Pix is Brazil's favorite way to pay, and you can use it as a tourist through apps like WanderWallet, Nomad or Inter Global. How it works, myths vs. facts, and how to pay safely.
Pix is the Brazilian Central Bank's instant payment system. It runs 24/7, money arrives in seconds and almost everyone accepts it, from beach kiosks to street vendors and craft fairs.
As a tourist you don't need a Brazilian bank account or CPF (tax ID): you just need a foreign wallet app that supports Pix. You scan the QR, the app converts your dollars to reais and the seller gets paid instantly.
61%
of Argentine visitors pay with Pix
Infobae, Jan 2026
120k
Chileans used Pix in summer 2026
average ticket US$22
70k
Uruguayans paid via Prex
24/7
instant, even on holidays
Why it matters
Why Pix is worth having in Rio
- Kiosks, beach vendors and markets: many prefer Pix because it's fee-free for them; a few are Pix-or-cash only.
- Good rates in most wallet apps.
- Less cash in your pockets.
- Lower scam risk: you scan the QR and check the amount yourself.
- Tickets and bookings: some events, bars and small businesses take bookings via Pix.
By country
Which app to use for Pix
Argentina
Mercado Pago, Prex, DolarApp, Cocos and Global66. In Jan 2026 rates per R$1 ranged ARS 283.9–291.3.
- Rates close to official
Chile
Global66, Prex and Tenpo.
- Widely used by Chilean travelers
Uruguay
Prex is the most widespread option.
US, Canada and Europe
WanderWallet, Nomad or Inter Global. Wise won't enable Pix without a Brazilian address.
- Wise requires a Brazilian address
Colombia, Mexico and others
Check whether your bank or wallet supports Pix; if not, a no-fee card works almost everywhere.
Step by step
How to pay with Pix by QR code
- 1
Top up before you go out
1 minAdd funds while you have good signal; beach coverage can be spotty.
- 2
Ask for the QR or Pix key
10 sSay "Aceita Pix?". The vendor shows a printed QR, one on their phone or gives you a key (phone, email or CPF).
- 3
Scan from your app
10 sOpen the Pix option in your app and point the camera at the QR.
- 4
Check the amount and payee name
10 sBefore confirming, check the amount in reais and who's receiving it. With a static QR, you type the amount.
- 5
Confirm and show the receipt
5 sPayment arrives instantly. Show the confirmation screen.
Before you fly: get Pix ready
Myths vs. facts
What people say about Pix (and what's true)
Tap each card to flip it.
↻ Tap to flip
Frequently asked questions
Yes, through apps like WanderWallet, Nomad or Inter Global, which let you scan Pix QR codes and pay in reais.
Tours you can pay for with Pix
Book with Pix or card, fixed price
No cash or card machines on tour day. English-speaking guides, pickup included.
Recommended tours for this guide
Book online with a local guide, a fixed price and payment by international card or Pix.
