You can indeed get and activate a sim without a CPF these days. You have to show your passport nowadays. And perhaps be a bit insistent; customer service is a non-existent concept in Brazil and few people speak English. This (showing passport, no CPF needed) was true well before the World Cup.
(Also, I believe it is now possible for any traveler to apply for a CPF at the same consulate where the visa was obtained.)
Note: If you buy a chip in Rio, this does not get you countrywide service without extra charge.
Note: Calls to numbers on the same provider are usually without charge.
This wiki seems to be reasonably up to date and complete :
http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/Brazil
Last edited by VidaNaPraia; Apr 7, 2016 at 1:43 pm