"How do I pay as a foreigner?" is one of the first questions we receive from American, European, and Latin American tourists. Good news: WeBoat accepts several international payment methods, and the whole process happens over WhatsApp — simple and stress-free.
Accepted Payment Methods at WeBoat
| Method | Availability | Fees | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIX | Clients with BR account or Wise/Nomad app | Free | Instant |
| Visa/Mastercard | All clients | Bank foreign transaction fee + IOF | Immediate |
| PayPal | Mainly US/European tourists | ~3-5% PayPal fee | Immediate |
| Zelle | Clients with US bank account | Free | Instant |
| Bank transfer | Upon request | Bank fee | 1-3 business days |
PIX: Brazil's Instant Payment System
PIX is Brazil's instant transfer system, created by the Central Bank of Brazil in 2020. It's free, works 24/7 (including weekends and holidays), and money arrives in seconds.
How foreign tourists can use PIX
- Wise app (formerly TransferWise): Wise lets you create a BRL balance and send PIX directly from the app. This is the most popular option for foreign tourists visiting Brazil.
- Nomad app: Brazilian fintech focused on expats and travelers. Allows currency exchange and PIX.
- Brazilian bank account: If you have an account at Nubank (which accepts foreigners with a Brazilian CPF number) you can use PIX normally.
International Credit Card
WeBoat accepts international Visa and Mastercard cards. Payment is processed in Brazilian Reais (BRL), and your bank automatically converts to your home currency.
Fees that may appear on your statement
- Exchange rate markup: Your bank uses the day's rate plus usually a 1-3% margin.
- Brazil's IOF tax: Brazil charges 4.38% IOF on international credit card transactions. This appears on your card statement as part of the total charge.
- Foreign transaction fee: Some US/European banks charge 1-3% extra. Check with your bank before traveling.
Cards that avoid fees
To minimize unnecessary costs, consider these cards:
- Wise card: No exchange markup, no foreign transaction fee
- Charles Schwab (US): No foreign transaction fees, reimburses ATM fees worldwide
- Revolut: Real exchange rate up to monthly limits with no fees
- Capital One Venture (US): No foreign transaction fees on any purchase
PayPal and Zelle for American Tourists
For customers with US bank accounts, WeBoat accepts both PayPal and Zelle — two of the most convenient payment methods for visitors from the United States.
PayPal
PayPal is internationally recognized and offers buyer protection. WeBoat can receive payments via PayPal with automatic USD-to-BRL conversion. Fees: typically 3-5% plus exchange spread. Confirm exact amounts with our team via WhatsApp before transferring.
Zelle
Zelle is one of the simplest options for Americans — direct bank-to-bank transfer in the US, instant and free. WeBoat accepts Zelle via US partners. Contact our team via WhatsApp for the recipient details.
Currency Exchange: Understanding Brazilian Reais
All WeBoat prices are in Brazilian Reais (R$ / BRL). Here's a reference conversion guide (always check live rates before paying):
| Currency | Approx. in BRL (reference) | Example: R$ 2,300 |
|---|---|---|
| USD (US Dollar) | ~R$ 5.80 | ~USD 397 |
| EUR (Euro) | ~R$ 6.20 | ~EUR 371 |
| GBP (British Pound) | ~R$ 7.40 | ~GBP 311 |
| CAD (Canadian Dollar) | ~R$ 4.20 | ~CAD 548 |
| AUD (Australian Dollar) | ~R$ 3.80 | ~AUD 605 |
* Reference rates — check live rates at Google Currency or XE.com before paying.
Where to exchange currency safely in Rio
- Galeão Airport (GIG): Currency exchange booths available on arrival, but rates are less favorable
- Downtown Rio (Centro): Rua Miguel Couto (in Saara district) has competitive exchange houses
- Wise or Nomad app: Best exchange rate, no need to leave your hotel
- ATM with international card: Visa/Mastercard network rate + bank fee
Deposit and Final Payment: How It Works
WeBoat offers flexible payment to make things easy for tourists planning from abroad:
Option 1: Deposit + Balance at Boarding
- Pay a deposit (usually 30-50% of total) to confirm your date
- Balance is paid on the day of departure at Marina da Glória
- Deposit can be paid via PIX, card, PayPal, or Zelle
- Balance can be paid in cash (Reais), card, or PIX at boarding
Option 2: Full Advance Payment
- Pay the full amount at booking time
- No payment worries on the day — just arrive and board
- Accepted via PIX, card, PayPal, or Zelle
Tipping the Crew
In Brazil, tipping the boat crew is not mandatory but is genuinely appreciated. Common practice:
- Captain: R$ 50–100 per group (5-hour trip)
- Sailor/assistant: R$ 30–50 per group
- Bartender (if hired): R$ 30–50 per group
Tips are given in cash (Reais) directly to the crew at the end of the trip. There's no expectation to tip via card or PIX to the crew directly.
ATMs Near Marina da Glória
If you want to withdraw Reais for the balance payment or crew tip, there are ATMs nearby:
- Banco do Brasil (Av. Beira-Mar): ~5 min by car, accepts Visa/Mastercard international cards via Cirrus/Plus network
- Bradesco (Flamengo): ~7 min by car
- Caixa Lottery (near Parque do Flamengo): Accepts Visa/Mastercard
Typical withdrawal limit: R$ 1,000–1,500 per transaction. Plan ahead if you need larger amounts for the balance payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay with my US/European credit card?
Yes! WeBoat accepts Visa and Mastercard international cards. Your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee (usually 1-3%) plus Brazil's IOF tax of 4.38%. To minimize fees, use Wise, Charles Schwab, or Capital One Venture cards, which have no foreign transaction fees.
What is PIX and how can I use it as a foreign tourist?
PIX is Brazil's free, instant payment system — works 24/7. As a foreign tourist, you can use PIX through the Wise app (which allows PIX with a BRL balance), the Nomad app, or a Brazilian bank account like Nubank if you have one.
Does WeBoat accept PayPal or Zelle?
Yes! For American tourists, WeBoat accepts PayPal (with conversion fee) and Zelle (free, via US banking partners). Always confirm the exact payment recipient details with our team via WhatsApp before transferring.
Do I need to pay the full amount when I book?
No. WeBoat accepts a deposit (30-50%) to confirm your date, with the balance paid on the day of boarding. Full advance payment is also accepted. All terms are confirmed via WhatsApp during the booking process.
What's the best way to have Brazilian Reais as a tourist?
The Wise app is the best option — real exchange rate, no hidden fees, allows PIX, and has a debit card accepted everywhere in Brazil. Alternatively, withdraw Reais from Banco do Brasil or Bradesco ATMs with your international Visa/Mastercard.
Ready to Book Your Boat Trip?
Our team speaks English and is ready to help with all payment details. Contact us on WhatsApp to confirm your date and find the best payment method for your situation.