Brazil has become one of the most exciting destinations for digital nomads in the world. With its tropical climate, affordable cost of living, world-class beaches, vibrant culture, and a growing tech ecosystem, the country offers everything a remote worker could want — minus the gray skies and expensive rent of traditional nomad hubs.
But working remotely from Brazil comes with practical questions. Which cities have the best internet? How much does it really cost to live there? Can you get reliable connectivity outside of Sao Paulo? And what about visas, safety, and coworking spaces?
This guide answers all of that. Whether you are considering a month in Rio de Janeiro or a full year island-hopping between Florianopolis and Salvador, here is everything you need to plan your life as a digital nomad in Brazil.
Brazil Digital Nomad Visa: What You Need to Know
Brazil launched its Digital Nomad Visa (Visto para Nomades Digitais) in 2022, and it remains one of the most accessible remote work visas in Latin America. Here are the essentials:
- Duration: Up to one year, renewable for another year
- Income requirement: Minimum of $1,500 USD/month (or equivalent savings)
- Eligibility: Must work for a company or clients outside of Brazil
- Tax obligations: Digital nomads on this visa are generally not subject to Brazilian income tax, though consulting a tax professional is recommended
- Application: Through the Brazilian consulate in your home country or online via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Many nomads also enter Brazil on a standard tourist visa (90 days, extendable to 180 days) if they plan a shorter stay. Citizens from the US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, and many other countries enter visa-free for 90 days.
Best Cities in Brazil for Digital Nomads
1. Rio de Janeiro — The Iconic Base
Rio is where most people picture themselves when they dream about Brazil. And for good reason: the city combines stunning natural beauty with a vibrant urban lifestyle that few places on Earth can match.
Best neighborhoods for nomads:
- Copacabana — Affordable, walkable, close to the beach, plenty of cafes
- Ipanema — More upscale, great restaurants and nightlife
- Botafogo — The new creative hub, excellent coworking scene
- Santa Teresa — Bohemian hillside neighborhood, artistic vibe
- Flamengo — Budget-friendly, central location, good metro access
Cost of living: $1,200–$2,000/month. A furnished one-bedroom in Copacabana runs $500–$800. Meals at local restaurants cost $4–$8. Coworking memberships range from $80–$200/month.
Internet quality: Rio has solid fiber coverage in most urban neighborhoods. Speeds of 100–300 Mbps are standard in apartments. Mobile data on networks like Vivo, Claro, and TIM delivers reliable 4G/5G in central areas — essential for backup connectivity when your home WiFi dips during a video call.
Coworking spaces: WeWork (Botafogo, Centro), Selina (Copacabana, Lapa), NIDO Coworking, and dozens of independent spaces. Botafogo has emerged as the neighborhood with the densest concentration of coworking options.
Lifestyle: The ultimate beach-meets-work lifestyle. Morning surf at Ipanema, lunch at a per-kilo restaurant, afternoon work sprint at a coworking space, sunset caipirinha. Repeat.
2. Sao Paulo — The Powerhouse
Sao Paulo is not the city you post on Instagram. It is the city where you get things done. Brazil's economic capital has the best internet infrastructure in the country, the largest coworking scene, and a cultural depth that takes years to fully explore.
Best neighborhoods for nomads:
- Vila Madalena — Creative, artsy, great nightlife and cafes
- Pinheiros — Trendy, walkable, strong food scene
- Jardins — Upscale, safe, excellent infrastructure
- Bela Vista — Central and affordable, near Avenida Paulista
Cost of living: $1,000–$1,800/month. Slightly cheaper than Rio overall, with more budget options available. A one-bedroom apartment ranges from $400–$700. Street food and bakeries keep daily food costs under $15.
Internet quality: The best in Brazil. Fiber optic coverage is extensive, with speeds regularly reaching 500 Mbps or more. Sao Paulo is also the most advanced city for 5G deployment. If bandwidth is your top priority, this is where you want to be.
Coworking spaces: The largest coworking ecosystem in Latin America. WeWork has multiple locations. Other standouts include Spaces, Impact Hub, Cubo Itau (tech-focused), and Civi-Co. Many cafes in Pinheiros and Vila Madalena are also laptop-friendly with strong WiFi.
Lifestyle: Urban, cultural, and gastronomic. Sao Paulo has the best restaurant scene in South America. World-class museums, live music every night, a massive Japanese community in Liberdade, and a startup ecosystem that rivals any in the region. It is not a beach town — it is a world city.
3. Florianopolis — The Silicon Island
Florianopolis, known locally as "Floripa," is Brazil's best-kept digital nomad secret — though it is not much of a secret anymore. This island city off the southern coast has earned the nickname "Silicon Island" for its growing tech startup scene, and it attracts a steady stream of international remote workers.
Best neighborhoods for nomads:
- Lagoa da Conceicao — The nomad epicenter, surrounded by lagoon and beach
- Campeche — Quieter, surf-friendly, growing cafe culture
- Centro — Urban core, cheapest rents, best public transport
Cost of living: $800–$1,500/month. The most affordable of the major nomad cities. A one-bedroom near Lagoa runs $350–$600. Fresh seafood is cheap and delicious. Note that prices spike during summer (December–February).
Internet quality: Very good in urban areas and the main beach neighborhoods. Fiber is widely available. Mobile coverage is reliable along the east coast of the island, though some western beaches have weaker signal. Having a backup mobile data connection — such as a travel eSIM — makes a real difference when you are working from a beachside cafe with unreliable WiFi.
Coworking spaces: Vilaj Coworking (Lagoa), Gaia Coworking, and several smaller spots. The coworking scene is intimate compared to Sao Paulo, but the community feeling is stronger.
Lifestyle: Surf in the morning, code in the afternoon. Floripa offers over 40 beaches, great hiking, kitesurfing at Lagoa da Conceicao, and a laid-back vibe that appeals to nature-loving nomads. The tech community hosts regular meetups and events.
4. Salvador — The Cultural Soul
Salvador is Brazil at its most authentic. The capital of Bahia offers a deeply rich Afro-Brazilian culture, stunning colonial architecture, incredible food, and a cost of living that stretches your budget further than almost anywhere else in the country.
Best neighborhoods for nomads:
- Barra — Beachfront, safe, good infrastructure, popular with expats
- Rio Vermelho — Bohemian, great food, vibrant nightlife
- Pituba — Residential, quiet, affordable, good internet
Cost of living: $700–$1,200/month. The most affordable option on this list. Rent for a one-bedroom is $250–$500. Acaraje (the local street food) costs $1–$2. A meal at a local restaurant is $3–$6.
Internet quality: Good in the main neighborhoods but less consistent than Sao Paulo or Florianopolis. Fiber is available in Barra, Rio Vermelho, and Pituba. Mobile 4G from Vivo and Claro works well in urban areas. Having mobile data as a backup is especially valuable here.
Coworking spaces: Impact Hub Salvador, Nex Coworking, and a handful of smaller spaces. The coworking scene is growing but still smaller than the other cities on this list.
Lifestyle: Music is everywhere — Salvador is the birthplace of axe, samba-reggae, and some of Brazil's greatest musicians. The food scene blends West African, Portuguese, and Indigenous flavors in ways you will not find anywhere else. Carnival in Salvador is the largest street party on the planet. For nomads who prioritize cultural richness and affordability over polished infrastructure, Salvador is unmatched.
Internet Reliability Across Brazil
Brazil's internet infrastructure has improved dramatically. Here is what you need to know:
- Fiber coverage is excellent in all major cities and expanding into mid-size towns. Speeds of 100–500 Mbps are common in urban apartments.
- 4G coverage blankets all urban areas and most highways. Vivo, Claro, and TIM are the major carriers.
- 5G is live in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, and other major cities, with rollout continuing.
- Rural and remote areas still have connectivity gaps, especially in the Amazon and interior regions.
Staying Connected as a Nomad
Reliable internet is not optional when your livelihood depends on it. Most furnished apartments come with WiFi, but speeds and reliability vary. Here is what experienced Brazil-based nomads recommend:
- Always have a mobile data backup. WiFi goes down, routers reset, building connections get overloaded. A local data connection on your phone means you can hotspot your laptop and keep working.
- Avoid relying on public WiFi. Coffee shop networks are convenient but often slow, congested, and unsecured.
- Skip the airport SIM card hassle. Buying a physical SIM in Brazil typically requires a CPF (Brazilian tax ID), which foreign tourists do not have. The process involves finding a carrier store, waiting in line, presenting documents, and hoping they can help — all while jetlagged.
- Use an eSIM instead. An eSIM like FlyConnecta activates instantly on your phone before you even board your flight. No CPF, no store visit, no waiting. You land in Brazil with a working data connection on Vivo, Claro, or TIM networks. For nomads, this means immediate connectivity, hotspot capability for your laptop, and a reliable backup line for the duration of your stay.
Coworking Culture and Top Spaces
Brazil's coworking scene has exploded. A few highlights across cities:
| City | Top Spaces | Monthly Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Sao Paulo | WeWork, Cubo Itau, Impact Hub, Spaces | $100–$250 |
| Rio de Janeiro | WeWork, Selina, NIDO Coworking | $80–$200 |
| Florianopolis | Vilaj, Gaia Coworking | $60–$150 |
| Salvador | Impact Hub, Nex Coworking | $50–$120 |
Most coworking spaces offer day passes ($10–$20) if you prefer flexibility. Many also host community events, workshops, and networking nights — a great way to meet other remote workers.
Best Cafes for Working in Brazil
When you need a change of scenery from your coworking desk, Brazil's cafe culture has you covered:
- Rio: Cafe Secreto (Botafogo), Slow Bakery (Leblon), Tereze (Santa Teresa)
- Sao Paulo: Coffee Lab (Vila Madalena), Isso e Cafe (Pinheiros), The Little Coffee Shop (Jardins)
- Florianopolis: Cafe Cultura (multiple locations), Bendito Cafe (Lagoa)
- Salvador: Cafe Alchemist (Rio Vermelho), Deli Rio Vermelho
Look for spots with dedicated power outlets, good WiFi, and an atmosphere that welcomes laptops. Many Brazilian cafes expect you to order periodically if you stay for hours — a coffee and pastel de nata every couple of hours keeps everyone happy.
Banking and Payments in Brazil
PIX
PIX is Brazil's instant payment system, and it is everywhere. Many restaurants, shops, and even street vendors accept PIX. Some places even offer discounts for PIX payments. You can use PIX if you have a Brazilian bank account, which is possible to set up with some digital banks (Nubank, Inter) even on a tourist visa, though the process can be unpredictable.
International Cards
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in restaurants, shops, and supermarkets. Keep these tips in mind:
- Always choose to pay in BRL (Brazilian Reais) when your card terminal asks — never accept "dynamic currency conversion" to your home currency, as the exchange rate will be terrible.
- Notify your bank before traveling to avoid blocked transactions.
- Carry some cash for smaller establishments and street food. ATMs (look for Banco24Horas) are widely available.
- Wise and Nomad (a Brazilian fintech) are popular among expats for getting competitive exchange rates.
Portuguese Language Tips
Brazil speaks Portuguese — not Spanish. While you can get by with English in tourist areas and coworking spaces, learning basic Portuguese will dramatically improve your experience.
Essential phrases for nomads:
- "Qual e a senha do WiFi?" — What is the WiFi password?
- "Tem tomada aqui?" — Is there a power outlet here?
- "Quanto custa por mes?" — How much per month?
- "Posso trabalhar aqui?" — Can I work here?
Apps like Duolingo, Preply (for tutors), and Tandem (for language exchange) are popular among nomads learning Brazilian Portuguese. Many Brazilians are enthusiastic about helping you practice.
Community and Networking
The digital nomad community in Brazil is active and welcoming:
- Facebook groups: "Digital Nomads Brazil," "Gringos in Rio," "Expats in Floripa"
- Meetup.com: Regular events in Sao Paulo and Rio for tech, startups, and remote workers
- Nomad List: Brazil consistently ranks among the top destinations; the forum has active threads on all major cities
- Coworking events: Most spaces host weekly or monthly social gatherings
Building a local network is one of the best things you can do as a nomad. Other remote workers will share apartment leads, recommend reliable internet providers, and warn you about neighborhoods to avoid.
Safety Tips for Digital Nomads
Brazil has safety challenges — there is no point pretending otherwise. But with basic precautions, the vast majority of nomads live comfortably:
- Do not flash expensive electronics in the street. Use your phone discreetly.
- Choose neighborhoods carefully. The neighborhoods listed in this guide are all well-regarded for safety.
- Use ride-hailing apps (Uber, 99) instead of hailing taxis on the street.
- Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
- Keep digital copies of your passport and important documents in cloud storage.
- Use a VPN on public WiFi networks to protect your data. Better yet, use your own mobile data connection for sensitive work — another reason having an eSIM with hotspot capability is valuable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely in Brazil on a tourist visa?
Technically, a tourist visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days (extendable to 180), and since you are working for a foreign employer or clients, it falls into a gray area that is widely practiced. For longer stays or full legal clarity, the Digital Nomad Visa is the best option.
How fast is the internet in Brazil?
In major cities like Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, fiber connections regularly deliver 100–500 Mbps. Mobile 4G averages 20–40 Mbps, and 5G is available in major urban centers. Florianopolis and Salvador also have solid fiber infrastructure in the main neighborhoods.
Do I need a CPF to buy a SIM card in Brazil?
Yes, Brazilian carriers (Vivo, Claro, TIM) generally require a CPF (tax registration number) to activate a prepaid SIM card. This is one of the main reasons digital nomads choose an eSIM like FlyConnecta — it requires no CPF, no documentation, and activates instantly.
What is the best city in Brazil for digital nomads?
It depends on your priorities. Sao Paulo has the best internet and largest coworking scene. Rio de Janeiro offers the best lifestyle balance. Florianopolis is ideal for nature lovers and surfers. Salvador is the most affordable and culturally immersive.
Is Brazil expensive for digital nomads?
Brazil is quite affordable compared to Western Europe or North America. A comfortable nomad lifestyle costs $800–$2,000/month depending on the city, including rent, food, coworking, and entertainment. Salvador and Florianopolis are the most budget-friendly options.
Is it safe to use public WiFi in Brazil?
Public WiFi networks in cafes and airports are generally unsecured and can expose your data to interception. For any work involving sensitive information, use a VPN or, better yet, your own mobile data connection via hotspot. This is where having an eSIM plan with generous data makes a practical difference.
What is PIX and should I use it?
PIX is Brazil's instant payment system. It is free, works 24/7, and is accepted almost everywhere. If you set up a Brazilian bank account (possible with some digital banks), PIX can save you money on card fees and give you access to PIX-only discounts.
How do I get reliable internet as soon as I arrive in Brazil?
The fastest way is to set up a travel eSIM before departure. With FlyConnecta, you install and activate your eSIM before boarding, and you have a working data connection the moment you land — no need to find a SIM card store, no CPF paperwork, and immediate hotspot capability for your laptop.
Ready to Work From Brazil?
Brazil offers one of the best combinations of affordability, lifestyle, culture, and connectivity for digital nomads in 2026. Whether you choose the urban energy of Sao Paulo, the beachside magic of Rio, the surf-and-startup vibe of Florianopolis, or the cultural richness of Salvador, you will find a place that fits your workflow and your life.
The one thing you should not leave to chance is your internet connection. Before you fly, set up your FlyConnecta eSIM — choose a 7, 15, or 30-day plan, activate it instantly, and land in Brazil already connected. No CPF, no store visits, no wasted time. Just open your laptop and get to work.