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Brazil's government-run payments system has become dominant

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666 points jcartw | 10 comments | 08 Apr 25 10:59 UTC | HN request time: 0.555s | source | bottom
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SwiftyBug ◴[08 Apr 25 11:48 UTC] No.43620583[source]▶
I've been living in Brazil for the last 20 years.

Pix revolutionised the way we transact in Brazil. I've used Pix to pay for things that cost only cents, and I have a friend who bought her house using Pix. The system just works for any transfer amount. And it's so easy to use.

Its speed is truly baffling, and so is its reliability. Never have I failed to make a Pix payment because of downtime. I never cease to be amazed by how fast money arrives in my Brazilian account when I make a withdrawal directly from my EUR wallet on Wise. I receive a push notification from my Brazilian bank before Wise finishes running the animation of confirmation of withdrawal. It's like magic.

And it's so widespread that nowadays I don't even question whether someone accepts Pix. When I get in a taxi, no matter how old the driver is, it's certain that they take (and prefer) Pix.

I've even had homeless people ask me for Pix instead of change on multiple occasions.

Cryptocurrencies don't stand a chance.

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1. weinzierl ◴[08 Apr 25 12:31 UTC] No.43620954[source]▶
Is there any way to use Pix as a tourist without Brazilian tax number or permanent residence.

Technically a pre-paid option should be possible, but I could not find anything about something in that vein.

replies(3): >>43621633 #>>43622361 #>>43627118 #
2. auadix ◴[08 Apr 25 13:37 UTC] No.43621633[source]▶
You don't need a permanent residence, but to use PIX you have to get an ID called CPF. This is your IRS number, as you said, tax number. It's easy to get but it takes time, you can have one as national from different country.
replies(1): >>43622441 #
3. owebmaster ◴[08 Apr 25 14:42 UTC] No.43622361[source]▶
I think remitly works

https://blog.remitly.com/money-transfer/complete-guide-brazi...

replies(1): >>43629853 #
4. jowea ◴[08 Apr 25 14:50 UTC] No.43622441[source]▶
This is true but the next step is a Brazilian bank account.
replies(2): >>43622858 #>>43632489 #
5. weinzierl ◴[08 Apr 25 15:21 UTC] No.43622858{3}[source]▶
Is there an online bank that allows to create an account just with the CPF and no proof of permanent residence?
replies(1): >>43625241 #
6. jowea ◴[08 Apr 25 18:49 UTC] No.43625241{4}[source]▶
I googled a bit, seems that maybe Bradesco bank allows it but it's a lot of paperwork and you need to be physically present at the bank branch.
7. vitorgrs ◴[08 Apr 25 22:31 UTC] No.43627118[source]▶
Banco Rendimento supports it, I believe.
8. weinzierl ◴[09 Apr 25 07:54 UTC] No.43629853[source]▶
From what I understand it supports transferring money to an account identified by a Pix key. I don't see that you can get a Pix key there.

Similarly Revolut has an announcement but I don't believe it is available yet.

9. nonethewiser ◴[09 Apr 25 14:22 UTC] No.43632489{3}[source]▶
OK so it's firmly in the "not reasonable" territory for tourists. Just pay cash or credit card. Tourists aren't going to wait a while for a Brazilian tax id then use a Brazilian bank account before their trip. Just to select Pix as your payment method instead of card you already have in the Uber app.

This isnt a take down of Pix. Sounds excellent and should be replicated in other countries. Lets just not pretend its a viable solution for tourists.

replies(1): >>43633189 #
10. jowea ◴[09 Apr 25 15:25 UTC] No.43633189{4}[source]▶
There seems to be a new solution for tourists in Brazil to use Pix but with their digital wallet: https://www.infomoney.com.br/minhas-financas/pix-para-gringo...