Car Rental: how it works in Brazil — first-hand

From real experience

• Renting a car in Sao Paulo, Brazil, can be complicated by deposit payment requirements. International debit cards are often rejected by rental car apps, which typically require a credit card. Travelers are advised to visit rental agencies in person, especially after public holidays, as some may accept cash deposits or have more flexible policies regarding debit cards. It is also recommended to explore different rental companies.
• Bonito is a travel destination in Brazil requiring significant travel time: flight to Campo Grande followed by a 6-hour bus ride. Key activities are nature excursions (e.g., Rio Sucuri, approx. 450 BRL per tour). Renting a car is recommended for flexibility.
• Renting a car in Rio de Janeiro may be possible with a credit card at a rental agency, even without a residency permit (VNH). Further details on specific requirements are needed.
• When renting a car in Brazil, an Argentine citizen entering with DNI (rather than a stamped passport) may need to provide additional proof of entry date for rental agencies. Most major international car rental companies require a credit card for deposit and payment. While some smaller local agencies might accept debit cards (including international ones like from Kazakhstan), this is not guaranteed and often comes with higher security deposits or stricter conditions. Advise users to confirm payment and document requirements directly with the rental company beforehand, especially if they do not have a credit card.
• Inquire about car rental options in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, specifically seeking alternatives to a credit card deposit. Gather information on rental companies, requirements, and user experiences regarding deposits and overall rental process.
• Travelers in Sao Paulo are seeking recommendations for car rental companies. Localiza is mentioned, but concerns exist about booking reliability and vehicle availability. Movida is another option, with one user reporting receiving a lower-class vehicle than booked. A positive experience with Localiza is also noted, with the caveat of being unaware of Sao Paulo's 'rodízio veicular' traffic restriction based on license plate numbers.
• Transporting large dogs (>8kg) on long-distance buses in Brazil is restricted; most companies limit pets to 8kg. Alternatives: 1. BlaBlaCar (direct negotiation with drivers is required). 2. Specialized pet transport services (expensive). Renting a car for one-way travel (drop-off in a different state) involves significant 'drop-off fees'.
• Russian-issued UnionPay cards work in Brazil, specifically at 'Banco24Horas' (red) ATMs. Transaction fees are approximately 24 BRL per withdrawal. Virtual cards are generally insufficient for car rentals, which require a physical credit card in the driver's name to secure the security deposit.
• Car rental in Brazil: Agencies like Localiza accept foreign debit cards (e.g., from Kazakhstan). When prompted by the rental agency, confirm the card as 'credit' to ensure the payment process proceeds without issues. Security deposits are typically returned immediately upon returning the vehicle.
• Some car rental companies in Brazil, such as Movida, may require a Brazilian CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) for online reservations. If a foreign visitor does not have a CPF, generating one might work if the provided CPF details (name, date of birth) align with their other identification documents in the federal database.

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