Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
5 min of reading 
0 comments 
As of December 2, 2025, the new law that ends roaming charges for Brazilians in Mercosur came into effect, allowing the use of internet, calls, and SMS in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay by paying only the national plan, without the need to purchase extra packages, unexpected charges on the bill, or international chips during travels.
The new international law took effect on December 2, 2025, eliminating roaming charges for Brazilians traveling within Mercosur. The measure was formalized after publication in the Official Gazette and is in effect immediately, with no need for registration, special activation, or chip changes by the user.
In practice, this means that travelers can cross the border with the same cell phone, the same number, and the same plan contracted in Brazil and continue calling, browsing, and messaging in neighboring countries included in the agreement. The bill comes as if they never left Brazilian territory, without those extra charges that used to appear unexpectedly on the bill.
What Exactly Does the New Law Change in Cell Phone Usage Outside Brazil
With the change, the use of mobile internet, calls, and SMS in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay will be covered by the same allowance of the national plan, without additional international roaming charges.
-
The Senate approves a bill that criminalizes misogyny, hatred, or aversion towards women, and includes the crime in the Racism Law with a penalty of up to 5 years.
-
Chamber Approves Bill That Allows Pepper Spray for Women Over 16 and Imposes Strict Rules for Purchase, Possession, and Use as Self-Defense
-
Chamber Approves Law to Combat Leucaena, Fast-Growing Plant That Dominates Land and Threatens Native Species in Various Regions of the Country
-
Asset Division: Know What Cannot Be Divided in Case of Divorce
Users can continue using messaging apps, social networks, maps, GPS, digital banking, ride-hailing services, and streaming platforms just as they would at home.
Calls made or received in these countries will be billed as if they originated in Brazil, within the already contracted plan.
Sending traditional text messages will also no longer incur international charges. The surprises of seeing every minute of calls or each MB of internet charged in dollars on the next month’s bill are over.
Another important point is that it is no longer mandatory to purchase a physical SIM card or international eSIM to avoid excessive charges.
Consumers can arrive at the airport, turn on their device normally, and start using the local mobile network, with authentication done by the Brazilian carrier, without extra bureaucracy and without needing to change numbers.
Which Countries Are Included and Who Benefits First
The agreement applies to Brazilians traveling to Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, Mercosur member countries that are covered by the new roaming rule.
Chile is excluded and continues with its own regulations, which means that, for trips there, the use of internet, calls, and messages is still subject to traditional roaming conditions or local and international SIM cards.
The measure directly benefits tourists on vacation, workers traveling for business, and residents of border cities, who often cross back and forth across the map more than once a day.
Previously, this audience had to resort to strategies like turning off mobile data, remaining tethered to free Wi-Fi, or purchasing specific SIM cards in each country to avoid exceeding their bill.
Now, those living in border regions can keep their cell phones on all the time, even when their devices switch between Brazilian and foreign antennas, without fear of seeing their bills increase.
Likewise, travelers on road trips by car or bus through Mercosur can continue using GPS and navigation apps without having to download offline maps or rely on unstable connections.
How the New Law Affects Trip Planning
In the pre-zero roaming era, organizing an international trip involved a nearly mandatory step: researching local SIM cards, eSIMs, specific operator packages, daily data limits, and per-minute charges.
With the new law, planning becomes much simpler, because the starting point is the existing national plan, with no need for additional services.
Travelers still need to follow basic precautions, such as activating airplane mode during the flight and only turning on the mobile network after landing to avoid any technical issues with the device.
However, upon arriving at the destination, the service starts functioning automatically, without the need to call the carrier or adjust complex settings.
Additionally, the ability to keep the same number makes it easier for those who need to be contacted urgently by family, work, or banks.
No need to inform each contact that the number has temporarily changed to a foreign SIM card. Everything remains centered on the Brazilian number, with the same authentication and security tools via SMS or app.
Attention to Plan Limits and What Has Not Changed
Even with the end of roaming within Mercosur, the limits for internet, voice, and SMS remain the same as the national plan.
If the user usually consumes all data allowances in Brazil, it is crucial to pay extra attention during the trip, as heavy usage of maps, social networks, and videos can accelerate this consumption.
When the allowance runs out, the same rules applied in Brazilian territory will apply: reduced speed, additional charges, or purchasing extra packages, according to the contract with each carrier.
The new law does not create an automatic unlimited allowance, it only extends the use of the national plan to the countries included in the agreement, without new specific roaming charges.
Another important point is to remember that the benefit does not extend to countries outside Mercosur, such as Chile, Bolivia, Peru, or more distant destinations.
In these cases, the traditional recommendation to check roaming charges, study specific packages, or consider purchasing a SIM card or eSIM aimed at international travel still applies.
And Now, How to Make the Most of Your Cell Phone in Mercosur
With the new law in effect, the main guidance is to check the details of your own plan before boarding, knowing how many gigabytes of internet are available, what the policy is for usage after the allowance ends, and whether there are any specific rules from the carrier for traveling abroad, even within the agreement.
It is also worth reviewing the apps that consume the most mobile data, adjusting the quality of streaming videos and music, and, whenever possible, taking advantage of secure Wi-Fi networks in hotels, cafes, and airports, to preserve part of the data allowance for urgent situations and movements.
For those living in border cities, the new law changes daily life: it becomes easier to work, study, shop, and keep in touch with relatives across the bridge or highway, without having to turn off the signal or constantly change SIM cards.
Telecom no longer becomes an obstacle and instead becomes an ally of regional mobility.
Do you plan to take advantage of the new law to travel more around Mercosur using the same cell phone plan from Brazil?
-
-
-
-
9 pessoas reagiram a isso.