Paying in Brazil as a Tourist
PIX – Brazil's instant payment revolution
⚠️ PIX requires a Brazilian CPF number for full access
Standard PIX requires a Brazilian tax number (CPF). However, tourists can use Mercado Pago with a foreign account. Here's exactly what works for visitors.
In This Guide
How to Use PIX
Step-by-step: scan, pay and send with PIX
PIX Tourist Guide
Can foreigners use PIX? Mercado Pago solution
PIX QR Code Explained
How the PIX QR format technically works
PIX for Foreigners
Long-term visitors: how to get full PIX access
Cashless Travel Brazil
Going cash-free across Rio, São Paulo and beyond
Scan PIX QR Code
Scan a PIX code with Nubank, Itaú or Mercado Pago
PIX Keys Explained
CPF, CNPJ, phone, email and random keys explained
PIX – Brazil's Payment Revolution
The Banco Central do Brasil launched PIX on November 16, 2020. It achieved the fastest mass adoption of any payment system globally — reaching 100 million users in just 5 months and surpassing credit cards in transaction volume within its first year.
Today PIX processes over 3 billion transactions per month. More than 150 million users are registered, and over 700 banks and fintechs participate in the network. PIX is available 24/7/365, completely free for individuals.
PIX has replaced TED and DOC for everyday transfers and works for P2P, merchant and government payments. Transfers settle in under 10 seconds — including weekends and bank holidays.
Can Tourists Use PIX?
Standard PIX requires a Brazilian CPF tax number and a Brazilian bank account. However, there is a practical solution for tourists:
Mercado Pago — Latin America's largest fintech — accepts foreign users:
- Register with passport and foreign email address
- Link international Visa/Mastercard
- Pay at millions of Brazilian merchants
- App available in English
Long-term visitors: Those staying 2+ months can get a CPF at the Receita Federal, which unlocks full PIX access.
Where PIX is Accepted
Are you a merchant or receiving payments in Brazil?
Generate your PIX QR code →