If you’re a foreigner visiting Brazil and looking for a fast, convenient, and cost-effective way to make payments, this guide will show you how to use PIX. As a foreigner, paying with PIX can save you time and money, and it’s easier than you might think.
Why Should You Use PIX in Brazil?
One of the biggest advantages of using PIX in Brazil is the speed of transactions. Payments are processed instantly, which makes it ideal for those staying temporarily in the country. This instant payment system is available 24/7, and unlike traditional methods, it has low fees, which is a huge benefit for foreigners.
Let’s compare: if you’re using Wise, a popular app for international transfers, you might face high transaction fees and less favorable currency exchange rates. Plus, with Wise, a bank transfer could take up to three business days. In contrast, with PIX, you can pay instantly without the long wait.
How to Pay With PIX as a Foreigner?
As a foreigner, you might be wondering how to pay with PIX if you don’t have a Brazilian bank account. Most PIX methods require a local bank account or residency, but there’s a simple solution: Paysend.
Paysend is an app that lets you send money via PIX with a fixed transaction fee of just 1.5 EUR. Here’s how you can start using Paysend for PIX payments in Brazil:
- Download the Paysend App: You can easily set up an account using your phone number. The entire process takes less than 5 minutes.
- Link Your Payment Method: After confirming your phone number, link your credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, etc.) to start making payments.
- Supported Countries: Paysend currently supports over 170 countries for receiving money and 49 countries for sending money, making it a versatile option for foreigners.
What Are PIX Keys and Transfer Limits?
To use PIX, you’ll need to understand what a PIX key (chave) is. A PIX key is how individuals or businesses identify themselves for PIX payments. It could be a CPF (Brazilian tax ID), email address, or phone number.
When making a payment, always confirm the recipient’s full name before completing the transaction. After the payment, share the receipt as proof of payment.
Paysend has limits for PIX transfers, but you can increase these limits by verifying your residential address in the app.
Important Note for Large Payments
It’s important to note that Paysend uses the bank’s name for payments rather than your own. For this reason, it’s not recommended to use Paysend for large payments like real estate purchases or significant investments. For these types of payments, it’s better to use Wise and plan for the 3 business days required for bank transfers.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to pay with PIX as a foreigner, you can enjoy the benefits of instant, low-fee payments while staying in Brazil. Whether you’re making small purchases or handling everyday expenses, Paysend offers a quick and easy way to use PIX in Brazil without a Brazilian bank account. Just follow the steps above, and you’ll be ready to pay like a local!
