In Rio you'll see Pix signs everywhere: at beach kiosks, markets, bars and even at some museum ticket offices. For a visitor, paying isn't always that simple, because Pix works with accounts at Brazilian institutions. This guide explains what you can use, what to bring and which official rules to keep in mind. It isn't financial advice: fees and exchange rates depend on your bank.
At a glance
- Pix: the instant payment system of Brazil's Central Bank. You use it from an account at a participating institution.
- Card: credit or debit, accepted at most formal businesses. Check with your bank about fees and limits for use in Brazil.
- Cash: handy for street vendors, some kiosks and ticket offices that only take cash, such as Sítio Burle Marx or MAC Niterói.
- Currency exchange: only at institutions authorized by the Central Bank.
- Entering Brazil: if you carry more than US$ 10,000 in cash (or the equivalent), you must declare it.
What Pix is and who can use it
According to Brazil's Central Bank ↗, Pix is an instant payment system that lets you transfer money between accounts in seconds, at any time, from checking, savings or prepaid accounts.
The key is who can use it. The Central Bank says Pix can be used by any person or company that has an account ↗ — checking, savings or prepaid payment — at an institution that participates in Pix. Pix isn't an app: you use it from the app of the bank or institution where you hold the account.
In practice, if you don't have an account at a Brazilian institution, you won't be able to pay with Pix directly. Some international financial services let you pay to a Pix key from abroad; if you're interested, ask your bank or payment app whether they allow it, what it costs and which exchange rate they apply.
When a business tells you "só Pix" (Pix only), ask whether they take cards or cash before you order.
Credit and debit cards
At formal businesses (restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies, hotels) you can usually pay by card at the payment terminal, called a maquininha. Before you travel:
- Tell your bank you'll use your card in Brazil, if your bank requires it.
- Check fees and limits for purchases abroad and for cash withdrawals.
- Carry two payment methods and keep them in different places.
At the terminal you may be asked whether it's crédito or débito. If you pay with your phone or a contactless card, check the amount on the screen before tapping.
Some places don't take cards. In this guide we mention it when the official source says so: for example, Sítio Burle Marx only takes cash, and so does the MAC Niterói ticket office (Niterói in a day).
Cash and currency exchange
Some cash in reais is useful for the beach, markets and small expenses. To exchange money, the Central Bank states that buying and selling foreign currency should only be done at authorized institutions ↗ in the foreign exchange market or their correspondents. Between private individuals it's only allowed up to US$ 500, occasionally and not as a business. Don't exchange money with offers on the street.
Another option is to withdraw reais at an ATM with your card. Fees and the exchange rate depend on your bank and the ATM: check beforehand.
If you arrive with a lot of cash
According to Brazil's Federal Revenue Service ↗, every traveler entering Brazil with more than US$ 10,000 in cash, or the equivalent in another currency, must fill out the Electronic Traveler's Goods Declaration (e-DBV) and present it at customs.
Tips for paying without surprises
- Ask the price first: at the beach and street stalls, confirm the price and payment method before you order.
- Check the bill: in restaurants, the 10% service charge (taxa de serviço) is optional; we explain it in tipping in Rio.
- At the beach, carry little: one payment method and some cash. More tips in safety in Rio.
- To estimate your budget, see the budget template.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay with Pix as a tourist?
Pix works from an account at a participating institution, which in practice is Brazilian. If you don't have one, use a card or cash, or ask whether your bank or app lets you pay to Pix keys from abroad.
Should I bring reais from home?
It depends on your bank and the exchange rate you get. What matters is exchanging only at authorized institutions and not carrying all your money with you.
What should I do if my card is stolen?
Block it right away in the app or by calling your bank, and file a police report. You'll find the steps in safety in Rio.
Sources: Brazil's Central Bank: Pix ↗, who can make a Pix ↗ and where to buy or sell foreign currency ↗, and Federal Revenue Service: cash when entering Brazil ↗, accessed October 27, 2026.