Brazil’s popularity as an international tourist destination grew 40% in 2025 compared with the previous year, according to the Ministry of Tourism, drawing roughly 9 million visitors. It is estimated that this growth trend will continue in 2026, with the number of international flights to Brazil increasing by around 23%.

Luckily for foreign travelers, Brazil offers a modern payment experience: you can cross the country, from the beaches of Florianópolis to the Amazon, with almost no need to handle physical cash. That’s largely thanks to the Pix payment system—a fast, secure and inexpensive transfer network.

In this article we’ll cover everything you need to know to enjoy a frictionless payment experience on your Brazil trip.

What do I need to know to pay in Brazil?

Before you dive into the samba rhythm and the warmth of the beaches, it’s essential to know that Brazil’s payment infrastructure is highly tech-driven — but not completely open: access isn’t automatic.

Here are the key points you should prepare before you go.

  • Connectivity (eSIM). Paying smart in Brazil requires internet. Almost all modern payment methods, especially QR codes, depend on a stable connection. In 2025 the recommendation is to buy an eSIM (for example, Airalo or Holafly) before you arrive. That way you’ll have mobile data active as soon as you land and can use digital wallets and transport Apps like Uber.
  • The CPF hurdle. The Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas (CPF) is Brazil’s tax ID number. Almost all local systems (banks, shopping Apps, streaming services) require one. As a tourist you won’t have a CPF, so you won’t be able to use Brazilian bank Apps. However, with global financial Apps like Wallbit you can make Pix payments without the hassle.
  • NFC-enabled (contactless). Brazil is one of the countries with the highest adoption of contactless payments in the world. Make sure your physical cards have the “wave” symbol, or better yet, that they’re set up in Apple Pay or Google Pay. In major cities, about 99% of payment terminals (locally called “maquininhas”) accept payments from a phone or smartwatch.
  • Local currency (Brazilian Real - BRL). While the dollar is a strong currency, it’s not accepted for everyday payments. Exchange rates at airports can be highly unfavorable. The best strategy is to use debit cards from neobanks that convert your dollars at the interbank rate of the day. And yes: Wallbit offers a debit card that does exactly that.

Paying with Pix in Brazil: easy, fast and cheap

If anything has changed life in Brazil since late 2020, it’s Pix—the instant payment system created by Brazil’s Central Bank. It runs 24/7 and transfers settle in seconds.

What is Pix and how does it work?

Pix lets you send money from one account to another using “keys” (Chaves Pix) or QR codes. Keys can be a phone number, an email address, a CPF, or a random code.

For merchants it’s much cheaper than accepting credit cards, so you’ll see “Pix” signs everywhere—from newspaper kiosks to vendors selling queijo coalho on the beach.

The “Pix discount” benefit

Because merchants avoid credit card fees (which in Brazil can take up to 30 days to settle), it’s very common to see signs saying “10% desconto no Pix.” For a tourist, that means paying with Pix can literally be cheaper than using an international Visa or Mastercard.

Can I get cash with Pix?

You can obtain cash via Pix Saque and Pix Troco, but you do need a local bank account and a CPF to do so. These services are available at authorized locations like pharmacies or supermarkets, so you don’t always need to hunt down a traditional ATM.

Can I use an App to pay with Pix in Brazil?

Yes! You can use a global App like Wallbit to pay with Pix in Brazil as a foreigner without any extra steps: you just need to download the App from App Store or Google Play and register.

Although the Pix Payment system was originally designed for people with Brazilian bank accounts (and therefore a CPF), there are three ways a foreigner can use it:

  • Global digital wallets. Platforms like Wallbit have added features that let foreigners load balance into their Apps and scan any Pix QR code in Brazil. The App converts your dollars into reais instantly.
  • Agreements with neighboring banks. Some banks in bordering countries (like Uruguay, Argentina or Paraguay) have begun allowing their users to pay Pix QR codes directly from their national Apps, though fees may vary.
  • Transfers via Wise. If you have a friend in Brazil, you can send them money with Wise (which integrates with Pix) so they can give you cash or help with specific payments—although this isn’t the most convenient option for daily use.

Other payment methods and safety tips

Although Pix is the star, Brazil has a robust payments network that offers other efficient alternatives for travelers.

Can I use my card to pay in Brazil?

Yes! Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere. American Express is accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants, but is less common in small shops. In any case, credit and debit cards may offer worse exchange rates than paying directly with Pix.

If you want to use your card, you can activate your Wallbit debit card to make payments: conversion happens at the point of sale using the day’s interbank rate.

Cash withdrawals (ATM)

Even though cash is increasingly unnecessary, it’s wise to carry 100–200 reais for emergencies.

  • Banco24Horas. You’ll see these red ATMs in supermarkets, pharmacies and gas stations. They’re the largest network and accept most international cards (Cirrus/Maestro).
  • Fees. Expect a usage fee (surcharge) usually around 20–30 reais per transaction in addition to any bank fees. For that reason it’s better to make one large withdrawal rather than several small ones.

Security and fraud prevention

Faster and more agile payment methods have introduced new security challenges everywhere. Here are some tips to help protect your money and avoid surprises:

  • Never lose sight of your card. Don’t allow a waiter or vendor to take your card to another table or room. The terminal should always be brought to you.
  • Prefer paying with your phone. Using Apple Pay or Google Pay means your card data is encrypted. Even if the terminal were tampered with, criminals won’t get your actual card number.
  • Check the amount on the screen. Before tapping your card or phone, always verify that the amount shown on the terminal matches the price. A common error (or sometimes a malicious trick) is adding an extra zero.

Best ways to pay in Brazil

To get the most value from your money, the key in 2025 is smart diversification. Don’t rely on a single payment method.

1. Pix payment (via global App)

Best For: Street food, markets, and shops offering a 10% discount.

Pro Tip: Use it to avoid the 3% foreign transaction fees of traditional banks.

2. Contactless Card (NFC)

Best For: Hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets.

Pro Tip: Always select "Credit" on the machine.

3. Physical Cash (reais)

Best For: Small tips, emergency taxi rides, and remote areas.

Pro Tip: Avoid exchanging cash at the airport; use an ATM instead.

The exchange-rate trick

If a payment terminal offers to convert the price to your local currency (for example, showing the price in dollars instead of reais), decline it.  Always choose to pay in BRL (reais). That lets your financial platform (like Wallbit or your digital bank) do the conversion—usually 3%–5% cheaper than the merchant’s bank conversion.

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Vacationing in Brazil in 2025 is financially straightforward if you come prepared. The ideal combo for a smart traveler is: an eSIM to stay connected, an App that lets you pay via Pix to take advantage of discounts for everyday spending.

With those tools, your only worry will be choosing between a lime caipirinha or a tropical fruit one.

By leveraging Brazil's advanced digital infrastructure while staying aware of local nuances, you'll spend less time worrying about how to pay the bill and more time enjoying your caipirinha under the sun.