Whether you’re living abroad or temporarily staying in Brazil, receiving money from Brazilian individuals, companies, or institutions can seem like a complex process. Fortunately, modern solutions like Wise and Brazil’s instant payment system PIX have made international and domestic transfers faster and more affordable.
In this article, we will break down the best ways to receive money from Brazil based on your location, documentation, and financial preferences. Whether you’re in the USA, Europe, Africa, or living in Brazil, here’s everything you need to know.
📌 Why Would You Need to Receive Money from Brazil?
- You have family or friends sending support abroad
- You’re an international freelancer or remote worker for a Brazilian company
- You sold products or services to Brazilian clients
- You’re managing a rental or business income in Brazil
Whatever the case, selecting the right platform is crucial to save on fees, reduce transfer times, and comply with regulations.
💸 Best Ways to Receive Money from Brazil
1. Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Wise is the most recommended platform for receiving international transfers from Brazil to over 70 countries. It’s fast, reliable, and has one of the lowest fees in the industry.
Benefits:
- Transparent mid-market exchange rates
- Low, upfront fees
- Receive money directly in your local currency
- Available in the USA, UK, Europe, Nigeria, India, Philippines, and more
📥 Open your free Wise account now and get paid from Brazil within minutes to days, depending on the transfer type.
2. PIX (for those inside Brazil)
If you are physically in Brazil and have a bank account (even as a foreigner), receiving money through PIX is a game-changer.
Requirements:
- A Brazilian bank account (even for foreigners — learn how to open one here)
- A registered PIX key (phone, email, CPF, or random key)
PIX transfers are:
- Instant (less than 10 seconds)
- Free for individuals
- 24/7, including weekends and holidays
🧾 Open a Brazilian account at Banco Rendimento and receive money via PIX as a non-resident. Click here to open your CDE account.
3. Western Union
Western Union is still a reliable method for those who prefer to receive money in cash or lack access to bank accounts. However, it comes with higher fees and less favorable exchange rates.
Pros:
- Available in most countries
- Can be picked up as cash or deposited into bank accounts
Cons:
- Expensive compared to Wise or PIX
- Requires physical pickup if no bank account is provided
4. PayPal
PayPal is an option for freelancers and digital workers, but it’s not the most efficient way to receive money from Brazil due to high conversion fees and limited functionality with BRL.
We recommend using PayPal only when required by the payer.
🌍 Country-Specific Scenarios
🇺🇸 Receiving Money from Brazil in the USA
✅ Use Wise to receive directly in USD.
🇳🇬 Receiving Money from Brazil in Nigeria
✅ Wise offers Naira support, or you can use remittance services like Sendwave or Western Union.
🇪🇺 Receiving Money in Europe
✅ SEPA transfers via Wise are fast and low-cost.
🇮🇳 Receiving Money in India
✅ Wise supports INR, often with better rates than banks.
📊 Transfer Comparison Table
| Method | Speed | Fees | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | 1-2 days | Low | International transfers |
| PIX via Rendimento | Instant | Free | Users in Brazil |
| Western Union | Minutes to 2 days | High | Cash pickup |
| PayPal | 1-2 days | High | Freelancers / Digital |
🧾 Documentation Needed
Depending on the service, you may need:
- Valid passport
- Proof of address
- Tax ID (CPF for Brazil)
- Bank details
Not sure how to get a CPF in Brazil as a foreigner? Check out this CPF guide here.
📌 Final Tips
- Always compare exchange rates before choosing the method
- Double-check all recipient details before confirming the transaction
- Open a Wise account for the most flexibility
- If living in Brazil, consider opening a Banco Rendimento account for full PIX functionality
✅ Conclusion
Receiving money from Brazil no longer has to be a slow, expensive process. With the right tools — whether it’s Wise for international transfers or PIX for locals — you can enjoy fast, secure, and low-cost solutions.
Still unsure which option is best for your situation?
- Outside Brazil? Start with Wise here
- Inside Brazil? Open your Rendimento account
