Are you going to the United States and haven't decided how you will connect to the internet? This guide compares the three options: eSIM, American physical SIM, and Brazilian roaming — showing which is best for your trip.
Why is internet essential when traveling to the USA?
In the USA, you need internet for: Uber (taxis are rare), Google Maps, translations via Google Lens, reservations on OpenTable, flight check-in with Delta/American, communication with family via WhatsApp, and even for payments with Apple Pay or Google Wallet at some restaurants. Without internet, it's much more complicated.
Option 1: Roaming from the Brazilian carrier
Advantages: you don’t need to do anything — the Brazilian SIM connects automatically.
Disadvantages:
- Price: Vivo, Claro, TIM, and Oi charge packages from R$ 40 to R$ 80 per day with data limits.
- Quality: speed is usually limited (often 3G or throttled 4G).
- For a 10-day trip: R$ 400 to R$ 800 just for internet.
Option 2: American physical SIM (T-Mobile, AT&T)
Advantages: cheap in America, good coverage.
Disadvantages:
- You need to go to a store (T-Mobile, AT&T, Best Buy) and it can take 30-60 minutes.
- You temporarily lose your Brazilian number (the SIM is replaced).
- Risk of losing or damaging the Brazilian SIM stored in your wallet.
- Some stores require documents like an American ID.
Option 3: eSIM for the USA (Easy Chip)
Advantages:
- Fair price: plans starting at $4 with enough data for the trip.
- Installation before the trip: you buy and install at home, using Wi-Fi. Arrive at your destination and you're already connected.
- Keep your Brazilian number: dual SIM active all the time — receive bank SMS, WhatsApp, etc.
- 4G/5G coverage: using T-Mobile or AT&T network, local resident speed.
- No bureaucracy: no store, no documents, no SIM swapping.
How much data do I need?
| Profile | Data per day | Total 7 days |
|---|---|---|
| Light use (maps + WhatsApp) | 500 MB | 3-5 GB |
| Moderate use (+ Instagram + Uber) | 1-2 GB | 10 GB |
| Intensive use (streaming + Reels) | 3+ GB | 20+ GB or unlimited |
Price comparison (7 days, 10 GB)
- Vivo Roaming: ~R$ 420 (~US$ 84)
- Prepaid T-Mobile SIM: $30 + travel + time
- eSIM Easy Chip: ~$13 (US$ 13)
The savings are evident: you save up to 85% compared to roaming, without needing to leave home.
How to buy eSIM for the USA
It's very simple:
- Visit our eSIM page for the USA.
- Choose the plan according to the duration of your trip and usage.
- Pay with Pix, credit card, or PayPal.
- Receive the QR code via email.
- Install at home and activate upon arrival.
Have questions? Check our FAQ or talk to us via WhatsApp. We respond in minutes.
Frequently asked questions sobre este tema
Qual a forma mais barata de ter internet nos EUA?
eSIM é a opção mais econômica: planos a partir de $4 com cobertura 4G/5G T-Mobile ou AT&T, até 85% mais barato que roaming de operadora brasileira.
Quanto de dados eu preciso para uma viagem de 7 days aos EUA?
Para uso moderado (mapas, WhatsApp, Uber, redes sociais), 10 GB é suficiente. Para uso intenso com streaming, considere plano unlimited.
O eSIM americano funciona no Canada também?
It depends on the plan. Existem eSIMs regionais Americas do Norte que cobrem EUA + Canada + Mexico com um único chip.
