Every time the time comes travel abroad one asks the same question: how to pay expenses at the destination and also how to do it safely, without carrying around piles of cash or running the risk of being scammed.
In the case of trips to Brazilbeyond those who decide to use traditional means such as credit or debit cards, there are an option that is setting a trend for being practical and safer than other payment methods.
Two tracks: Pix and Belo
Pix is an immediate payment system which allows you to operate more easily and with your cell phone, like any of the virtual wallets that operate in Argentina. With the particularity that it is not private but public, developed by the Central Bank of Brazil
PIX is the most used virtual wallet in Brazil.
It is the payment method most popular and chosen by Brazilians: It is said that more than 85% of the population of the neighboring country has their PIX key.
However, this app is not easily accessible to foreigners who do not reside in Brazil, since it requires, for example, having an account in a local bank.
So? The app Belo has a agreement with PIX and it works like a virtual wallet (be it Mercado Pago or any other): you have to download the application, create the account, validate the identity and then It is used like the rest of the wallets: In this case you have to scan the PIX QR code, enter the amount and pay.
In the Belo menu you have to choose “pay with PIX. Video capture
The big advantage in this case is that the Belo electronic wallet allows load balance in pesos (also other currencies such as pounds, euros, Mexican pesos, etc. and cryptocurrencies such as BTC, ETH, DAI, USDT, USDC) and then make payments in reais. All Belo payments made in the neighboring country are treated as if they were from PIX.
It is important to clarify that the change from pesos to reals is made according to the current exchange rate (The change is shown before making the paymentso you can decide whether to do it or not, depending on your convenience). In the store you have to ask if they accept payments with PIX, since Belo is not well known in the neighboring country.
It is important to note that these transactions PAIS and AFIP taxes do not apply to them: The price you see in the app before confirming payment is the final price.
The essential coconut on the beach can also be paid for with QR. Photo by Lucia Merle
However, in the “Terms and conditions” of payments with PIX, Belo clarifies that “the use of the service may be subject to commissions. If applicable, these will be reported in the Application“.
Advantages and disadvantages of the method
- Using the Belo app allows you to Travel with less cashwhich minimizes risks and, like other electronic wallets, reduces complications arising from the exchange rate: You no longer need to look for exchange offices or banks to exchange money.
- Plus, you won’t have any real money left at the end of the trip.
Paying with your cell phone avoids risks with credit cards and having to look for currency exchange offices. Photo Shutterstock
- Also You avoid overloading the cards, generating extra expenses or commissionsand you don’t risk being scammed (having your card cloned, for example). At the time you pay, you see the exact change to pesos.
PIX can be used for pay for everything, from corn or coconut on the beach or consumption in restaurants or local establishments even to leave tips in restaurants.
Although there is one clarification, which actually applies to any virtual wallet: it is important to keep in mind that in remote locations, Without Wi-Fi and with poor signal, payment may not be possibleIn such cases, it is always a good idea to resort to the “traditional” method and carry some money in your pocket.
