What exactly is CacaoCash?

CacaoCash is a digital wallet built for people who travel or live in Latin America. It lets you pay with the QR codes locals use every day — Pix in Brazil, Mercado Pago in Argentina, and more — using money you load from abroad. No local bank account, no cash runs, no bad exchange rates.

How do I add money to my wallet?

Several ways — whatever's easiest for you: • ACH or SEPA bank transfer • Credit or debit card • Crypto or stablecoins (USDC and more) • SWIFT bank transfer You'll always see the exact rate and any fees before you confirm. No surprises.

Do I need to verify my identity?

Yes, once. It's a quick in-app process — a photo of your ID and a selfie. It keeps your account secure and lets us work with regulated financial partners across the region. Most people finish in under 3 minutes.

What if a payment is pending, fails, or I get a refund?

Pending payments usually clear on their own within minutes. If a payment fails, your balance is returned immediately. Refunds land straight back in your wallet — no waiting, no friction. If anything ever looks wrong, our support team is one message away.

Are there hidden fees?

Never. Before every single payment, you'll see: • The exact amount being charged • The live exchange rate • Any applicable fees What you approve is exactly what leaves your wallet. That's a promise.

How do I know my money is safe?

CacaoCash is non-custodial — your funds are never pooled with anyone else's and every transaction requires your explicit approval. Identity verification and money movement are handled by licensed, regulated partners. You stay in control at all times.

Which countries are live?

CacaoCash works today in: • 🇧🇷 Brazil — Pix • 🇦🇷 Argentina — Mercado Pago • 🇨🇴 Colombia • 🇵🇪 Peru — Yape More countries coming soon. Sign up and we'll notify you when your destination goes live.

I lost my phone. What happens to my money?

Nothing bad. Your account is tied to your identity, not your device. Just install the app on a new phone, sign in, and everything is exactly as you left it — balance, transaction history, all of it.

How to Pay in Brazil as a Foreigner (2026)

Brazil has one of Latin America's most sophisticated payment ecosystems. Pix dominates, cards are widely accepted, and cash use is declining fast in cities. For foreign travelers, the main challenge is accessing Pix — and the workaround is simpler than you think.

Pix: The Default Payment Method

Pix QR codes appear at virtually every Brazilian merchant. To use Pix you need a Brazilian account (requires CPF). Two options:

Get a CPF — takes 3–7 days online, or longer in person. Worth doing for longer stays.
Use CacaoCash — scan any Pix QR immediately, without CPF or Brazilian bank account. Best for short trips.

Cards: Well Accepted in Formal Commerce

International Visa and Mastercard cards work at hotels, large restaurants, supermarkets, and shopping centers. Brazil doesn't have a significant parallel exchange rate — the BRL rate on your card statement will be close to the market rate.

Watch out for dynamic currency conversion (DCC): some Brazilian terminals ask if you want to pay in your home currency. Always choose BRL — the DCC rate adds a hidden markup of 3–5%.

Cards are less useful at local markets, street food, smaller businesses, and any Pix-only merchant.

Cash (Reais): Declining But Still Needed

Cash is becoming less common in São Paulo and Rio, but remains necessary in smaller cities, rural areas, and traditional markets. Getting reais:

ATMs — widely available. Local machine fees vary (Banco 24 Horas charges R$20 per withdrawal; major bank ATMs may be lower). Your home bank adds a foreign ATM fee.
Casas de cambio — available in major cities and airports. Offer BRL at competitive rates for USD/EUR cash. A better rate than ATM for larger amounts.

Payment Comparison

Method	Rate	Works at	Best for
CacaoCash (Pix QR)	Mid-market ✅	Most merchants	Daily spending
Credit/debit card	Market BRL rate	Formal commerce	Hotels, large stores
Cash (casa de cambio)	Market ±1%	Everywhere	Markets, tips
ATM	Market	Anywhere with ATM	Last resort

Recommended Strategy

CacaoCash for all Pix QR payments — restaurants, cafés, transport, markets
Card for hotels, formal commerce, and large purchases
Cash reserve from a casa de cambio for markets and tips — not from ATMs if avoidable
Always choose BRL at ATMs and card terminals — never accept dynamic currency conversion