Is there Uber in Brazil, and is it safe?
- Rachel
- 20 hours ago
- 8 min read
Brazil is a country where urban transport can vary widely depending on the city and region. Ride‑hailing apps like Uber have become a popular choice for both locals and visitors, offering a convenient alternative to traditional taxis and public transport. Beyond standard car rides, many cities also offer motorbike trips and access to public electric bicycles through the Uber app, providing flexible options for navigating traffic or reaching tourist areas.
This guide breaks down the services available in major cities, how to use Uber safely, alternatives if Uber is unavailable, and options for food delivery in Brazil.
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Where can you use Uber in Brazil?
Uber is widely available across Brazil, and operates in every state. It operates both in major cities and in smaller towns, however the type of ride available varies by city.
Here are some examples of the types of Uber rides that are available in popular tourist destinations, as of Jan 2026:
Uber in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
In Rio de Janeiro, Uber operates widely across the city, including in popular tourist areas like Copacabana, Ipanema, and the city centre. Some of the services available in Rio include:
UberX (Car) – Standard private rides for up to four passengers.
Uber Black – Premium rides in luxury vehicles with professional drivers.
Uber XLÂ - Rides for groups of up to 6 people
Uber XLÂ Intercity - Rides for groups of up to 6 people, for intercity trips
Uber Comfort – Newer model cars for better comfort
Electric - Travel in an electric vehicle
Uber Moto – Quick rides on motorcycles, ideal for avoiding traffic. Helmets are provided.
Uber in Sao Paulo, Brazil
São Paulo has extensive Uber coverage, including the city centre, Paulista Avenue, and suburban areas. The services available in São Paulo include:
UberX (Car) – Standard private rides for up to four passengers.
Uber Black – Premium rides in luxury vehicles with professional drivers.
Uber XLÂ - Rides for groups of up to 6 people
Uber Comfort – Newer model cars for better comfort
Comfort Planet - Help offset your carbon footprint
Bag - Cars with larger trunks for luggage
Electric - Travel in an electric vehicle
Uber Moto – Quick rides on motorcycles, ideal for avoiding traffic. Helmets are provided.
Uber in Salvador, Brazil
Uber operates throughout Salvador, including tourist areas such as Pelourinho, Barra, and the airport. The services available in Salvador include:
UberX (Car) – Standard private rides for up to four passengers.
Uber Black – Premium rides in luxury vehicles with professional drivers.
Uber XLÂ - Rides for groups of up to 6 people
Uber Comfort – Newer model cars for better comfort
Uber Moto – Quick rides on motorcycles, ideal for avoiding traffic. Helmets are provided.
Uber in Brasilia, Brazil
UberX (Car) – Standard private rides for up to four passengers.
Uber Black – Premium rides in luxury vehicles with professional drivers.
Uber Comfort – Newer model cars for better comfort
Bag - Cars with larger trunks for luggage
Uber Moto – Quick rides on motorcycles, ideal for avoiding traffic. Helmets are provided.
Uber in Belo Horizonte, Brazil
UberX (Car) – Standard private rides for up to four passengers.
Uber Black – Premium rides in luxury vehicles with professional drivers.
Uber Comfort – Newer model cars for better comfort
Uber Moto – Quick rides on motorcycles, ideal for avoiding traffic. Helmets are provided.
Uber in Florianopolis, Brazil
UberX (Car) – Standard private rides for up to four passengers.
Uber Black – Premium rides in luxury vehicles with professional drivers.
Uber Comfort – Newer model cars for better comfort
Uber Moto – Quick rides on motorcycles, ideal for avoiding traffic. Helmets are provided.
Uber in Recife, Brazil
UberX (Car) – Standard private rides for up to four passengers.
Uber Black – Premium rides in luxury vehicles with professional drivers.
Uber Comfort – Newer model cars for better comfort
Uber XLÂ - Rides for groups of up to 6 people
Uber Moto – Quick rides on motorcycles, ideal for avoiding traffic. Helmets are provided.
Uber in Fortaleza, Brazil
UberX (Car) – Standard private rides for up to four passengers.
Uber Black – Premium rides in luxury vehicles with professional drivers.
Uber Comfort – Newer model cars for better comfort
Uber Moto – Quick rides on motorcycles, ideal for avoiding traffic. Helmets are provided.
Uber in Porto Alegre, Brazil
UberX (Car) – Standard private rides for up to four passengers.
Uber Black – Premium rides in luxury vehicles with professional drivers.
Uber Comfort – Newer model cars for better comfort
Uber XLÂ - Rides for groups of up to 6 people
Uber Planet - Help offset your carbon footprint
Uber Moto – Quick rides on motorcycles, ideal for avoiding traffic. Helmets are provided.
Uber in Curitiba, Brazil
UberX (Car) – Standard private rides for up to four passengers.
Uber Black – Premium rides in luxury vehicles with professional drivers.
Uber Comfort – Newer model cars for better comfort
Uber XLÂ - Rides for groups of up to 6 people
Uber Planet - Help offset your carbon footprint
Uber Moto – Quick rides on motorcycles, ideal for avoiding traffic. Helmets are provided.
Uber in Manaus, Brazil
UberX (Car) – Standard private rides for up to four passengers.
Uber Black – Premium rides in luxury vehicles with professional drivers.
Uber Comfort – Newer model cars for better comfort
Uber XLÂ - Rides for groups of up to 6 people
Uber Moto – Quick rides on motorcycles, ideal for avoiding traffic. Helmets are provided.
Uber Pet - Help offset your carbon footprint
How to use Uber in Brazil
Using Uber in Brazil is straightforward. Open the app, select your destination, and select your ride type - noting that there may be different ride type availabilities compared to your home country. Make sure to pay by credit card, rather than cash.
Though the process is is generally the same across countries, here are a few important tips for travellers who plan to use Uber during their travels in Brazil:
Install the app before you arrive in Brazil – If you download Uber in Brazil, the app may ask for a CPF (Brazilian tax ID), which can complicate setup for tourists. Make sure you download and set up your account before you arrive.
Set up your payment method in advance – Link your credit or debit card before taking a ride. Cash is rarely used, and drivers are unlikely to carry the correct change.
Check the driver and car details – Always confirm the vehicle make, model, and licence plate, and ensure the driver matches the app information before entering.
How to rent a bicycle using the Uber App in Brazil
In several Brazilian cities, the Uber app can also be used to rent public electric bicycles (Tembici and Itaú bicycles). These are pedal assist electric bikes designed for short urban trips. You locate, unlock, and pay for the bike directly through the Uber app. Pricing is shown in the app before you start, and the bike is returned by locking it correctly at the end of the ride. Riders are expected to follow local traffic laws, ride at a safe speed, and park responsibly. Wearing a helmet is recommended.
Follow these steps to rent a bike with the Uber app:
Open the Uber app and select the bike option.
Check pricing and availability in your area.
Find a nearby bike shown on the map or walk up to one.
Scan the QR code on the bike using the Uber app.
Unlock the bike and fully retract the cable lock.
Ride using pedal assist, where pedalling harder increases speed.
End the ride by locking the back wheel with the cable lock.
Park the bike in the designated area shown in the app, away from walkways and accessibility ramps.
Bikes are available for rent on the Uber app in these cities:
São Paulo
Rio de Janeiro
Salvador
Recife
BrasÃlia
Porto Alegre
Is Uber Cheap in Brazil
Yes, Uber is a relatively cheap way to travel around Brazil's cities. Uber is generally cheaper than traditional taxis. Though more expensive than using public transport for a single person, Uber can sometimes even be cheaper than taking public transport for a group of 3 or 4 friends.
Fares are usually fair for both short and long distances, making it a really convenient and affordable option for travellers. Prices are fixed in the app, so you know the cost before you start your ride.
Fares do increase during peak times, holidays, or major events like Carnival, so it is normal to see higher prices during these periods. Even so, Uber usually remains more cheap and convenient than hailing a taxi.
Is Uber safe to use in Brazil?
Uber is generally safe to use in Brazil and is widely preferred over traditional street taxis by both locals and travellers. Your destination is entered into the app before the ride begins, the fare is fixed in advance, and payment is handled automatically, which removes the need for negotiation and reduces the risk of overcharging. Driver and vehicle details are visible in the app, allowing you to verify the car and driver before entering.
For visitors, Uber is often safer than walking at night, especially in large cities or unfamiliar neighbourhoods. As with any transport option, basic precautions still apply, such as checking licence plates, avoiding sharing personal information, and using the in app safety features if needed.
Alternatives to Uber in Brazil
There are two main alternatives to Uber in Brazil, depending on your specific location:
99 Pop – A major Brazilian ride‑hailing app available in most Brazilian cities and towns. It often offers competitive pricing compared to Uber, depending on surge pricing. Offers budget, comfort, and motorbike rides.
inDrive – A ride‑hailing app that lets passengers propose a fare to drivers instead of using automatic pricing. ffers short trips as well as inter-city trips and parcel delivery. Available in Campo Grande, Curitiba, Florianópolis, Fortaleza, Goiânia, Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Maria, São Paulo, and Uberaba. (more info)
Is there Uber Eats in Brazil
Uber Eats is not available in Brazil. Instead, two main food delivery apps dominate the market:
iFood – The most popular food delivery service in Brazil. It offers a wide selection of restaurants and reliable delivery, but you need a CPF (Brazilian tax ID) and a Brazilian phone number to register.
Rappi – Another widely used delivery app, available in many cities. It delivers food, groceries, and other items. Generally has less choice than iFood.
More resources for planning your trip to Brazil
I use Bookaway to find cheap bus & ferry tickets and private transfers , or and Kiwi to find cheap flights. Or, rent a car and give yourself the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Book your accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels, there's something for everyone
You're not ready to travel until you have travel insurance. I recommend Safety Wing to my friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. Get a free quote.
Don't forget to read my packing check-list for Brazil
Last but not least, discover 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil