Hi there,
I have tried to book flight tickets and it seems like American Express is GOD in Brazil - in the sense that all other international cards do not work when paying on the internet. I am wondering if that is a general challenge or 'just' a flight ticket challenge. I would like to aviod carrying too much cash so if AE is accepted most places while other cards are not (e.g. in hostels) then I might get such a card. But I would be happy to avoid the cost of an extra card, so I hope someone can give me some input on the usefulness compared to an ordinary card (visa, master or diners)
Thanks in advance
dane_in_brazil
2
cachaceiro
Visa & MC are widely accepted within Brazil. If you're referring to buying GOL flights with Visa or MC on their website this question comes up regularly, the quick answer is to pay for them on the Argentina page instead of the Brazilian or English language pages.
4
evertrip
Forget American Express ... it´s not accepted at most places.
VISA is the most accepted card, and also Mastercard.
5
bubbak
Visa and Master Card (both credit and debit versions) more widely accepted than American Express. Diners Club probably less common. I use my U.S.-based MasterCard. My wifes Brazil-based Am Ex card usable many places but fewer places than my card. Some companies may favor one card or another due to arrangements they have with the card company. Check in advance whether each hostel even accepts credit cards. Some businesses will take only cash, and then if you do not have close to exact change you may get a dumbfounded look with the question, Nao tem troco (dont you have change)? Be sure to have a PIN so you can get cash from ATMs with your credit card. There are American Express offices in Brazil that may help but I do not see very many.
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