# Do I still need a notecard while using an external SIM card?

**URL:** <https://discuss.blues.com/t/do-i-still-need-a-notecard-while-using-an-external-sim-card/1361>\
**Category:** Notecarrier F\
**Tags:** cellular-coverage\
**Created:** [April 9, 2023, 10:36am UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/do-i-still-need-a-notecard-while-using-an-external-sim-card/1361 "2023-04-09T10:36:41Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![paulohm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/aeb1de/32.png) [@paulohm](https://discuss.blues.com/u/paulohm)\
**Post date:** [April 9, 2023, 10:36am UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/do-i-still-need-a-notecard-while-using-an-external-sim-card/1361/1 "2023-04-09T10:36:41Z")

</div>

I plan tho use my system in Brazil, where the notecard is not supported. My question is: do I still have to install a notecard on the notecarier F board while using an external sim card for connectivity?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![RobLauer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/discuss.blues.com/roblauer/32/1567_2.png) [@RobLauer](https://discuss.blues.com/u/RobLauer)\
**Post date:** [April 9, 2023, 9:03pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/do-i-still-need-a-notecard-while-using-an-external-sim-card/1361/2 "2023-04-09T21:03:11Z")

</div>

Hi @paulohm and welcome to the Blues community!

Yes, you still need a Notecard even if you are using an external SIM. The Notecard itself is what hosts the cellular modem (among other components) and while it does have an embedded SIM, you can use an external SIM [by following these instructions](https://dev.blues.io/guides-and-tutorials/notecard-guides/using-external-sim-cards/).

Hope that helps!  
Rob

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![paulohm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/aeb1de/32.png) [@paulohm](https://discuss.blues.com/u/paulohm)\
**Post date:** [April 10, 2023, 1:39am UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/do-i-still-need-a-notecard-while-using-an-external-sim-card/1361/3 "2023-04-10T01:39:25Z")

</div>

thanks! Just placed an order for a dev kit.

Now I’m wondering if it comes with the Notecard with a modem that will work here in Brazil (NOTE-WBNA-500?). Of course I will be installing a local SIM card for local coverage, but I’m wondering if the modem on the Notecard is compatible with the local carriers.

Best regards,

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![RobLauer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/discuss.blues.com/roblauer/32/1567_2.png) [@RobLauer](https://discuss.blues.com/u/RobLauer)\
**Post date:** [April 10, 2023, 1:43pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/do-i-still-need-a-notecard-while-using-an-external-sim-card/1361/4 "2023-04-10T13:43:14Z")

</div>

Hi @paulohm,

In Brazil you would likely need the NBGL Notecard (which is not included in the Blues Starter Kit). I’ve put a temporary hold on fulfillment of your order in case you’d like to change it. If you want to replicate the starter kit, but include an NBGL Notecard, you can add these items separately to a new order, and we can refund your existing order:

1. [LTE-M Notecard | Global – Blues Wireless](https://shop.blues.io/products/note-nbgl-500)
2. [Notecarrier-F – Blues Wireless](https://shop.blues.io/products/notecarrier-f)
3. [Swan – Blues Wireless](https://shop.blues.io/collections/swan/products/swan)
4. [Wi-Fi Notecard – Blues Wireless](https://shop.blues.io/products/wifi-notecard)
5. [Notecarrier Pi Hat – Blues Wireless](https://shop.blues.io/products/carr-pi)

Just let me know if you’d like the old order refunded.

Thanks,  
Rob

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![paulohm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/aeb1de/32.png) [@paulohm](https://discuss.blues.com/u/paulohm)\
**Post date:** [April 10, 2023, 2:37pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/do-i-still-need-a-notecard-while-using-an-external-sim-card/1361/5 "2023-04-10T14:37:41Z")

</div>

Thanks !!! please provide a refund, I will place a new order.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![RobLauer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/discuss.blues.com/roblauer/32/1567_2.png) [@RobLauer](https://discuss.blues.com/u/RobLauer)\
**Post date:** [April 10, 2023, 2:44pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/do-i-still-need-a-notecard-while-using-an-external-sim-card/1361/6 "2023-04-10T14:44:19Z")

</div>

Old order is cancelled - you should have a notification in your email.

Thanks,  
Rob