check the available options at checkout.
- How much battery does the eSIM consume?
- The eSIM itself does not consume additional battery. Consumption is normal for data usage on your cell phone, just like with any physical SIM.
Are you traveling to Europe? Check out our eSIM plans for Europe and get connected from the first second at Lisbon, Madrid, or Rome airport.
