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Internet in Rio de Janeiro: speed, SIM cards and coworking

Updated October 2026Sources
242 MbpsMedian download

Is the internet good in Rio de Janeiro?

Median fixed broadband in Brazil is 242 Mbps and mobile is 272 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Café and hostel wifi is usually fine for calls; coworking spaces offer backup lines. Beach areas rely on 5G.

Getting online in Rio de Janeiro

Details
Home fibreFibre from Vivo, Claro and local ISPs in most apartments; 300–600 Mbps for about 100–150 BRL a month.
Cafés and coworkingCafé and hostel wifi is usually fine for calls; coworking spaces offer backup lines. Beach areas rely on 5G.
OutagesOccasional power cuts in storms
Tourist SIMRegular prepaid chips usually need a CPF to register; carrier visitor plans and eSIMs accept a passport. International eSIM apps are simplest.
eSIMLocal carriers sell eSIMs to visitors.
CarriersVivo, Claro, TIM
Monthly data planR$40–80 ($7.7–15.3)

Internet speeds in South America

National medians, Speedtest Global Index.

CountryFixedMobile
Chile364 Mbps80 Mbps
Peru260 Mbps62 Mbps
Brazil242 Mbps272 Mbps
Colombia231 Mbps45 Mbps
Ecuador219 Mbps64 Mbps
Uruguay208 Mbps—
Suriname183 Mbps64 Mbps
Paraguay155 Mbps27 Mbps
Guyana149 Mbps—
Argentina137 Mbps68 Mbps
Venezuela127 Mbps28 Mbps
Bolivia74 Mbps21 Mbps

Quick answers

Is the internet fast in Rio de Janeiro?

Median fixed broadband in Brazil is 242 Mbps and mobile is 272 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Café and hostel wifi is usually fine for calls; coworking spaces offer backup lines. Beach areas rely on 5G.

Which SIM card should I get in Rio de Janeiro?

Regular prepaid chips usually need a CPF to register; carrier visitor plans and eSIMs accept a passport. International eSIM apps are simplest.

Can I use an eSIM in Brazil?

Yes. Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors, and travel eSIMs work too.

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Sources

Speeds are medians from Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, cited for reference. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.