[bobbyd3]

For instance... do you need a government issued ID to get a SIM card for a cell phone?

[RaoulP]

No, you don’t. As a tourist I could get a 30 day (unlimited data) SIM card with a phone number, over the counter.

I detailed my experience in another comment.

[eloisius]

You showed them your passport. Locals have to show a national ID.

[RaoulP]

That's true. I misunderstood the original question.