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Using CPF for SIM Cards: how it works in Brazil — first-hand

From real experience

To obtain a SIM card in Brazil, a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas, Brazilian individual taxpayer registry identification) is usually required.
Option 1 (Without CPF): Some operators, like TIM, may offer tourist SIM cards that can be activated using just a passport. It's essential to specify you are an foreigner and need a SIM activated with a passport. However, availability can vary by store. Option 2 (With CPF): If a tourist SIM is not available, obtaining a CPF is a viable solution. One user successfully obtained a CPF in one day at an office located in a shopping mall in São Paulo, even without speaking Portuguese. Address: R. Cel. Xavier de Toledo, 23 - 3o Piso - Loja 224 - Centro Histórico de São Paulo, São Paulo - SP, 01048-900, Brasil. After obtaining the CPF, a SIM card can be purchased from any operator. The process generally requires only a passport and the CPF. It is advisable to visit the location and ask for assistance, even without prior online registration, as help might be provided on-site.
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To purchase and register a local SIM card in Brazil, a valid CPF (taxpayer registry number) matching your date of birth is normally required.
If you do not have a CPF, you can try buying a prepaid SIM card (e.g., Vivo) in physical operator stores by asking the staff to bypass the requirement, which costs around 18 BRL for the card and 30 BRL for a top-up.
✓ 3 reports from chats
To purchase and activate a prepaid mobile SIM card in Brazil without an official tax registration number (CPF), travelers can use online Brazilian CPF generators ('generator cpf brasil') to bypass the verification step.
✓ 1 report from chats
A physical CPF card is not required after receiving the CPF number.
The number itself is sufficient for various procedures, such as getting a SIM card.
✓ 1 report from chats

Related topics

• How to Obtain a CPF 💼 Official Requirements and Workarounds 🚕 Taxi and Bus Transport 💰 Banking, Payments, and Credit

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