Cash or card? Can you use Pix as a tourist? We compare costs, where to exchange money in Copacabana, ATM fees, the DCC trap, tipping and how to avoid the card-machine scam.
The essentials in 30 seconds
61%
of Argentine visitors pay with Pix
R$500–800
cash is plenty for small expenses
4–8%
extra you pay if you accept DCC
R$20–24
per withdrawal at Banco24Horas ATMs
≈ R$5.14
per US$1 (Sept 2026)
In Rio almost everything is paid by card or Pix, Brazil's instant payment system. Even the guy selling iced mate on the beach carries a card machine or a QR code. Cash still works, but it's no longer the main character.
For most US and European visitors a no-foreign-fee credit card covers 90% of expenses, and contactless works on the metro. Pix is the cherry on top, but careful: Wise doesn't give you Pix without a Brazilian address, so you'll need an app like WanderWallet, Nomad or Inter Global. Here's everything compared, with September 2026 data.
Comparison
Card, Pix, cash or ATM: what's best?
Ways to pay in Rio
| Cost | Convenience | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| International credit card | Low with a no-foreign-transaction-fee card | Very high: restaurants, supermarkets, Uber, metro (contactless) | Bigger expenses: hotels, restaurants, tours |
| Pix via wallet app (WanderWallet, Nomad, Inter Global) | Low: rate close to mid-market in most apps | Very high: scan the QR and done | Beach kiosks, street vendors, small shops |
| US dollars exchanged in Rio | Medium: depends on the exchange office; Copacabana is usually fair | Medium: you have to go exchange and carry cash | A R$500–800 cash buffer |
| ATM (Banco24Horas) | High: ~R$20–24 per withdrawal + ~1.1% IOF tax + your bank's fee | High: they're everywhere | Emergencies; withdraw larger amounts, fewer times |
| Reais bought at home | Usually poor rates, plus fees | High: you land with cash | Only a little for day one |
Approximate costs for foreign visitors, Sept 2026. They vary by bank or wallet.
Ranking
Wallet apps that let you pay with Pix
Argentine wallets ranked by the rate for R$1 (Infobae, Jan 2026); below, the options for US and European travelers.
Argentina: rate per R$1 (Jan 2026)
DolarApp
Best rateARS 283.9Load in dollars, pay Pix in reais. Best rate in the survey.
Cocos
ARS 284.3Very close to #1. Handy if you already use Cocos.
Global66
ARS 284.9Also popular with Chileans. Multi-currency account with Pix QR.
Mercado Pago
ARS 287The best known. Scan the Pix QR from the same app used at home.
Prex
ARS 291.3Slightly pricier in Argentina, but the go-to in Uruguay and useful in Chile.
If you're not from Argentina
| What to use | Watch out for | |
|---|---|---|
| Chile | Global66 or Prex (120k Chileans paid with Pix in summer 2026). | Check your bank card's foreign fee. |
| Uruguay | Prex, the most used (about 70k Uruguayans). | Load funds before you leave. |
| Colombia and Mexico | A no-fee credit card; check if your wallet offers Pix. | Always pay in BRL. |
| US, Canada and Europe | No-foreign-fee card + WanderWallet, Nomad or Inter Global for Pix. | Wise won't give you Pix without a Brazilian address. |
Calculator
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Brazilian real converter
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Reference rates, updated automatically. Your card or wallet applies its own rate.
Cash
Where to exchange money in Rio
- Copacabana is your best bet: dozens of exchange offices (casas de câmbio) line Av. Nossa Senhora de Copacabana, especially around Rua Siqueira Campos, and Rua Barata Ribeiro. Compare two or three.
- Airport and hotel desks have the worst rates: skip them; Uber from the airport takes cards.
- Bring clean, undamaged US dollar or euro bills.
- Bring your passport: they'll ask for it.
- Count the cash at the counter and keep the receipt.
Exchange offices area in Copacabana
ATMs
ATMs and the DCC trap
How to withdraw cash without overpaying
- 1
Use ATMs inside banks, malls or supermarkets
Safer than street ATMs, especially at night.
- 2
Withdraw larger amounts, less often
Each Banco24Horas withdrawal costs ~R$20–24, plus ~1.1% IOF tax and your bank's fee.
- 3
Always decline the conversion (DCC)
If the ATM or card machine offers to charge you in your home currency, say NO and choose BRL. DCC costs 4–8% extra.
- 4
Put the cash away before walking out
Don't count bills on the sidewalk. Split cash between pockets.
Tipping
How much to tip in Rio
- Restaurants and bars: the bill usually includes a 10% "serviço" charge. It's technically optional, but almost everyone pays it. No need to add more.
- Tour guides: R$20–30 per person on group tours and R$50–80 on private tours, if you enjoyed it.
- Uber and taxis: tipping isn't expected; round up or tip in the app.
- Beach vendors: no tip.
Tipping culture is much lighter than in the US. In Portuguese a tip is a gorjeta.
Money in Rio: FAQ
Neither in large amounts. A card covers most things. If you want a cash buffer (R$500–800), exchanging dollars in Copacabana beats buying reais at home.
Tours you can book today by card or Pix
Pay for your tours with an international card or Pix
Fixed price, no card machines, no cash, no surprises. English-speaking guides and hotel pickup on most tours.
Empfohlene Touren
Online buchen mit lokalem Guide, Festpreis und Zahlung per internationaler Karte oder Pix.
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