Review: Saily eSIM in Brazil
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I tested the Saily eSIM for 30 days in Brazil with a 10GB data plan. The service automatically selects the best available network and allows unrestricted hotspot sharing, unlike local SIM cards which require a Brazilian CPF.
After using several mobile connectivity solutions while traveling, I decided to test Saily during my last stay in a small surf village in northeastern Brazil. The available network varies greatly from one location to another in this town, making it an excellent testing ground to evaluate the real performance of an international eSIM.
How Much Does Saily eSIM Cost for Brazil in 2026?
The Saily eSIM for Brazil costs USD 20 for 10GB valid for 30 days. Other available plans include:
| Data | Duration | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | $3.99 USD |
| 3 GB | 7 days | $9.99 USD |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $13.99 USD |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $24.99 USD |
| 20 GB | 30 days | $39.99 USD |
| Unlimited | 5 to 30 days | $18.99 USD to $85.49 USD |
In my case, the 10GB plan was perfectly suited for a month of remote work, including daily video calls and regular internet use. This is my third winter in the same location, and most restaurants and cafes offer free Wi-Fi, so I connected to those networks frequently. At the end of the 30 days, I still had nearly half my data remaining, which is why I decided to renew with the 5GB plan for my second month in the country.
How Does Automatic Network Selection Work with Saily?
The Saily eSIM automatically switches between available carriers (Vivo, Claro, TIM, Oi) based on signal quality. In my village in northeastern Brazil, I observed frequent changes between Vivo, Claro, and TIM, always ensuring the best connection possible.
This feature particularly impressed me in areas where only one carrier offered reliable coverage. For example, on one of the main beaches the network is quite weak, but I can always count on Saily to ensure connection to the best available coverage.
Can You Create a Hotspot with Saily eSIM?
Yes, connection sharing works perfectly with the Saily eSIM. I used this feature daily to connect my laptop during occasional power or Wi-Fi outages. Speed remains stable even with multiple connected devices.
- Instant hotspot activation
- No device limit
- Speed maintained with up to 3 simultaneous devices
- Normal data consumption (no surcharge)
Installing the Saily eSIM: What’s the Actual Process?
Installation takes less than 5 minutes. Here’s exactly how it went for me at São Paulo airport:
- Purchased the plan on the Saily app before departure (2 minutes)
- Direct installation on my iPhone from the app
- Waited 3-4 minutes after landing to connect to the network
- Automatic activation with no additional steps required
I was able to order my Uber to the hotel directly from the terminal, without having to search for airport Wi-Fi. If it’s your first time using an eSIM and you installed it before arriving at your destination, you just need to wait a few minutes after turning off airplane mode for your phone to find and connect to the local network.
Why Avoid Physical SIM Cards in Brazil?
Brazilian SIM cards require a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas), which is similar to a Social Insurance Number. Without this document, which is reserved for residents, purchasing a SIM card becomes extremely complicated:
- Frequent refusal in official stores
- Need to go through third-party vendors (more expensive)
- Inability to recharge online without CPF
- Activation process that can take several hours
- Customer service only in Portuguese
It’s not impossible to obtain a physical SIM card as a tourist, but friendly advice: for the time and energy it requires as well as all the limitations related to recharging, I strongly recommend opting for an eSIM. Even if you manage to obtain a physical SIM card, online recharging remains a real headache without a valid CPF.
Saily eSIM vs Other Options: Practical Comparison
| Criteria | Saily eSIM | Local SIM | Canadian Roaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price 10GB/30d | $20 USD | $15-25 USD | $450 CAD ($15/day) |
| Install | 5 minutes | 2-4 hours | Immediate |
| CPF required | No | Yes | No |
| Hotspot | Unlimited | Variable | Included |
| Recharge | Easy online | Complicated | Automatic |
Advantages of Saily eSIM
- Automatic selection of best available network
- Installation before departure possible
- No local documents required
- 24/7 customer support in English
- Simple recharge by credit card
- Enhanced security by Nord Security
Cons
- Data only (no traditional calls)
- Price slightly higher than local SIMs
- Requires eSIM-compatible phone
Last year, I used Airalo, which also worked well. However, I noticed that for Brazil, you now need to have an ID approved when purchasing, adding an extra step to the eSIM setup. I also found the installation process faster and easier with Saily, making it my top choice for staying connected in Brazil.
Which Credit Card Should You Use to Purchase Saily eSIM?
Saily bills in US dollars. To avoid 2.5% conversion fees, use a card with no foreign transaction fees:
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $150 | |||
| $599 | |||
| $240 | |||
| $120 |
These cards also allow you to accumulate points on your purchase, optimizing your travel expenses. My choice was the Wealthsimple Visa Infinite Card, which gives me 2% cash back on all my purchases, even abroad.
Tips to Maximize Your Saily Plan
Based on my one-month experience, here are my recommendations:
- Download your offline maps before activating the eSIM to save data
- Use WhatsApp for all your calls (uses little data)
- Disable automatic updates for applications
- Enable data saver mode on your phone
- Monitor your consumption via the Saily app (real-time updates)
Conclusion
After a month of heavy use in Brazil, the Saily eSIM proved to be a reliable and convenient solution. The value of USD 20 for 10GB is competitive, especially given how complicated it is to get a local SIM card without a CPF. After my 30-day trial, I renewed with the 5GB plan, which was enough for another month. Automatic network selection made a real difference in areas with spotty coverage.
For Canadian travellers heading to Brazil, especially in less touristy regions, Saily is a strong alternative to expensive roaming options. The easy installation and backing by Nord Security provide valuable peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Saily eSIM actually cost for 1 month in Brazil?
The Saily eSIM for Brazil costs between USD 13.99 (5GB) and USD 39.99 (20GB) for 30 days. The most popular 10GB plan is priced at USD 24.99. There are also 7-day plans starting from USD 3.99 for shorter stays.
Does Saily eSIM Work in All Regions of Brazil?
Yes, the Saily eSIM offers nationwide coverage in Brazil by using the networks of Vivo, Claro, TIM, and Oi. Coverage reaches 98% of urban areas and about 85% of rural regions. Even in my remote village in the northeast, I always had at least one network available.
Can You Use WhatsApp and Make Calls with Saily eSIM?
The Saily eSIM lets you use WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, and all other data-based messaging apps. Traditional phone calls are not included, but WhatsApp uses only 1MB per minute for voice calls, so a 10GB plan allows for thousands of calls.
How long does it take to activate the Saily eSIM after purchase?
Full activation takes about 5 minutes. It’s done directly through the mobile app, and you’ll connect to the local network within 3–4 minutes after turning off airplane mode upon arrival. No complicated steps are required.
Is the Saily eSIM really better than a local Brazilian SIM card?
For tourists, yes. Without a Brazilian CPF, getting a local SIM card is complicated and online top-ups are very difficult. The Saily eSIM activates in 5 minutes, is easy to top up, and automatically switches between carriers. The extra cost of USD 5–10 is negligible compared to the hassle you avoid.
Can You Extend or Recharge Saily eSIM During Your Trip?
Yes, recharging is done directly from the Saily application or website. You can purchase a new plan that will activate automatically when the previous one expires. The process takes less than 2 minutes and accepts all international credit cards.
