Making calls, sending text messages, and using WhatsApp cheaply in Brazil with your travel companion, a new hostel friend, or Brazilian flame, is possible and easier to arrange than you think.
What do you have to do to accomplish this?
Step 1. Buy a SIM card
First, you must purchase a prepaid SIM card (pré-pago). You can choose from the following telecom providers: Claro, Vivo (my favorite), TIM or Oi. In almost all shopping malls, these brands have a store where you can do this—the SIM card costs around 15 reais.
Step 2. SIM card registration
You must register the card in these stores. Bring your passport and an address. This can be the address of your hotel.
Step 3. Buy internet data (for example Vivo)
After your SIM card has been registered, you can have internet data put on it. With Vivo, the data remains valid for 5 years.
Step 4. Buy an extra mobile phone
Having a celular ladrão (phone for a thief) is recommended when going out at night in Brazil. Buy a cheap mobile phone with which you can at least Whatsapp, order an Uber, and use your Google maps.
