💸 Do I Need Cash to Visit São Paulo?

Short answer: Not really. São Paulo is a modern city where you can pay for almost everything using a card or mobile payment, with one key exception.

If you’re planning a trip to São Paulo and wondering whether you should bring Brazilian reais in cash, here’s what you need to know.

💳 You Can Pay by Card Almost Everywhere

In São Paulo, credit and debit cards are widely accepted, even for small purchases. Most places take Visa, Mastercard, and even contactless payments like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

You can use cards for:

• Restaurants and bars

• Museums and tourist attractions

• Uber, 99, and other ride apps

• Supermarkets, bakeries, and street markets

• Tours and experiences (including mine!)

Even street food vendors in popular areas often carry card machines (called “maquininhas”).

🚇 The Only Exception: Subway Tickets

The only real reason you may need cash in São Paulo is to buy tickets for the metro (subway).

Why?

• The automatic machines at metro stations do not accept most foreign credit cards.

• Some stations only sell tickets at machines, with no human cashier.

• The cost of a single ride is low (around R$5), but you can’t pay digitally unless you’re using a Brazilian banking app.

So if you’re planning to use public transportation, it’s a good idea to have a bit of cash (R$20–R$50) for metro tickets.

💡 Pro Tip: Need Cash? Skip the Airport Booths

If you decide to get some Brazilian reais just in case, avoid airport currency exchange kiosks — they often charge high fees and offer poor rates.

Instead, you can:

• Withdraw cash (in reais) from a Banco24Horas ATM, which accepts most international cards (look for the red machines in malls, metro stations, or convenience stores).

• Visit a “Casa de Câmbio” (currency exchange office) in central neighborhoods like Paulista, Jardins, or the historic center — rates are usually better than at the airport.

That way, you’ll have a bit of cash for the metro or emergencies, without overpaying.

✈️ At the Airport

At Guarulhos (GRU) and Congonhas (CGH) airports, card payment is accepted everywhere — including taxis, shops, and food stands.

You do not need cash to arrive or leave São Paulo.

🙋‍♂️ My Experience as a Local Guide

I guide dozens of visitors every week on walking tours in São Paulo, and I can tell you: 99% of them never use cash. The only time we ever stop at an ATM is if someone wants to take the subway later and didn’t bring small bills.

So if you’re coming here soon, don’t stress about exchanging money. Just bring your card, or use a digital wallet, and you’ll be just fine.

❓ FAQ – Cash in São Paulo

💰 Can I survive in São Paulo with only a credit card?

Yes! Except for the subway, everything else accepts card payments.

🏦 Should I exchange money at the airport?

Not necessary. If you do want a bit of cash, use an ATM at a bank (avoid airport exchange booths due to high fees).

🇧🇷 Do Brazilians use cash a lot?

Not really. Digital payments are extremely common in Brazil, especially with the rise of Pix (Brazil’s instant payment system), though that’s only available to locals.

✅ Summary

You don’t need cash to visit São Paulo — unless you want to take the subway (and you should).

Everywhere else accepts cards or digital payment. If you’re not sure, bring a small amount (around R$50) for peace of mind — but chances are you won’t even touch it.

If you’d like to explore São Paulo on foot with a local guide, check out my walking tour here — no cash required, just curiosity!