Taxi in Brazil: A Guide to Services, Prices, and Safety
- Damian Brzeski
- 6 hours ago
- 20 min read
Are you wondering whether it's better to catch a classic yellow taxi in Brazil, order an Uber, or maybe book a transfer in advance?
Transportation in Brazilian cities is a jungle of regulations, apps, fares, and potential pitfalls—especially for tourists.
This practical guide reveals the ins and outs of the taxi market: from identifying legal vehicles and fare differences to safety regulations and reliable airport transfer strategies. Learn how to avoid getting ripped off and get where you need to go—stress-free.
I invite you on a short journey through the Brazilian taxi system.
Planning a trip to Brazil and wondering how to manage transportation? Getting around Rio or São Paulo can be a challenge, and the multitude of options—from traditional taxis to Uber—can be overwhelming.
This guide is your insurance policy: we explain how to use a taxi in Brazil safely and without overpaying, while avoiding common pitfalls.
Let's leave aside for a moment the iconic yellow taxis of Rio and the white ones of São Paulo. They used to be the only door-to-door option, but today the market is a veritable battleground between legacy cooperatives, global giants like Uber, and a plethora of local apps.
If this is your first time landing at Galeão (GIG) or Guarulhos (GRU) airports, all the chaos can be... well, overwhelming.
Safety concerns are very real, the tariff system can be complicated, and the risk of being scammed is significant. That's why this article was created.
We examine everything from distinguishing a legitimate taxi from a scam, through the nuances of fares, to critical safety rules that most guides simply ignore.
What are taxis like in Brazil?
In this section, we'll focus on the absolute basics. I'll explain how to recognize a legal vehicle (which is crucial for your safety!) and how the tolling system, which only at first glance seems like black magic, works.
What are the markings of legal taxis?
Mastering this skill is probably the most important thing you need to do before even leaving the airport. There are two ways to verify, but one is absolutely paramount.
The first is color. This is where things get complicated, as regulations are local , meaning each city has its own rules. Rio de Janeiro is indeed dominated by the iconic amarelinhos —bright yellow taxis with a navy blue stripe down the side. But in São Paulo, official taxis are usually white.
Relying solely on color is a surefire way to make mistakes when traveling between cities.
So forget about color and focus on what matters most: the license plate . It's a universal distinguishing feature throughout Brazil.
Under federal law, every vehicle registered to provide paid passenger transportation (including taxis, buses, and trucks) must have special license plates.
Old system: White letters on a red background.
New system (Mercosul): Black characters on a red background.
The conclusion is simple: the color is local folklore, but the red license plate (placa vermelha) is a federal guarantee of legality . Of course, the car should also have a "TAXI" light on the roof and city signs on the doors.
What is the fare system like in Brazilian taxis?
Traditional Brazilian taxis must use a taximeter ( taxímetro ). Your final fare is the sum of several components:
Entry Fee (Bandeirada inicial): A fixed amount "for slamming the door." In Rio 2025, it's around R$5.90-7.00.
Kilometer Fee (Preço por quilômetro): Main variable, depending on the distance.
Waiting Time Fee (Hora parada): Automatically charged when you're stuck in traffic. In notoriously congested São Paulo, this can be a significant portion of your bill.
The most important element of the system you need to understand is the "bandeiras" (literally "flags"), or simply the fares. The taximeter has two modes:
Bandeira 1 (Tariff 1): Standard daily fare. The number "1" is lit on the taximeter.
Bandeira 2 (Tariff 2): Increased fare (usually 20-30%). Valid at night, on Sundays, and all public holidays. You'll see the number "2" on the taximeter.
This rigid, legally regulated system creates interesting paradoxes in the app age. Imagine a quiet Tuesday, 9:30 PM in Rio.
Demand for rides is low, so Uber will likely be ridiculously cheap. Why? Because a traditional taxi must already switch to the more expensive Bandeira 2 fare (which starts at 9:00 PM in Rio), while Uber doesn't have any surge pricing.
The situation turns around during a heavy downpour during the day. Uber can then trigger a 300% multiplier due to the spike in demand , and a legitimate taxi (if you can find one) might only charge the standard (and at this point significantly cheaper) Bandeira 1 fare.
Types of taxi services in Brazil
The Brazilian market offers a whole spectrum of possibilities – from waving your hand on the street to bookings made a week before departure.
Traditional taxis and their availability
You can catch classic taxis in three main ways:
“Street grabbing” (mão na rua): Common in busy city centers and tourist areas.
Official taxi ranks (Ponto de Táxi): A safer option. You'll find them at hotels, shopping malls, metro stations, and attractions. Drivers at these ranks are usually affiliated with a local cooperative, which increases safety.
Radio Taxi: Taxis booked by phone belong to larger, brand-name companies. They typically offer higher standards (newer vehicles, always with air conditioning) and are more reliable. Many hotels partner with specific Radio Taxi companies, and the concierge can easily book one.
Mobile apps for ordering rides
Apps like Uber and its local rival, 99 (formerly 99Taxis), have completely reshaped the Brazilian transportation market.
For a tourist, especially one who does not speak Portuguese, their advantages go beyond just convenience.
These are primarily safety and transparency tools. Just think: apps eliminate the biggest pain points in driver interactions:
Language barrier? It disappears. The destination address is entered directly into the app, eliminating the risk of misunderstandings.
Price Transparency? You see the price upfront (or an accurate estimate) before you confirm the rate.
Tracking and Registration? Your route is tracked via GPS, and driver and vehicle details are recorded in the system.
Cashless payment? It's done automatically via the linked card, eliminating the need for cash (reals) or the worry of a "non-functioning" terminal.
Online bookings and advance transfers
This is a completely different category of service. Platforms like Kiwitaxi , Welcome Pickups , and AtoB specialize in advance bookings, offering a "meet & greet" service.
These companies do not compete with Uber on price.
They compete on certainty and psychological comfort . Their business model has one goal: to completely eliminate the stress associated with arriving in a foreign country after a long flight.
Instead of searching for airport Wi-Fi, launching the app, searching for the designated Uber pickup zone, and trying to locate your driver in the chaos of the terminal, you're guaranteed a driver waiting for you.
Key benefits include a fixed, prepaid price, flight monitoring in the event of delays, and a guarantee of additional services such as a child seat.
We are dealing here with a premium service , which is a kind of "stress insurance policy".
Taxi prices and tariffs
Understanding where the price on the taximeter comes from is crucial to avoiding overpaying.
What are taxi prices like in Brazil: factors that influence the cost
As mentioned, traditional taxi fares are regulated by city authorities. Using Rio de Janeiro as an example, typical fares in 2025 look something like this:
Entry fee (Flagfall): R$5.90−R$7.00
Price per kilometer (Bandeira 1): R$3.20
Price per kilometer (Bandeira 2): R$3.90
Waiting Hour (Hora parada): R$38
Small additional charges may also apply, for example for baggage exceeding the standard allowance.
However, a key cost factor that tourists often forget about is traffic jams (engarrafamentos) .
During rush hour in São Paulo or Rio, a taxi will spend a significant amount of time standing, resulting in constant "waiting time" charges.
In such conditions, a ride from an application with a fixed, pre-determined price becomes much more financially predictable.
Day and night tariffs: when they apply and how to recognize them
To reiterate: Bandeira 1 is the daytime fare, and Bandeira 2 is the night/holiday fare. Tourists should always check that the correct number ("1" or "2") is displayed on the taximeter.
The Bandeira 2 fare's operating hours vary by city , further complicating matters for travelers. The table below provides sample regulations for major cities:
Furthermore, there's a key piece of information that few tourists know about: the "December Rule." In many cities (e.g., Curitiba, Salvador), municipal authorities allow taxi drivers to charge only the Bandeira 2 fare for the entire month of December , 24 hours a day.
There is no logistical justification for this; it is a form of "thirteenth salary" negotiated by the trade unions.
For a tourist, this means that in December a traditional taxi will always be more expensive, which makes apps (which are not subject to this rule) even more competitive.
Comfort and additional travel options
Apart from price, comfort and tailoring the service to your needs are also important.
Minibuses and minivans for groups and families
Standard taxis in Brazil are typically 4-door sedans (maximum 4 passengers). This may not be sufficient for larger groups or families with a lot of luggage.
Larger vehicles, such as 6-seater minivans , are available almost exclusively through advance booking services.
While Uber may offer an “Uber XL” option in some cities, booking in advance (e.g. via Kiwitaxi) guarantees the availability of a suitable vehicle.
For a group of 5, booking one minivan is not only more convenient, but often cheaper than booking two separate Ubers.
Air conditioning as standard in vehicles
In Brazil's tropical climate, air conditioning ( ar-condicionado ) is a necessity, not a luxury.
For rides booked via apps (especially in higher classes like Uber Comfort) and for official airport taxis (e.g. Guarucoop on GRU) and Radio Taxi, air conditioning is a guaranteed standard.
The risk arises with older, traditional taxis hailed on the street. Even if the vehicle is equipped with air conditioning, it may be faulty, or the driver may be reluctant to turn it on to save fuel.
Friendly and professional driver: what to expect
Travelers should not expect a traditional taxi or basic UberX driver to speak English.
Services offering "bilingual drivers" ( motoristas bilíngues ) are positioned as a premium service, available mainly from dedicated transfer companies.
In apps (Uber, 99), the peer-to-peer rating system enforces a certain standard of professionalism. Drivers in more expensive categories (Uber Comfort or Uber Black ) are typically rated higher.
However, it is important to remember that even local city apps like TAXI.RIO have very mixed reviews – from praise for professionalism to complaints about attempted fraud.
Airport Transfers in Brazil
The first contact with the Brazilian transport system usually occurs at the airport and can be the most stressful.
Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (GIG)
Upon arrival at Rio GIG International Airport, passengers have three main options:
Apps (Uber): Uber is fully available on GIG. However, this requires internet access upon landing and proceeding to the designated pickup zone.
Radio Taxi (prepaid): There are clearly marked taxi stands in the arrivals hall. They offer fixed, prepaid fares to specific areas of the city (e.g., Copacabana). This is a safe option, but by far the most expensive. An estimated fare to Copacabana can be BRL 170-180.
Private Reservations (Pre-book): Companies like Welcome Pickups offer pickup with a nameplate. A sedan ride to the city center costs around $25.
When comparing the available options, it is clear that official fixed-price airport taxis are the most expensive option.
The best ratio of convenience to price is offered by private booking (pre-booking), while the lowest price is offered by Uber (estimated at around BRL 88 to Copacabana), provided the tourist has the strength and willingness to navigate to the pickup zone after a long flight.
Transfer from São Paulo–Guarulhos Airport (GRU)
At Brazil's largest airport, GRU in São Paulo, the situation is more orderly.
Official Cooperative (Guarucoop): There is only one official taxi company with an exclusive license to operate within the GRU. They have professional taxi stands in all terminals. They operate 24/7, accept all forms of payment, and employ bilingual receptionists. They are synonymous with safety, but their prices are widely considered "absurdly expensive."
Apps (Uber): Uber has designated pickup zones on the arrivals level of each terminal. A ride to downtown São Paulo is significantly cheaper (estimated at BRL 70-100) compared to Guarucoop fares.
A key tip for tourists arriving at GRU is to ignore scammers . Many men approach tourists in the arrivals hall, offering "Uber" or "taxi."
These are unlicensed drivers (so-called pirates ) who should be strictly avoided. Real Ubers are only booked through the app, and the only official taxi service is available at the Guarucoop stand.
Meeting with the driver with a nameplate
The "Meet & Greet" service is standard when booking in advance (pre-book) through platforms such as Kiwitaxi, AtoB or Welcome Pickups .
The procedure is simple: after collecting your baggage and passing through customs, you exit into the public arrivals hall .
There, your driver will be waiting for you, holding a sign with the name you provided when booking. Many companies send you an email with the driver's contact information 24 hours before your arrival, providing additional peace of mind.
Important note: If your flight arrives early, the driver monitoring your flight may not be there yet. Please wait patiently at your agreed meeting point.
Under no circumstances should you take a local taxi as the pre-booked transfer fee will not be refunded.
Popular booking apps and platforms
The app market in Brazil is dynamic, but currently dominated by two main players.
Uber in Brazil: Availability, Prices and Service Classes
Uber is the absolute leader and the most ubiquitous ride-hailing app in Brazilian cities and airports.
It offers standard classes of service:
UberX: The cheapest and most popular option.
Uber Comfort / Uber Black: More expensive categories offering newer, larger vehicles and higher-rated drivers. (In my experience, paying extra for these classes is often recommended, especially for travelers who value comfort or travel overnight.)
An interesting new feature is the introduction of the Uber Taxi option in many Brazilian cities. This allows passengers to order a traditional, licensed city taxi through the Uber app. This gives passengers the option to choose and compare the dynamic UberX price with the metered price.
Kiwitaxi: advance bookings and additional services
It's important to emphasize that Kiwitaxi is not an on-demand app (like Uber). It's an international platform for booking transfers in advance.
As discussed earlier, its main advantages are the fixed price, pick-up with a sign and, crucially for families, the possibility of guaranteeing additional services such as a child seat.
Unitaxi: group options and card payment
There are several apps operating in the Brazilian market called Unitaxi. These are technology platforms that represent the traditional taxi industry's response to Uber.
These companies bring together licensed taxi drivers and local cooperatives. They offer similar conveniences to Uber (app ordering, GPS tracking), but with the guarantee that the driver is a registered taxi driver.
99Taxis and Easy Taxi: Local Alternatives
This is where a key update is needed as the market has changed significantly.
99 (formerly 99Taxis): This is the main, powerful Brazilian competitor to Uber.
In practice, both drivers and passengers often have both apps (Uber and 99) installed and constantly check which one offers a better price or shorter waiting time at a given moment.
Some users claim that 99 is cheaper, but offers a slightly lower standard of vehicles.
What happened to Easy Taxi? Tourists who remember Brazil from a few years ago may be surprised. The Easy Taxi app, once a market giant, is no more.
The story of its disappearance is an example of brutal consolidation. In 2017, the Spanish company Cabify acquired Easy Taxi. In 2019, the Easy Taxi brand was completely absorbed by Cabify.
Then, in 2021, Cabify itself announced its complete withdrawal from the Brazilian market due to its inability to compete with Uber and 99.
The lesson for the tourist in 2025 is simple: the on-demand app market in Brazil is a de facto Uber vs. 99 duopoly .
Taxis in Brazil's largest cities
Every city has its own unique transportation system. What works in Rio may not necessarily work in São Paulo.
Taxi in Rio de Janeiro: characteristics and availability
Rio de Janeiro is home to iconic yellow taxis. Availability is plentiful, and fares are regulated, with the Bandeira 2 fare effective from 9:00 PM.
In addition to the global Uber and the local 99, the city has an official city application TAXI.RIO .
It brings together licensed taxi drivers, but user opinions are mixed – from very positive to negative, indicating attempts to inflate prices.
Taxi in São Paulo: Compared to Uber
In São Paulo, white taxis dominate. And here we have a rare case where a traditional taxi has a strategic, overwhelming advantage over Uber.
São Paulo's gigantic traffic jams are legendary. To combat them, the city has an extensive network of dedicated bus lanes (corredores de ônibus) .
According to local law, licensed taxis in São Paulo are allowed to legally use these bus lanes , while Uber (considered a private car) has to sit in traffic.
For tourists, this means that during rush hour (e.g., on the way to GRU Airport), a journey that might take an Uber 90 minutes can be completed in 30 minutes by a traditional taxi. Therefore, in São Paulo, if time is of the essence, a more expensive taxi is strategically the better choice.
The best solution is a system "hack": using the " Uber Taxi " function, which allows you to order a licensed taxi (with the right to use a bus lane) through the convenient and secure Uber application.
Taxi in Foz do Iguaçu: Limitations and Alternatives
In Foz do Iguaçu, gateway to the famous waterfalls, apps like Uber and 99 are available, but the fleet is much smaller than in the metropolitan areas. Local, registered taxi drivers play a significant role.
Foz do Iguaçu is known for its cross-border trips – to the Argentinian side of the waterfalls or for shopping in Ciudad del Este in Paraguay.
Uber or 99 drivers usually do not provide such services (it involves crossing the border and additional insurance).
This market is dominated by local taxi drivers who offer fixed, negotiable rates for such trips. Bottom line: Uber is good for transfers from IGU Airport to your hotel, but for exploring the Argentine side, it's better to hire a local taxi.
Trips in special situations
During major events, normal transportation rules no longer apply.
Taxi during Carnival: prices and availability
Transportation in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival is a logistical nightmare. Many streets are completely closed to traffic. Getting to the Sambadrome is particularly complicated.
Trying to take an Uber or a regular taxi from the street to the Sambadrome gates is pointless. The area around the arena is closed, and city officials are implementing a special, licensed transportation system.
Only two authorized taxi companies have exclusive access to the area under the Sambadrome:
Coopertramo: Supports odd sectors .
Coopatur: Supports even sectors .
To prevent price increases, these companies offer rides at fixed rates (e.g., around $40 from the South Zone). Always confirm the price before boarding the vehicle.
The best and cheapest advice for tourists, however, is to use the metro , which runs 24 hours a day during Carnival, is safe and takes you close to both sides of the Sambadrome (Praça Onze and Central stations).
Taxi during football matches: how to plan your trip
Just like during Carnival, getting to big matches (e.g. at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio) means huge traffic jams and closed streets.
In such conditions, apps (Uber, 99) become highly unreliable. Passengers experience extremely high dynamic prices (surge pricing) and mass cancellations by drivers.
Drivers simply don't find it profitable to wait in traffic at the stadium, so they often cancel trips or try to negotiate a much higher price "outside the app," which you should never agree to.
The best strategies are:
Metro: By far the safest, cheapest and most predictable option (e.g. Maracanã station in Rio).
Hybrid Strategy: Taking an Uber or taxi to the stadium (e.g., to a neighboring, safe neighborhood) and traveling the last kilometer by subway or walking with the crowd of fans.
Taxis in the Favelas: Risks and Precautions
Tourists visiting favelas (e.g., on organized tours) should be aware of transportation restrictions. Traditional taxis and Uber/99 drivers generally do not travel deep into the favelas.
Streets inside favela (like Rocinha) are often too narrow and steep for regular cars, and there are also safety concerns.
Transportation within the favela is dominated by local systems, primarily motorcycle taxis (moto-taxi) . Tourists ordering an Uber "door-to-door" in the favela will be asked to wait on the main street at the foot of the street (on the so-called asfalto , or asphalt).
Safety when using taxis
Safety is a major concern for travelers to Brazil. Choosing the right transportation is key to minimizing risk.
Official taxis and illegal transport
Brazil has a high crime rate. Using unlicensed, private cars "off the street" (so-called piratas ) is a risk of robbery.
The golden rule of safety is: never get into an unmarked vehicle offering a ride, especially at the airport.
Use only official taxis (with a red license plate) or vehicles ordered through a trusted app (Uber, 99) or your hotel.
Apps have become the de facto new security standard.
With GPS tracking, driver verification, recorded route and cashless payment, they eliminate most traditional risks.
Card payments and other secure methods
The safest payment method is built into the app (Uber, 99). Payment is made virtually, without having to take out your wallet or credit card in the car.
Most official taxis accept card payments.
However, you should always ask "Você aceita cartão?" (Do you accept the card?) before starting the course.
It sometimes happens that terminals are "down," leaving tourists without cash in a bind. It's always a good idea to carry a small amount of reals (the local currency) just in case.
Child seats and other safety options
This is the most important and critical piece of information in this entire guide for families traveling with small children, which tourists almost never know about.
In Europe and the US, passengers expect to be able to order an Uber with a car seat (e.g., Uber Car Seat). In Brazil, it's different.
Brazilian Road Traffic Law (CTB) exempts public transport vehicles, taxis and app-based personal transport vehicles (e.g. Uber) from the requirement to use child seats ( cadeirinhas ).
What does this mean in practice?
Uber does not offer an "Uber Car Seat" service in Brazil. The company's official policy in Brazil states that the passenger is responsible for providing a car seat.
An Uber or traditional taxi driver will not have a car seat in the car.
Moreover, the driver has every right to refuse to provide a ride if the passenger shows up with a small child without a child seat.
This legal loophole creates a huge problem for families. After landing on a GRU or GIG, a family with a 3-year-old will be unable to find an Uber or a taxi with a car seat.
They are forced to either take a dangerous drive down the highway with a child on their lap or camp out at the airport.
The only guarantee of getting a child seat is to book your transfer in advance through a platform (like Kiwitaxi or Welcome Pickups) that explicitly offers the seat as a paid additional service during the booking process.
Practical tips for travelers
To sum up this comprehensive overview, here are some condensed, practical tips for getting around Brazil.
How to find and book a transfer in Brazil
A Hybrid Strategy is recommended, adapted to the situation:
Arriving at the airport (GIG/GRU): Pre-book your transfer through a platform like Kiwitaxi or Welcome Pickups. This guarantees pickup with a nameplate, eliminates stress, and—most importantly—is the only way to guarantee a child seat.
Getting around town: For everyday use, use the Uber or 99 apps . Always compare prices before booking. For extra comfort or at night, choose the higher classes (Uber Comfort/Black).
Rush Hour in São Paulo: If you're pressed for time, use Uber Taxi or hail a licensed taxi from a taxi stand to take advantage of bus lanes.
Preparing for a transfer from the airport or hotel
Address: Always have your destination address (hotel, Airbnb) clearly written down on your phone, preferably in Portuguese. Show it to the driver or enter it precisely in the app.
Internet: Please ensure you have internet access as soon as you land (roaming, eSIM or airport Wi-Fi) so you can contact your driver.
Confirmation: If you have booked in advance, have your confirmation email and the contact number of the driver or company handy.
Travel time and city trip planning
Traffic Rule: Never trust GPS (Google Maps, Uber) travel time estimates during rush hour. In Rio and São Paulo, between 7:00-10:00 a.m. and 5:00-8:00 p.m., always assume the journey will take at least twice the estimated time.
Special Events: Always take the subway for Carnival or football matches . It's faster, cheaper, and incomparably more predictable than any taxi or Uber.
Quick Questions and Answers about the Brazilian Taxi System (FAQ)
Still have doubts? Here's a condensed cheat sheet with answers to the most frequently asked questions. I've gathered everything you need to know about taxis in Brazil and the alternatives.
What's the most popular mode of transportation in cities? Besides the subway, Uber absolutely dominates door-to-door transportation. Due to its transparency, price, and safety, it has become the primary choice for many, overtaking traditional taxis .
How to recognize a legal taxi? Always look for a red license plate (a federal guarantee of legality) and official markings, such as a "TAXI" light on the roof.
What are the real prices for taxis in Brazil? Taxi prices in Brazil depend on the fare. Traditional taxis have prices regulated by the city (Tariff 1 or 2), while Uber has dynamic pricing. UberX is usually cheaper, but in traffic jams or at night, a legal taxi can be more predictable.
What's the local alternative to Uber? Its main competitor is the 99 app (formerly 99Taxis). It's always worth having both installed and comparing prices and ride times .
What is Uber Pop? Uber Pop was once the cheapest, entry-level ride category, similar to UberX. It has now been largely absorbed or replaced by standard UberX in Brazil .
What's different about Uber Black? It's a premium service. By choosing Uber Black , you're guaranteed a newer, larger vehicle and a higher-rated driver. It's a good option for important meetings or late-night commutes.
What's the best airport transfer to your hotel? For a reliable airport pick-up and a guarantee (e.g., a child seat), the best option is to book an airport transfer in Brazil in advance (e.g., through Kiwitaxi ). This ensures a stress-free transfer to your hotel . For the cheapest price, try Uber or 99.
What's the process for getting from Rio de Janeiro Airport? Rio de Janeiro Airport (GIG) is served by Uber, 99, and the expensive, official Radio Taxi with fixed prices. Taxi trips to the city center (e.g., Copacabana) are popular, but it's always worth comparing prices on apps before making a decision.
What's the fastest way to get to São Paulo International Airport (GRU)? If you're traveling to São Paulo Airport during rush hour, the best taxi is a legal one. Use the "Uber Taxi" feature or hail one from a taxi stand. Thanks to bus lanes, this is the only way to avoid traffic jams and ensure your arrival on time .
At the airport, someone offers me a "cheap taxi." Should I take them? Absolutely not. They're unlicensed scammers ( pirates ). Only order a real Uber through the app, and only take an official taxi from an authorized taxi stand.
What's special about rush-hour rides in São Paulo? As mentioned, licensed taxis in São Paulo can legally use bus lanes. Ubers have to wait in traffic. As a result, taxi rides can be much faster, which is crucial when traveling to the airport , for example.
How to book a transfer from your hotel to the airport? You have two main options: order an Uber/99 and hope the driver doesn't cancel (which happens with airport transfers), or book a reliable hotel transfer through a pre-booking platform like Kiwitaxi .
I need a child seat. Will an Uber driver provide one? No. Neither a standard Uber driver nor a taxi driver will have a child seat. Brazilian law exempts them from this requirement.
So how do you travel safely with a small child? The only guarantee is to prepare for the transfer in advance. You must book your ride on a platform (e.g., Kiwitaxi ) and clearly indicate the child seat option when ordering.
What to expect from a driver in Brazil? Apps like Uber typically require driver verification and a relatively clean car . With premium services (like Uber Black ) or pre-booked transfers, you can count on a highly professional driver .
What about the quality of service at Kiwitaxi? Pre-booked services like Kiwitaxi often specialize in serving tourists. A very helpful driver who will wait for you with a sign in the arrivals hall is standard there. Service is often friendly and professional .
Do taxi drivers in Brazil speak English? Usually not. Have your destination address written down or simply enter it precisely into the app.
Can you pay by card in taxis? Most do, but always ask "Você aceita cartão?" (Do you accept cards?) before starting the ride to avoid the "broken terminal" problem.
How to get to the Sambadrome during Carnival? The best and cheapest way is by metro (it runs 24 hours a day). If you must take a taxi , use only authorized companies (Coopertramo, Coopatur) with a fixed price.
How to get back from a football match? Definitely take the subway. Avoid Uber and taxis – prices will be extremely high (surge pricing), and drivers will be canceling trips en masse at the stadium.
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