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 Use Pix in Brazil Without a CPF (2026)

Pix is Brazil's instant payment system — created by the Banco Central do Brasil, built into every Brazilian bank app, and used for everything from splitting a restaurant bill to paying rent. In 2025, Pix expanded to tap-to-pay via NFC. It's everywhere. And as a foreigner, you can't use it directly without a CPF.

Here's exactly what that means, how to get a CPF if you want one, and how to pay with Pix in Brazil without going through that process.

What Is Pix and Why Do You Need a CPF?

Unlike Mercado Pago or Yape, Pix isn't a private app — it's infrastructure created by Brazil's central bank. Every Brazilian bank and fintech integrates Pix, and payments are made using "Pix keys" (phone number, email, CPF, or QR code).

To send money via Pix, you need a Brazilian bank or fintech account. To open any of those, you need a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) — Brazil's individual taxpayer registration number. Without a CPF, you can't open a Brazilian account. Without a Brazilian account, you can't send Pix.

Can Tourists Get a CPF?

Yes — but it takes time. Options:

Online via Receita Federal — requires passport copy, selfie with passport, and proof of address (an Airbnb booking confirmation works). Processing takes 3–7 business days.
At a Brazilian consulate before you travel — if you apply ahead of time, you arrive with a CPF ready.
In-person at a Receita Federal office in Brazil — requires documentation and can be done same-day, but involves queuing at a government office.

A CPF does not make you a Brazilian tax resident or create tax obligations. It's purely an administrative ID.

CacaoCash: Pix Without CPF, Immediately

For travelers who don't want to spend their first week in Brazil sorting out government paperwork, CacaoCash provides immediate Pix access. Load it with USD or EUR before you fly, and use it to scan any Brazilian Pix QR code at any merchant.

CacaoCash converts at the real mid-market rate (BRL has been strengthening — 1 USD ≈ 5.1 BRL in 2026) and settles through Pix rails. The merchant sees a normal Pix payment. You need only your foreign passport for setup, which takes under 5 minutes.

Where Pix is Used in Brazil

Virtually everywhere. Pix replaced card terminals at most small businesses and is now the default for:

Restaurants, bars, and cafés — even street stalls
Supermarkets and pharmacies
Ride-hailing and taxis
Airbnb hosts for security deposits
Any peer-to-peer payment

In major cities (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Florianópolis), cash use is declining rapidly. Having Pix access — via CacaoCash — is increasingly necessary, not optional.