Using UnionPay in Brazil in Brazil: what actually matters to know

They can sometimes be used for payments specifically on green 'Stone' POS terminals. Note that older, bulkier terminal models have a higher success rate than newer, slim models. Cash withdrawals via UnionPay in local ATMs are generally functional but highly discouraged due to bad exchange rates.

Withdrawal limits vary significantly by location: airports and shopping malls often restrict withdrawals to 100-200 BRL, while 'Banco24Horas' machines may allow up to 1000 BRL.

RSHB UnionPay works sporadically for cash withdrawals at 'Banco24Horas' (red ATMs) with a fee of ~34 BRL, but is mostly useless for payments. Airbnb and online bookings require foreign-issued cards. Virtual cards (e.g., Bybit) funded via P2P crypto are recommended for full travel freedom.

ATM withdrawals are possible (typically via red-branded machines), but exchange rates are poor compared to USD. Direct POS payments at hotels or businesses are frequently declined even if the logo is displayed. Always carry an alternative payment method.

500 RUB). The conversion process involves multiple steps (RUB-CNY-BRL), making it often less favorable than exchanging USD cash directly. Russian cards from other payment systems are generally not accepted. Alternatives include: 1. Bringing USD cash (up to $10,000 limit per person). Exchange rates for older USD banknotes might be lower. 2. Using international cards issued by banks in CIS countries (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia). These are often reported to have better exchange rates and lower fees, and some support Apple Pay. Specific banks mentioned: Kazakh cards (general), Kyrgyz Ayyul Bank (can be opened in Moscow for Russians), Uzbek Capital Bank (2.5% OIF), UZUM VISA (1% OIF).

Specific banks like the Asia-Pacific Bank (ATB) may also have limited or no functionality for such operations in the region. It is advisable to research alternative methods for accessing funds or consider using other payment systems that are widely accepted in Brazil.

While generally effective (95% success rate), international cards might be rejected by specific terminals. Users recommend carrying physical cash as a backup. Currency exchange rates can vary, so check current market rates vs ATM offerings.

A reported commission was approximately 32 Reals per 1000 Reals withdrawn, including currency conversion (Rubles to Yuan to Reals), totaling around 1500 Rubles for 1000 Reals. Bradesco ATMs were reported to not accept Union Pay cards for withdrawals.

One specific location provided is: Agibank, Av. Nossa Senhora de Copacabana, 885 - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro - RJ. More Agibank ATMs may be available throughout the city. Website: agibank.com.br.

Note that UnionPay may not work in certain areas, such as the domestic departures zone at GRU airport. For local SIM cards, Tim and Vivo are recommended operators, with users reporting similar service quality.

A user reported a commission of approximately 15,500 Russian rubles for withdrawing 1,000 Brazilian reals using a Rosselkhozbank UnionPay card. It is crucial to clarify the currency in which the commission is charged.