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Using a credit card in Brazil

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Get a card without foreign transaction fees and decline DCC when traveling around Latin America.

In Brazil, you can easily pay for products and services with your credit card. Mastercard and Visa are more widely accepted, although in large cities you’ll find merchants will also take American Express and Discover cards.

It’s also good to have some cash on you in case you’re at a restaurant or store where cards aren’t accepted or if you think using your card is risky.

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Potential credit card fees in Brazil

When you decide to travel to another country, it’s a good idea to look into what fees you’ll be charged when using your credit card. For transactions made in Brazil, you could pay:

  • Foreign transaction fees. Some credit cards slap you with a 3% fee for foreign transactions. This is relatively high, especially if you travel often. For every $1,000 spent in Brazil, you could pay up to $30 in fees. To avoid this, get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees.
  • Currency conversion fees. When you use your card in Brazil and the merchant asks if you’d like to pay in US dollars instead of Brazilian real, you’ll make a dynamic currency conversion (DCC). Typically, the fees for these conversions are higher than if you paid in the local currency.

Can I avoid incurring both fees?

Yes. Get a card without foreign transaction fees and decline DCC if offered.

Compare cards with no foreign transaction fees

When traveling abroad, it’s smart to have a credit card with you — if for nothing else than in case of emergency situations. If you travel often, having a card with premium travel benefits and no foreign transaction fees is almost certainly a must-have. The occasional traveler may opt for a simpler no-annual-fee card without foreign transaction fees.

Updated October 22nd, 2018
Name Product Currency Conversion Fee Annual Fee APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for Purchases
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express
$550
None (Charge Card)
Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel and 5X points on eligible hotels booked on amextravel.com. Rates & Fees
Go to siteView details
American Express® Gold Card
American Express® Gold Card
$250
See Rates & Fees
25,000 bonus Membership Rewards® Points when you spend $2,000 in the first 3 months Rates & Fees
Go to siteView details
Barclaycard Ring® Mastercard®
Barclaycard Ring® Mastercard®
None
$0
13.99% variable
A low, variable APR on purchases, balance transfers and cash advances.
View details
Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card
Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card
None
$95
17.74% to 26.74% variable
Earn 125,000 Hilton Honors™ Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Rates & Fees
Go to siteView details
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Hilton Honors American Express Card
$0
17.74% to 26.74% variable
Earn 75,000 Hilton Honors™ Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership. Rates & Fees
Go to siteView details
Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express
Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express
$0 annual fee for the first year ($95 thereafter)
17.74% to 26.74% variable
30,000 bonus miles after you use your new card to make $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months. Rates & Fees
Go to siteView details
Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express
Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express
$0 annual fee for the first year ($95 thereafter)
17.74% to 26.74% variable
Enjoy a $0 annual fee on the first year and earn up to 2 Starpoints® for every dollar of eligible purchases. Rates & Fees
Go to siteView details
Luxury Card Mastercard® Titanium Card™
Luxury Card Mastercard® Titanium Card™
None
$195
16.99% variable
Enjoy unique excursions, privileged access to exclusive events and insider opportunities.
Go to siteView details
Luxury Card Mastercard® Black Card™
Luxury Card Mastercard® Black Card™
None
$495
16.99% variable
Mastercard Black Card members receive an annual $100 air travel credit toward flight-related purchases including airline tickets, baggage fees, upgrades and more.
Go to siteView details
Luxury Card Mastercard® Gold Card™
Luxury Card Mastercard® Gold Card™
None
$995
16.99% variable
Earn points every time you spend. Luxury Card enhances your purchasing power by providing you with one (1) point for every one dollar ($1) you spend. Every purchase gets you closer to the rewards you want.
Go to siteView details
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
None
$0
16.99% to 24.99% variable
An intro offer rewards cardholders with a $250 value (25,000 online bonus points) after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days of account opening
View details
Chase Sapphire Preferred® credit card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® credit card
None
$0 annual fee for the first year ($95 thereafter)
17.74% to 24.74% variable
Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $625 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
View details
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
None
$450
17.74% to 24.74% variable
Earn 50,000 BONUS POINTS after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening* — that's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
View details

Compare up to 4 providers

Are American Express and Discover cards accepted in Brazil?

Yes, American Express and Discover cards are accepted in Brazil, especially in larger cities. However, it may be best to take a Mastercard with you, since it’s the most widely accepted card in Brazil.

Should I use my credit card to get cash in Brazil?

When you withdraw cash from an ATM, you could pay a cash advance fee of up to 5% of the transaction. That’s a $25 fee for $500. With most cards, the cash advance APR is also higher than the APR on purchases and balance transfers. To avoid this, get a card without cash advance fees and with a reasonable cash advance APR. Most debit cards don’t have these fees.

You can find ATMs in every city in Brazil, but it may be hard to find them in the countryside. For increased security, make sure you use ATMs that are located within banks or inside shopping malls. If you’re using an ATM that’s on the street, examine it for devices attached to the card slot or the cash dispenser. If something looks suspicious to you — skip that ATM and find another.

Chip-and-PIN credit cards

In Brazil, chip cards are more widely accepted. If you use a card without an EMV chip, your transaction may be declined. You may also be required to show your ID.

Is it safe to use my credit card in Brazil?

In general, it’s safe to use your card in Brazil, but consider these tips for added security.

  • Use an ATM within a bank or shopping mall. ATMs in the street may be tampered with, which could put you at risk of having your credit card information exposed. To avoid this, use ATMs inside a bank or a shopping mall.
  • Take two credit cards. Keep one credit card stored in your hotel room safe and the other in a secure pocket on you.
  • Keep your card in sight. In Rio, the most common fraud is card cloning. To avoid this, don’t let a merchant take your card and swipe it where you can’t see it. If you’re dining at a restaurant, ask for the waiter to bring the portable card reader to your table. If they don’t have one, walk with the waiter to the cashier’s station.
  • Use Uber instead of cabs. You’ll get a better service, there won’t be a language barrier and you can pay with your card through the app.

How to prepare before traveling to Brazil

  1. Get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Save money by limiting the amount of fees you’re charged for everyday use abroad.
  2. Get a card that’s largely accepted. Keep in mind that Mastercard and Visa are widely used in Brazil, while American Express and Discover cards are mostly accepted in larger cities.
  3. Get a backup credit card. Keep it in your hotel room safe in case you lose your primary card.
  4. Take some cash with you, but don’t exchange it at the airport. The exchange rate and fees are considerably higher at the airport than in the city.
  5. Inform your bank that you’re traveling to Brazil. Let your bank know the dates you’ll be out of the country. If you don’t, your bank may consider your transactions to be fraudulent and lock your account.
  6. Get your bank’s phone number. In the event your card is lost or stolen, you can quickly call the bank to block it from further use. Some banks will also let you do this online.

Bottom line

Using your credit card in Brazil is generally safe. To avoid fees, consider getting a travel card without foreign transaction fees and, if possible, get a backup card. If you need a cab, take an Uber instead of a regular taxi so that you can pay with your card through the app. And above all, always keep an eye on your credit card.

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Frequently asked questions

Kliment Dukovski

Kliment Dukovski is a writer who specializes in global financial markets and personal finance, with a focus on credit cards. His main goal is to deliver honest and accurate information to help you make the right financial decision. When he's not writing about finance-related subjects, he writes sci-fi stories.

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