cell phones are an important means of communication, networking and staying in touch with friends - nearly everyone has a cellphone regardless of the costs of plans and data usage - unlimited data packages are not readily available to visitors, therefore most visitors opt to use prepaid devices and plans, which normally do not allow international texting or calling.

once in brazil, the best way to communicate is by coming with an unlocked phone and purchasing a sim card - if the phone is not unlocked purchasing a local phone might be a good idea - the messenger application whatsapp is highly recommended for those with smartphones, as most cariocas and local businesses use it regularly.