After You Arrive

Bank Account and SIM Card in Brazil

Get your CPF (your Brazilian tax number) first. Then open a bank account and get a phone number. Prices are in Brazilian real (BRL).

Banco do Brasil

Example: BB Universitária

Recent Transactions

Example: USP campus meal

Example

-2.00 BRL

Example: São Paulo student bus fare

Example

-2.65 BRL

Example carrier

Student SIM

Example account screen

Banking Options

Student Banking in Brazil

Two public banks with student options.

Banks with Student Accounts

Check each bank's own page for its current terms.

Banco do Brasil

BB Universitária: free and fully digital.
Credit card: you can spend up to BRL 1,500 (the card limit). You do not need to show how much you earn.

Visit Website

Caixa Econômica Federal

University account with proof of enrolment.
Foreign citizens show proof of an address in Brazil.

Visit Website

For Foreign Students

You need a CPF with no problems to open an account in Brazil.

Step by Step

How to Open a Bank Account in Brazil

Under Brazil's migration law, migrants have the right to open a bank account.

Get your CPF

Free at the Federal Revenue, or BRL 7 at Banco do Brasil, Caixa or the post office (Correios).

Choose a bank

Public banks such as Banco do Brasil and Caixa Econômica Federal have student options.

Bring your papers

Photo ID, CPF, proof of enrolment and proof of address in Brazil.

Open the account

Some accounts, such as BB Universitária, open fully online.

Papers You Need at Caixa Econômica Federal

Caixa Econômica Federal's list for a normal bank account.

Essential Documents:

Photo ID - Valid, such as your passport or CRNM card (National Migration Registry Card).
CPF - Your Brazilian tax number, with no problems.
Proof of address in Brazil - Required for foreign citizens.

Additional Documents (If Available):

Proof of enrolment - For a university account.

Tips

Make sure your CPF has no problems with the Federal Revenue; banks check it.

Bring proof of your address in Brazil, such as a bill or a rental agreement (lease).

Staying Connected

SIM Cards in Brazil

Every prepaid SIM in Brazil must be registered to a person.

How to Get a SIM Card

Two simple steps.

Buy a prepaid SIM

Big phone companies include Claro, TIM and Vivo.

Activate it

With a CPF: give your CPF, date of birth and CEP when you activate. Without a CPF: go to the phone company's shop with your passport.

Good to Know

To activate a prepaid SIM (pay first, then use) online, you give your CPF, date of birth and CEP (postcode).
Without a CPF, you can activate a prepaid SIM only in the phone company's shop, with your passport.
You can check which prepaid SIMs are linked to your CPF at cadastropre.com.br.

Practical Advice

Tips for Money and Phone

Simple tips for your first weeks.

Money Tips

Get your CPF first
Banks and phone companies ask for it. It is free at the Federal Revenue (Receita Federal, the tax office).
Use a student account
Banco do Brasil's BB Universitária account is free and fully digital.