Prepaid SIMs from TIM so you land with data working
TIM at REC sits airside in Terminal T1, so you can sort a Brazilian number before leaving the secure area. It’s one of the big national carriers, and most staff speak at least basic English or Spanish. Expect standard prepaid plans with data bundles sold in fixed packages rather than pay‑as‑you‑go megabytes.
Store hours typically track main flight banks, roughly 06:00 to 22:00, but late-night closures around 21:00 are reported on quieter days. If you land on an after‑midnight arrival into T1, assume it’s closed and plan a backup like airport Wi‑Fi or eSIM. Prices usually mirror TIM’s national prepaid offers, with starter packs often advertised around R$30–R$50 for a few gigabytes plus local calls.
You’ll need your passport to register a TIM chip under Brazil’s CPF/ID rules, even for a tourist SIM. Setup usually takes 5–10 minutes per line, including activation and APN checks. Ask them to test WhatsApp before you walk off; most visitors use it as their primary contact method in Brazil. If you’re connecting onward within 90 minutes, this stop can cut it close.
Data coverage from TIM is solid in Recife’s main beach strip around Boa Viagem and in the city center, but interior trips toward Pernambuco’s smaller towns can see slower 3G speeds. For hotspot use, confirm if tethering is allowed on the exact plan code they sell you; some cheaper promos block sharing.
Quick tip: bring your own SIM tool or a paperclip, since not every TIM counter in T1 keeps enough openers handy for dual‑SIM and eSIM phones.