Taking a taxi in Brazil: real experience from chats
Real experience of people from chats on «Taking a taxi» in Brazil — as it is, no fluff. For your case — ask Luky.
From real experience
Taxi applications (99, Uber, InDrive) cannot be registered or accessed from outside Brazil. Users with foreign numbers (e.g., Russian) can register for the '99' app upon arrival in Brazil, using airport Wi-Fi. While Uber is available, some reports suggest it might require a local Brazilian phone number. Advise travelers to use official airport taxi services or apps after arrival.
Popular apps in Brazil for ride-hailing and food delivery similar to Grab include Uber and 99 for taxis, and iFood for food delivery. Motorcycle taxis are also available, with options to link payment cards.
The Brazilian tax ID (CPF) is highly recommended for tourists. Without a local SIM, ordering Uber is difficult because verification SMS often fails on foreign numbers (e.g., Russian carriers). Local SIM cards can be purchased without a CPF at newspaper kiosks (banca de jornal) where sellers register them under their own details, or at São Paulo airport (approx. 100 BRL). 99 Taxi is a popular local alternative to Uber. CPF can be issued at the Brazilian consulate in Moscow in 1 week, or locally in Brazil within 1 day.
Travel tips for Brazil: 1. Use 'cama' class night buses for long hauls; bring warm clothes due to heavy AC. 2. Cash is still king if you lack international cards; exchange can be difficult, finding physical offices is a mission. 3. Safety: be vigilant in Rio; avoid wearing visible jewelry in crowds. 4. Logistics: Plan Iguazu Falls for the end of the trip to maintain the wow-factor. Use apps like inDrive if Uber faces issues.
Mobile phones are a primary target for criminals in Brazil. Exercise extreme caution when using your phone in public. Avoid displaying it openly on the street, as it can be easily snatched. If you need to use your phone for navigation or to call a taxi, it is safer to do so inside a shop or cafe.