Brazil For Foreigners — Brazil Travel Guide, Explained

Survival

Stuck in Brazil right now?

Quick fixes for the most common situations foreigners run into — pick what's happening and get a fast answer.

💳 My card got declined everywhere

Try switching between crédito and débito, call your bank to check for a fraud block, and keep some cash as backup. Full steps in the FAQ.

🏧 An ATM kept my card

Contact the bank operating the ATM (usually posted on the machine) and your own card issuer right away — retrieval varies by bank.

📵 A store only accepts Pix

Ask if they take an international card or cash instead — most established businesses do, even if Pix was their first suggestion.

🛂 My passport was stolen

File a police report (boletim de ocorrência) at the nearest delegacia, then contact your embassy for an emergency travel document.

📱 My phone was stolen

File a police report, contact your carrier to suspend service, and remotely lock or wipe the device if you can.

🚕 My Uber/taxi driver doesn't understand me

Show your destination written or on a map app rather than relying on pronunciation — most drivers are used to this with tourists.

🧾 A website won't accept me without a CPF

Look for a foreign-document or passport field near the CPF box, or contact the site's support to ask how foreign customers check out.

🏥 I need a doctor or pharmacy

For non-emergencies, search for a nearby farmácia or clínica. For urgent issues, call SAMU (192) or go to the nearest pronto-socorro.

Not seeing your situation?

Search the full FAQ for more specific answers, or message us on WhatsApp.

Search the FAQ

Brazil For Foreigners — practical answers for foreigners traveling, shopping, paying and using services in Brazil. General guidance only, not legal, immigration, financial or medical advice.

Updated: Aug/2026