🇧🇷Brazil
Travel Risk Intelligence · Updated regularly
Brazil Digital Travel Overview
Pix Revolution
Pix is Brazil's instant payment system and dominates daily transactions. Many small vendors only accept Pix or cash. International tourists cannot easily set up Pix.
CPF Everywhere
CPF (tax ID number) is required for many purchases, SIM cards, and online services. Tourists can apply for a CPF at any Receita Federal office.
WhatsApp is Life
Brazil runs on WhatsApp. Businesses use it for orders, customer service, reservations. Having WhatsApp is more important than having email.
Essential Apps for Brazil
Communication backbone of Brazil. Businesses, restaurants, hotels all use WhatsApp. Essential.
Uber
CriticalPrimary ride-hailing. Works in all major cities. Much safer than street taxis. Accepts international cards.
99
High PriorityBrazilian ride-hailing alternative to Uber. Sometimes cheaper. Good in smaller cities.
iFood
High PriorityBrazil's largest food delivery app. Like DoorDash/UberEats. May require CPF.
Google Maps
High PriorityWorks well in Brazil for navigation and transit directions.
Google Translate
High PriorityMany Brazilians don't speak English. Portuguese translation essential.
Payment Guide for Brazil
Pix
International Cards
Cash (Real)
Important Tip
Transport in Brazil
Uber/99
Safest transport option in cities. Use Uber or 99 instead of street taxis. Both accept international cards. Pin-based pickup recommended.
Metro
São Paulo and Rio have metro systems. Clean and efficient but limited coverage. Buy single tickets or rechargeable cards.
Buses
Extensive bus networks. Google Maps shows routes. Pay with cash or transport card. Keep valuables hidden.
Domestic Flights
Brazil is huge — fly between cities. GOL, LATAM, Azul airlines. Book via their apps. Prices vary dramatically.
SIM & Connectivity in Brazil
SIM Purchase
Buy at airport or carrier stores (Claro, Vivo, TIM). CPF may be required — some airport stores waive this for tourists. Bring passport.
eSIM
Airalo, Holafly, and Ubigi offer Brazil eSIMs. Easiest option to avoid CPF requirement.
WiFi
Free WiFi at malls, cafes, hotels. Quality varies. Street WiFi unreliable. Mobile data recommended.
Coverage
Good 4G in cities. Rural and Amazon areas have limited coverage. Download offline maps.
Tickets & Bookings in Brazil
Flights
Book GOL, LATAM, Azul directly or via Google Flights. Domestic flights can be very cheap if booked early.
Events
Carnival, Rock in Rio, Lollapalooza Brasil — book months ahead via Ingresso.com or Eventim.
Attractions
Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Cable Car, Iguazu Falls — buy tickets online to avoid long queues.
Football
Match tickets via club websites or Ingresso.com. Big games sell out. Arrive early for security checks.
Common Mistakes in Brazil
Avoid these common pitfalls to save time and frustration.
Selecting Débito Instead of Crédito
CriticalForeign cards only work on CRÉDITO. Selecting débito will always fail.
Not Having WhatsApp
High RiskBusinesses, hotels, tour operators all communicate via WhatsApp. Email is secondary.
Flashing Expensive Items
CriticalDon't display expensive phones, cameras, jewelry in public. Petty theft is common in tourist areas.
No CPF for Services
High RiskMany online services, SIM cards, and purchases require CPF. Get one early or use workarounds.
Relying on English
MediumMost Brazilians don't speak English. Download Portuguese translation. Learn basic phrases.
Pre-Departure Checklist for Brazil
Complete these before your trip.
Digital Setup
Documents
Money
Safety
FAQ — Brazil
Answers to the most common questions.
Depends on nationality. US, Canada, Australia need eVisa. EU citizens get visa-free entry. Check before booking.
Tourist areas are generally safe with precautions. Use Uber, avoid deserted areas at night, don't flash valuables. Most tourists have trouble-free trips.
CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) is a tax ID number. Needed for many purchases and services. Tourists can get one at Receita Federal offices.
Recommended Tools
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May contain affiliate links.
May contain affiliate links.
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