Originally Posted by
drvannostren
Details:
- Canadian
- Bank with TD
I just wanna know what the situation with ATMs is going to be. I know travelling in Colombia my card works only at certain brands of ATM. But because I'll be in Sao Paulo and Rio, neither too long but I'd love to just KNOW ahead of time which machines would likely accept my card, especially since I don't speak the language. I can get some more currency in advance, but I don't want to get too much of it, I'd rather take it out as I need it.
Also, I would think Visa is widely accepted as both are major cities that accept lots of tourists, but is there anything else to know about it?
8Obrigado!
I use two Canadian debit cards on a regular basis:
TD debit - works at Banco du Brasil / Bradesco bank atms. I believe the daily limits are about 800 and 1000 reais respectively. Your TD card is associated with the visa plus network internationally, as you know.
Credit Union debit card - mine is linked to the Mastercard (Maestro) network and I use it at the Banco du Brasil and Bradesco.
I tend to use the credit union card more since the fee is $3.50 per transaction vs. the $4.00 TD charges.
I will also use HSBC bank atm's with my credit union card if nothing else is convenient but be aware there is a 300 real limit per day at HSBC in Brasil.
Do not use the atms at GIG
My cards have been skimmed, once at the above atms of the Rio airport , second time, not sure. The second time , August 2014, the use of the fraudulent card did not start until November of 2014. So, do watch your accounts diligently even after your trip.
I only use atms in banks, well lit, guards usually in the banks, take all the precautions I can regarding the pin, but skimming has still occurred. However, I am talking about a lot of years / withdrawals...it happens.
I do not buy brazilian currency in Canada, terrible rates at the Canadian banks.
I do take US dollars sometimes and exchange at cambios, some report otherwise, but I find the exchange competitive with the current FX rate, better exchange if you sell larger amount ($1,000 usd or more).
I do not use my canadian credit cards too much. Bugs me to pay the foreign exchange fee ALL canadian card companies impose. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.
BTW you can also use your debit card pretty well anywhere for direct purchases. Brazilian merchant debit machines require a pin just as in Canada. Increased chance of skimming? Your decision.
Hope helps and enjoy your trip.