Can I use PayPal in Brazil?

Alex Beaney

Have an exciting trip to Brazil planned? Perhaps you’re heading from the UK to Rio de Janeiro for a holiday, or are on a business trip to Brasilia or São Paulo.

Whatever your plans, you’ll need to find the best way to spend and shop while in Brazil. It could be useful to check whether some of your UK accounts work there.

In this handy guide, we’ll be looking at whether PayPal (PYPL) works in Brazil, and if you can use your UK account to send money or shop online while abroad. We’ll also cover any fees involved.

And if you’re looking for an alternative - check out the Wise account, which lets you send, spend, convert and hold 40+ currencies.

Discover the Wise account

Does PayPal work in Brazil?

The great news is that PayPal does operate in Brazil, and even has a dedicated website for its customers there.

PayPal offers accounts and services for both personal customers and businesses.

Can I open a PayPal account in Brazil?

Yes, you should be able to open a new PayPal account if you’re living in Brazil. You can do it either online or via the PayPal mobile app.

You’ll just need to provide some basic details such as your name, address and contact details.

To send money or use PayPal to pay for something, you’ll also need to add a payment method like a debit or credit card, or a bank account.

Features of PayPal accounts in Brazil

So, what can you do with your PayPal account in Brazil? Here are a few of the features:

  • Shop online at websites which accept PayPal at checkout
  • Buy items on sites like eBay, including options to pay in instalments
  • Send money to friends and family (you’ll need to check whether it’s possible for your recipient to receive money via PayPal in their country)
  • Receive payments via PayPal
  • Get the PayPal app and use it as a mobile wallet.

Can I use my UK PayPal account in Brazil?

Unfortunately, you can’t carry on using your UK PayPal account if you move to Brazil.

You’ll need to close it and open a new one once you arrive, using your new Brazilian residential address.¹

Fees for using PayPal in Brazil

Here are the main fees you need to know about when using PayPal in Brazil:²

TypeFee
Opening a PayPal accountFree
Sending money to friends and familyFree where no currency conversion is involved
Paying for an online purchaseFree where no currency conversion is involved
Currency conversion fee4.5%
Withdrawing money from a PayPal account to a bank accountFree where no currency conversion is involved

Fees may also apply when sending international payments - you’ll need to check this before setting up your transfer.

Manage your money in 40+ currencies with Wise

PayPal isn’t the only solution for sending, spending and managing your money overseas. If you like the sound of a powerful multi-currency online account and a card that works in 150+ countries, check out Wise.

Open a Wise account online and you can send money to and from Brazil for low fees* and mid-market exchange rates.

You can also get a Wise card for a one-time cost of just £7. This clever card automatically converts currency whenever you spend, so you don’t need to worry about preloading your account or converting cash. There’s only a small conversion fee* to pay. And it works online as well as in real-world shops and restaurants.

And if you need cash, your Wise card has you covered. You can withdraw up to £200 a month in 2 transactions from Brazilian ATMs for free (although double-check that the ATM operator doesn’t charge its own fee).

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Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.


Sources used:

  1. PayPal - Can I change the address on my PayPal account to another country?
  2. PayPal - Consumer Fees

Sources last checked on date: 15-Oct-2024


*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.

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