What's the best credit card for Brazil?

[JacknDiane]

Travelling to Brazil soon, not sure what's best in terms of paying for stuff whilst there? Will it be reckless to not take any cash?

Any advice appreciated

I have always just used my normal bank card (first direct), and in the last few times I’ve been I used Apple Pay. I never bother bringing cash, BRL is hard to find in my neck of the woods and I find using a cash point if I need cash is easier than sourcing reais. Last year I went to Rio and Iguaçu and used zero cash.

I read cash is needed for tips for guides if you go anywhere?

I would take a credit and a debit card and also plan to get some cash, even just £50-100 worth (either order to collect in the UK, or plan to get it on arrival) so I have it for transport or food/drink on the first day.

To not have any cash seems reckless as in many countries, some places won't take it, especially for smaller purchases. I'd also make sure none of my cards charged for overseas purchases or cash withdrawals, look on Moneysaving Expert for a full explanation. I find that the people who say they 'never need cash' live a very urban/suburban lifestyle so aren't stuck because a small business or car park in a rural area is cash only. They also don't think about the extra expense that paying by card brings - all that commission, fees and 'convenience charges' add up. They also don't care about the amount of money the retailer loses in card charges.

You can always use your card when accepted and then spend the cash anyway if it's still left at the end of your holiday. Or get some more from a cashpoint if you need it.

I would do this wherever I'm going so it covers all bases unless I know that everywhere takes cards, even for small purchases. I've never been out of Europe, but Iceland was the only country I felt comfortable without any cash at all, otherwise I've found that:

In Germany, many restaurants and cafes are cash only.

In Poland, public toilets are usually chargeable and cash only.

In Spain, many smaller/out of the way shops and bars are cash only or won't take cards for under about 10 euro. Also buses are often cash, special card or app only, you can't pay with a bank card. However, it's hard to find a cash machine that doesn't charge to withdraw cash, so use your euros efficiently by using your card where you can. But as I go to euro countries a few times a year, I just keep any left over until next time.

In Denmark, there was a surcharge for paying by credit card, but a debit card was free.

Plus as you say, if there's a tipping culture, you need cash for that.

I booked one of our trips at the hotel and a few directly with a travel agency so paid with a debit card for both. There isn't a tipping culture in Brazil generally apart from a service charge in bars and restaurants (normally already included in the bill, 10%, but you can ask for it to be removed). Brazilians wouldn't expect a tip and we hardly ever tip - unless you're doing one of those free tours? I am sure it would be appreciated if you did though.

Brazil has its own payment system called Pix - it's like a bank transfer but you can use it in shops and restaurants. It is extremely popular, so people are using cash less and less. Using cash is not an issue, but I have noticed that getting change is (I don't use cash but parents do).

I am not saying don't bring cash, but you asked if it would be reckless to not bring any, it would most likely be fine. I don't know where exactly you're going, OP, but Brazil is extremely urban, particularly the touristy bits. Withdrawing money in Brazil is better than bringing it from the UK, just had a look at the exchange rate at the Post Office and it's shocking.

Thanks

Going to rio and a trip of a few days into the jungle.