Is the word simpático the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Yes

The difference between the use of this word in Brazilian and Continental Portuguese is purely pronunciation.

In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are more open and the rhythm is more melodic and "syllable-timed." The unstressed vowels are clearly articulated, making the word sound more fluid.

In Continental Portuguese, the vowels are more closed and the rhythm is "stress-timed." This means that unstressed syllables are often reduced or nearly swallowed, resulting in a more "consonantal" and clipped sound where the "i" may sound much shorter or more subtle.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

1. Ele é super simpático. (He is super friendly.)
2. A moça da recepção foi muito simpática. (The girl at the reception was very nice.)
3. Que cara simpático! (What a friendly guy!)
4. O pessoal lá é bem simpático. (The people there are quite friendly.)
5. Ele é um rapaz muito simpático. (He is a very nice guy.)

Continental Portuguese Examples:

1. Ele é muito simpático. (He is very nice.)
2. A senhora foi muito simpática comigo. (The lady was very kind to me.)
3. É um rapaz bastante simpático. (He is a quite friendly young man.)
4. Acho que ele é uma pessoa muito simpática. (I think he is a very pleasant person.)
5. O funcionário foi muito simpático. (The employee was very friendly.)