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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 who take American Express and Discover cards.
Nevertheless, you should always carry some cash in case you’re at a restaurant or store where cards aren’t accepted or if you think using your card is risky.
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.
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:
Yes. Get a card without foreign transaction fees and decline DCC if offered.
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.
| Visa |  High |
High |
| Mastercard | High |
High |
| American Express |  Fair |
High |
| Discover | High |
Fair |
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.
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.
In general, it’s safe to use your card in Brazil, but consider these tips for added security.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Brazil, especially Mastercard and Visa. 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.
See more guides on using a credit card in other countries.
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