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 Colombia as a Foreigner (2026)

Colombia has a straightforward payment landscape — no dramatic parallel exchange rates, no currency controls, and good card acceptance in cities. But the dominant payment method in day-to-day commerce is QR, and that's where foreign travelers hit friction. Here's a full breakdown.

Cards: Widely Accepted, Fair Rates

International Visa and Mastercard cards work at most formal businesses in Colombia — hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, shopping centers, and gas stations. Colombia uses the official exchange rate (TRM) for card transactions, and there's no significant parallel market gap to worry about. Your card's foreign transaction fee (typically 1–3%) is the main cost.

Cards don't work everywhere: street food, local markets, transportation (busetas, taxis in some cities), and many small businesses are QR or cash only.

QR Payments: The Local Standard

Nequi and Daviplata QR codes are everywhere — from Cartagena's walled city to Medellín's local tiendas. Both require a cédula de extranjería (not available to tourists), so they're effectively inaccessible to most foreign visitors.

CacaoCash solves this. Load it with USD or EUR, scan any Colombian QR code, and pay at the real exchange rate. No CE, no local bank account needed.

Cash: Good for Markets and Transport

Cash pesos (COP) remain essential for markets, street food, smaller towns, and informal transport. Getting them:

ATMs — available everywhere. Local fees range from 15,000 to 28,000 COP per withdrawal (roughly $4–8 USD). Bancolombia ATMs tend to have the highest fees; Itaú the lowest among major networks.
Casas de cambio — exchange USD or EUR cash at rates very close to the official TRM. No fixed fee; you pay through the spread (0.5–2%). Widely available in Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Cali.
Avoid airport exchange counters — worst rates in the city.

Payment Comparison

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

Recommended Strategy

CacaoCash for QR payments at cafés, restaurants, and local commerce
Card for hotels, larger purchases, and formal stores
Small cash reserve from a casa de cambio for markets and transport
ATM as last resort — withdraw maximum per transaction to minimize fees