Moving to Brazil is an adventure. The vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm people—it’s everything you’ve dreamed of. But nothing can turn that dream into a nightmare faster than money troubles. Trust me, I’ve been there.

When I moved to Brazil, I thought I was prepared. I had my U.S. credit and debit cards, a Brazilian phone number, and a pocketful of cash. What I didn’t realize was how quickly things could fall apart. My U.S. bank flagged my accounts for fraud because I changed my phone number. My cards stopped working. I couldn’t open a Brazilian bank account without a residency card. It was a financial disaster.

Most U.S. banks use your phone number for two-factor authentication and fraud monitoring. If you switch to a Brazilian number before securing your finances, your bank might flag your account for fraud and lock you out. To avoid this, keep your U.S. number active using Google Voice, a virtual SIM, or a cheap international plan. Notify your bank of your travel plans and confirm how they’ll contact you if there’s an issue.

To open a bank account in Brazil, you’ll need a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoa Física), which is a Brazilian tax ID, and an RNM Card (Registro Nacional Migratório), which proves your residency status. While getting a CPF is relatively easy, the RNM card can take months to process. Until you have both, you’ll rely on your U.S. accounts. To get your CPF, visit a Receita Federal office or a local Correios (post office) with your passport and proof of residency. There’s a small processing fee, and you’ll usually get your CPF number the same day. For the RNM card, you’ll need to apply for a visa that allows residency, register at the Polícia Federal within 90 days of arrival, and submit all required documents. It can take weeks or months to receive the card.

Brazil is ahead of the game with digital payments like Pix, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, which are widely accepted. Many businesses don’t even accept cash anymore. Set up Apple Pay or Google Pay before you move; these will be lifesavers if your physical cards fail. Consider signing up for Wise (formerly TransferWise) to transfer money internationally with low fees. You can also use Remitly to send Pix payments directly from your U.S. bank account if you don’t yet have a Brazilian bank account.

Until you can open a Brazilian bank account, rely on your U.S. accounts and alternative payment methods. Notify your bank of your travel plans and set up alerts to monitor account activity. Use international-friendly apps like Wise or Revolut to transfer and withdraw cash in Brazil without outrageous fees. Brazil’s Pix payment system is used for everything, from paying bills to splitting restaurant tabs. If you don’t have a Brazilian bank account, Remitly can connect to your U.S. bank account to send Pix payments directly to Brazilian recipients. It’s fast, secure, and often cheaper than traditional wire transfers. Perfect for rent, sending money to friends, or making local purchases while waiting on your RNM card and Brazilian account.

Apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay are lifesavers in Brazil. Most card readers accept contactless payments, and these apps often work even when your physical card doesn’t. Always bring at least two credit cards and one debit card from different banks. If one gets flagged for fraud or stops working, you’ll have alternatives. Keep a reserve of USD or EUR for emergencies and exchange it only at authorized currency exchange offices (casa de câmbio) to avoid scams or bad rates.

Pix is Brazil’s instant payment system, used for almost everything. Once you have a Brazilian bank account, you can set up Pix and send money instantly using a phone number, CPF, or email address. Most card readers in Brazil also accept contactless payments, so always use Apple Pay or Google Pay when possible. Be mindful of the “gringo tax”—some businesses might try to overcharge foreigners. Learn basic Portuguese phrases and always ask for a receipt to avoid being scammed.Moving to Brazil is exciting, but financial challenges can quickly turn it into a stressful experience. With these tips, you’ll be prepared to manage your money, avoid common pitfalls, and thrive in your new home.