Sao Paulo Reports

[FRobertson]

Power cut today, so we had to get by with one candle and the girl's smartphone and mine as light sources. I was surprised by the pricing system here. I was asked to pay 110 R upfront at reception so I thought this must be a discount price because of the power outage. However, the girl asked for an additional 150 in the room, saying that her money was kept separate from the house's money. This is the first instance of dual payment in a clinica. Prime clinica was 180 R, so cheaper than Abbobora's 150 + 110.

Yes this is normal, Abbobora is like that but the default there is 1 hour, not 30 minutes. And she will spend the full hour with you. In Prime, I think, you get 30 minutes by default.

[XXL]

Power cut today, so we had to get by with one candle and the girl's smartphone and mine as light sources. I was surprised by the pricing system here. I was asked to pay 110 R upfront at reception so I thought this must be a discount price because of the power outage. However, the girl asked for an additional 150 in the room, saying that her money was kept separate from the house's money. This is the first instance of dual payment in a clinica. Prime clinica was 180 R, so cheaper than Abbobora's 150 + 110.

[XXL]

The exchange rate is set by the ATM you are using for the transaction.
.

With my credit cards the exchange rate is the Visa or Master exchange rate, except if you fall into the trap of accepting withdrawal in foreign currency instead of local currency. So I withdraw for example 1000 R, and Visa or Master applies their (good) exchange rate to that back home to convert the 1000 R into euros. No shenanigans with ATM rates or such likes. Maybe it's different in Brazil though, I still have to test Brazilian ATMs. My experience is chiefly with ATMs in Africa.

I am, though, buying things in Sao Paulo with my credit card every day and the exchange rate is the official Visa exchange rate (with 1.75% foreign transaction fee in my case alas).

[FRobertson]

Terminal 2. If you have problem finding just ask some of the airport staff.

Okay I found the reference on the website:

BANCO BRADESCO.

Terminal 2 - Mezzanine – Check-in E.

https://www.gru.com.br/en/passenger/...cilities/banks

[Hobbying]

WHERE?

Last time I was there, I looked all over, and couldn't find one. I'd love to be able to get some cash at the airport next time I'm in town.

3rd floor next to the Starbucks.

Avoid Banco24 horas ATM, worst exchange rates I ever got.

[Mr Matrix]

Ok, in EU you wouldn't call transaction free cards debit cards. What is offered is credit cards (usually visa) without transaction fees on ATM withdrawals.

Some banks offer Visa and Master cards with a limited number of transactions free withdrawals, eg 25 withdrawal p. a. without transaction fees. I guess the transaction fee free package is thrown in as a sales pitch by the bank. Such cards usually have a high yearly fixed cost, typically 150 to 180 euros. They come with all kinds of useless insurances.

The only fully DEBIT card with a transaction fee free package in Europe that I know of is Revolut. But the transaction fee free amount with Revolut is limited to 200 euro a month. Peanuts.

What is Charles Schwab Bank's business model? Do they give a less good exchange rate?

The exchange rate is set by the ATM you are using for the transaction.

Starling Bank is similar to Revolut but has no limit on free withdrawals (but you do pay local ATM fees) and better customer service, they have both Pounds Sterling and Euro accounts, Charles Schwab is only dollars but has no limit, no fees and credits back to your account any local fees charged by the bank ATM you used.

[Sperto]

WHERE?

Last time I was there, I looked all over, and couldn't find one. I'd love to be able to get some cash at the airport next time I'm in town.

Terminal 2. If you have problem finding just ask some of the airport staff.

[FRobertson]

That's not correct. There are Bradesco ATMs at GRU.

WHERE?

Last time I was there, I looked all over, and couldn't find one. I'd love to be able to get some cash at the airport next time I'm in town.

[XXL]

In United States Charles Schwab Bank debit card has no foreign transactions fees and in UK Starling Bank is the same.

Ok, in EU you wouldn't call transaction free cards debit cards. What is offered is credit cards (usually visa) without transaction fees on ATM withdrawals.

Some banks offer Visa and Master cards with a limited number of transactions free withdrawals, eg 25 withdrawal p. a. without transaction fees. I guess the transaction fee free package is thrown in as a sales pitch by the bank. Such cards usually have a high yearly fixed cost, typically 150 to 180 euros. They come with all kinds of useless insurances.

The only fully DEBIT card with a transaction fee free package in Europe that I know of is Revolut. But the transaction fee free amount with Revolut is limited to 200 euro a month. Peanuts.

What is Charles Schwab Bank's business model? Do they give a less good exchange rate?

[Ksa Sing]

I've been using the 24 Horas ATMs and the Bradesco ATMs. They work well. No fees charged here or by my bank (Citi). My debit card is accepted everywhere and the rates aren't bad. No need for changing money because Reais are so accessible. I'm off to Canada today and returning in December. They've made it so easy to enter and the flights are empty I don't want to the winter in Canada.

So not with Visa or Master? I thought debit cards were cards for domestic use only. I have an EU debit card (Mestro/Cirrus) but the fees on ATM withdrawals abroad are prohibitive.

[Mr Matrix]

So not with Visa or Master? I thought debit cards were cards for domestic use only. I have an EU debit card (Mestro/Cirrus) but the fees on ATM withdrawals abroad are prohibitive.

In United States Charles Schwab Bank debit card has no foreign transactions fees and in UK Starling Bank is the same.

[Sperto]

Keep in mind there is no Bradesco ATM at GRU airport.

That's not correct. There are Bradesco ATMs at GRU.

[Questner]

So not with Visa or Master? I thought debit cards were cards for domestic use only. I have an EU debit card (Mestro/Cirrus) but the fees on ATM withdrawals abroad are prohibitive.

Check it with your institution. Actually, with Maestro you may have to pay less on foreign exchange conversion, like 1. 5% and it's not available for me, as I pay Visa (debit or credit, does not matter) 2. 5% over XE rate. Use Bradesco. Keep in mind there is no Bradesco ATM at GRU airport.

[XXL]

Not with credit card, with ATM / Debit card.

So not with Visa or Master? I thought debit cards were cards for domestic use only. I have an EU debit card (Mestro/Cirrus) but the fees on ATM withdrawals abroad are prohibitive.

[YippieKayay]

Don't exchange USD / EUR in Sao Paulo. The cambios charge around 7-10% commission. Best is to use CC. At Bradesco you can withdraw up to 2500 BRL. Rate depends on your credit card / bank. I get the official visa rate with no commission. Various daily withdrawals possible. Bradesco ATMs do not have ATM fees.

Thanks Safado (LOL). It's the same as Colombia then. I did notice in Mexico I got a GREAT rate at the cambio landing in Cancun but shit everywhere else.