Updated April 2026 · 4 min read

How to set up Uber and 99 in Brazil as a foreigner

Guide to using Uber and 99 ride-hailing in Brazil as a foreigner. CPF requirements, payment setup, and tips.

Uber works differently in Brazil

Uber is massive in Brazil and significantly cheaper than in most countries. A twenty minute ride in Sao Paulo might cost R$25 (about $5). But the Brazilian version of Uber requires a CPF to register a local account.

You can technically use your international Uber account in Brazil, but you will pay with your foreign card at terrible exchange rates with foreign transaction fees on every ride. Setting up a local account with your CPF and a Brazilian payment method saves you 20-30% on every ride.

99 is the local alternative

99 (pronounced noventa e nove) is Brazil's own ride-hailing app, now owned by DiDi. It is often cheaper than Uber, especially for shorter rides. In some cities 99 has more drivers than Uber.

The setup is the same: download, enter your CPF, add a payment method. Many expats keep both apps and check prices before each ride. The one that is cheaper changes depending on time and location.

Payment setup tips

Once you have a Brazilian bank account (Nubank, Inter, etc.), add it as your payment method in both apps. You can pay via Pix or debit card.

This avoids international transaction fees entirely. Your rides are charged in reais from your reais balance. The savings add up quickly if you use ride-hailing regularly.

You can also pay cash in both apps, which is useful when you first arrive and do not have a local bank account yet.