Brazil: Payment methods & tips

All continents Latin America and the Caribbean Brazil

Travel money:

Prepaid Travel credit card

in Swiss francs (CHF)

For ATM cash withdrawals
For cashless payments in shops, restaurants, hotels, and online

ATM Search

Banknotes

in local currency

For minor expenses on arrival in country of destination

Local currency / ISO Code

Real BRL

Further Information

Import local currency
unlimited; BRL 10'000.00 or more must be declared

Import foreign currency
unlimited; BRL 10'000.00 (equivalent) or more must be declared

Export local currency
unlimited; BRL 10'000.00 or more must be declared

Export foreign currency
unlimited; BRL 10'000.00 (equivalent) or more must be declared

Credit cards

Payment by credit card is relatively common. For more detailed information, please contact the credit card issuer.

ATM Search

Find out more about Travel

Useful tips from our experts:

Cash withdrawals often only with a PIN four digit possible.
In this country, an additional fee is charged by ATM owners. The latter not only applies to Travel withdrawals but to all card withdrawals.
The Travel card is equipped with a chip. For your own safety, you can only use Travel in this country to withdraw cash at ATMs having the Chip Reader enabled. Under «ATM Search» you will find such ATMs near you by checking the box «Chip Reader Enabled».
Credit cards are recommended for car rentals. Prepaid cards are generally accepted for payment but not for reservations. Please check the possible payment methods with the car rental company in advance.
For reasons of safety, it is advisable not to exchange cash over the amount needed immediately.
Keep exchange and transaction receipts for reconversion.
Prior to leaving the country, it is advisable to spend local banknotes or to exchange them back into hard currency. Exchanging BRL in Switzerland may cause problems and result in considerable exchange loss.
Important. While every precaution has been taken to verify the information provided, Swiss Bankers Prepaid Services Ltd does not

Practical Information:

National language

Official language

Portuguese

Language capabilities

English and Spanish

Time difference with Switzerland

2-5 h

Capital

Brasília

Country code for calling Switzerland

Depending on phone company: 0021 41 (Embratel), 0031 41 (Telemar) or 0023 41 (Iteliq/Bonari); disregard "0" preceding Swiss area codes

Voltage

110/127/220 volt / adapter required

Travel documents for Swiss citizens

Passport still valid 6 months or more after arrival, return or onward travel ticket and proof of sufficient funds for stays up to 3 months.

Swiss Embassy / Consulate

Brasilia, SES, Avenida das Nações, Quadra 811, Lote 41
Tel.: +55 61 34 43 55 00 / +55 61 34 43 39 22 / +55 61 34 43 39 34 / +55 61 34 43 39 69

Opening hours

Banks

10.00 - 16.00 h (Mon - Fri)

Stores

9.00 - 18.00 h (Mon - Fri)
9.00 - 13.00 h (Sat)

Driving

International driver's license required.
Minimum age for car rentals: 21 to 25 (varies by company).
CH sticker, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher and breakdown triangle mandatory.
Blood alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰.

Health situation

Do not drink tap water.
Mosquito protection advised.
Risk of dengue fever.
Risk of malaria in certain areas.
Vaccination against yellow fever, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and measles recommended.

Other information

Security

Relatively high crime rate, especially in the cities.
Do not carry valuables (watches, jewelry, expensive cameras, etc.) on you.
Avoid demonstrations and large crowds.
Nighttime driving not advised due to high hold-up rate.

Special legal regulations

Very strict laws to fight illegal drugs.

Travel advice for Brazil.