Today there are many travel-focused cards available that offer better exchange rates than a regular bank's credit and debit cards, low or no ATM fees, and a variety of other features tailored for specifically travelers.
These cards are designed to help you manage your spending abroad while avoiding the high costs often associated with using traditional credit or debit cards. Whether you're withdrawing cash, paying for meals, or shopping, the right travel card can save you money and streamline your travel experience.
In this guide, we’ll explore why having a reliable travel card is essential when visiting Brazil and discuss why Wise is my personal card of choice.
Why a good travel card matters in Brazil
In Brazil, card payments are widely accepted, making it easy to pay for almost anything without carrying cash. From restaurants and shops to street-sellers, businesses across the country are equipped to accept cards - and they often prefer it.
Plus in a country where safety concerns such as pickpocketing may be on your mind, it's great to not need to carry around cash.
Aside from this, cash exchange services in Brazil typically offer very poor exchange rates, which can significantly increase your expenses. A good travel card not only ensures you get a fair exchange rate but also reduces the need to carry large amounts of cash, adding convenience and security to your trip.
Why I travel with the Wise Debit Card
I personally use the Wise debit card for my travel in Brazil, and use it both to make card payments and to withdraw money from the ATM. The card has no international purchase fees, and offers much better exchange rates when paying by card than a regular bank card, closer to the real exchange rate.
The card also allows you to make free or cheap ATM withdrawals. The fees vary depending which country you're from, but they typically offer 2 free ATM withdrawals per month, up to a certain withdrawal value.
If you prefer to use Google or Apple Pay, Wise allows you to create digital cards that you can use with your digital wallets right away.
Cheap international transfers & other features
The Wise App has several other useful features for international travelers. You can store multiple currencies in your account, that allows you to send and receive various currencies to others without paying exchange rate fees each time. You can also set up exchange rate alerts to find out the best time to exchange your currency.
You can also use the Wise App to make cheap international bank transfers, which may be useful in rare cases when you cannot pay by card.
Who is eligible to get the Wise debit card?
Wise cards are currently available to residents of:
Australia & New Zealand
Brazil and Canada
United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the European Economic Area (EEA)
Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines
It's a great choice for budget-conscious travelers who want to save on exchange rates and fees. Check out the Wise Debit Card and see if it's right for you.
Disclaimer: This article is based on my personal experience using my own Wise Card. Fees, terms & conditions vary based on your residency. Financial services products are personal - make sure to check if this card suits your personal needs before signing up.
Comments