Taxi Booking Services in Brazil: real experience from chats

Registration issues with Uber for Russian phone numbers can occur; try using a VPN during setup or creating a new account. Payment can be made via card (including European and Russian cards) or cash. If Uber proves problematic, consider 99 or inDrive. Public transport operates late, but taxis are recommended for nighttime travel. Ensure you have a valid payment method linked, whether card or cash, as some scenarios might require it.

Using cryptocurrency platforms like Bybit with Pix for QR code payments is a common method ('vou pagar com pix'). * **Airport Transfer:** Taxis are affordable. Uber is functional, but local ride-hailing apps like '99' often require a Brazilian CPF (tax ID). Public buses from the airport to the city center are available, costing around 5 BRL, and may not always require a CPF for purchase. * **Safety & Neighborhoods:** No area is entirely risk-free. Safer central areas include Vila Olimpia and Brooklin. Pinheiros is a vibrant area safe for daytime and evening walks, but avoid overt display of valuables. Nighttime travel is best done by taxi. For long-term stays, areas like Vila Indiana (Butanta), near USP university, offer safe recreational spaces, though surrounding infrastructure might be limited. * **Mobile Operators:** Acquiring a local SIM card without a CPF is challenging. Tourist SIM cards (e.g., Vivo, 10-25 GB) are available without CPF, but calls and SMS services may activate after a 24-hour delay. For full local SIM plans (e.g., Claro Flex unlimited), a CPF is generally required, and even then, activation can be problematic, sometimes taking months of residency. Plan to use tourist eSIMs or rely on Wi-Fi initially.

While Uber is a global service, it requires local payment methods or cards from supported countries. Attempting to pay with cash may still require a card or CPF registration initially within the app. Alternative ride-sharing apps like '99' (which also accepts cash payments, though may require a card for initial setup) or arranging transport through hotels are viable options. Some users suggest trying cards from other countries (e.g., Kazakhstan). It might be possible to select cash payment after initial registration in Uber, even if a card is initially required.

Users discuss potential issues with Ethiopian Airlines flights, including unannounced refueling stops and delays. In São Paulo, challenges with ride-sharing services like Uber for group travel are noted, with drivers sometimes refusing larger groups or requiring multiple bookings. Alternatives like trains or separate Uber rides are suggested. Information on using local currency versus dollars for transport payments is also touched upon.

Reports vary: some users have successfully linked and paid, while others encountered issues and resorted to cash payments. There are concerns about potential card blocks. The 99 app is also mentioned as having geolocation input problems. Uber is functional but use with caution regarding card compatibility.

They also encountered a driver attempting double payment and a closed museum destination. Resolving the fraudulent charge required extensive communication with customer support.

While cash payment is possible, there are reports of scams. Paying by card is recommended as a safer alternative to avoid potential issues with drivers regarding payment confirmation.

When paying via card terminals, foreign debit cards are often processed successfully only if the user selects the 'crédito' option on the machine.