Public Transportation: how it works in Brazil — first-hand
Short answer
In Rio de Janeiro, you can pay for the metro directly with contactless foreign bank cards, while buses often require cash as terminals rarely accept international cards. In Sao Paulo, you can pay for buses with cash or use the TOP app to generate QR code tickets for the metro, as foreign cards may experience issues there.
From real experience
In Rio de Janeiro, public transport (buses, BRT) primarily uses the 'Jae' transport card.
On-board, drivers typically do not accept cash, and terminals do not accept foreign bank cards. The Jae card is difficult to obtain without a CPF. Workarounds for tourists include using dedicated terminals at locations like Galeão airport BRT stop (which might accept foreign Visa/MasterCard) or asking a local passenger to pay. In rare cases of terminal malfunction, free rides might occur. A 'Jae' mobile app for QR code payments exists for CPF holders, but may not be available outside Brazil.
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Public transportation in Rio de Janeiro, including the metro and buses, is efficient and reliable, even during peak hours.
Metro payments are consistently successful with cards, while buses may require cash. Taxis are also available and generally good, but card acceptance can be sporadic. Having some cash on hand for buses or as a backup is recommended.
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Foreign bank cards may encounter issues when attempting to pay for the Sao Paulo metro, even if they function correctly for other services.
This indicates a potential restriction on accepting international payment methods specifically for public transport fares in the city.
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Payment for public transport in Brazil can often be made with cash, although locals frequently use cards.
Tourists without local cards can typically pay with cash for bus rides. It's advisable to have some local currency (Brazilian Reais) available for transport.
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Public transport in Sao Paulo (metro/bus) accepts cash, though app-based payments exist.
Costs: ~5.00 BRL for bus, ~5.20 BRL for metro. Uber is typically 50% cheaper than official taxi services from airports.
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Public transport in Sao Paulo: Cash payment is accepted in buses (pay the conductor or driver).
For the metro, use official stations to purchase tickets or use the 'TOP' app to generate QR code tickets for entry.
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In Rio de Janeiro's metro, you can pay for your fare directly using a contactless credit/debit card (Visa/Mastercard) at the turnstile.
There is no need for local CPF cards or complex registration for tourists. This is the most efficient method.