Taxis & Rideshare in Brazil (2026) - Grab, Uber & More

Taxis & Rideshare in Brazil (2026) - Grab, Uber & More

Taxis and rideshare in Brazil: local taxi apps, Uber, Grab, typical fares, and tips for safe, affordable rides around Brazil.

In Brazil, the two main door-to-door options are traditional taxis and the rideshare platform 99 (formerly 99Taxis). Licensed taxis are ubiquitous in every city, look for the clearly marked cars with rooftop "TAXI" signs and municipal license plates. You can hail one on the street, find them at designated taxi stands outside airports, bus terminals, hotels and shopping malls, or call a local radio-taxi cooperative. Payment is accepted in cash or by card if the vehicle has a point-of-sale device. Simply tell the driver your destination and ask for the meter ("taxímetro") to be switched on. Receipts can be requested at the end of the ride. For more convenience and upfront pricing, download the 99 app (available in Portuguese and English) before you travel. After registering with a phone number and credit card, you pin your pickup point, choose the ride category (Pop for budget, Comfort for newer cars, or 99Top for premium vehicles), and track the driver's arrival in real time. The app displays an estimated fare range before you confirm, and payment is handled automatically, no cash needed. Use 99 when you want to avoid language barriers, need a ride late at night, or prefer the safety features of trip sharing and driver identification. Taxis remain the go-to choice at airports where queues are fast-moving or when you have no internet connection.

Safety Tips

Look for the official red license plate starting with "TAXI" and the municipal permit sticker on the windshield, common unlicensed cars in Brazil lack both.

All licensed taxis must use the taxímetro. If the driver claims it's broken, ask to stop at the next taxi rank or simply exit, this excuse is frequently used to overcharge tourists.

Locals rely on 99 and Uber. Both show driver photo and plate before pickup, a feature useful when leaving bars in São Paulo or Rio after dark.

For solo night rides, sit in the back left seat, share live trip tracking via WhatsApp with a Brazilian contact, and avoid getting out in deserted areas even if the map says you're close.

Common Scams to Avoid

Taxi drivers at airports and bus terminals in Rio and São Paulo sometimes insist the meter is "broken" and quote a flat fare that is 2, 3 times the normal rate. Politely ask them to use the meter anyway. If they refuse, walk to the official taxi booth inside the terminal to get a pre-paid voucher.

Some drivers switch the meter to the higher "Bandeira 2" (night/weekend rate) during weekday daylight hours, quietly doubling the fare. Check the small flag icon on the meter and insist on "Bandeira 1" unless it is night or a public holiday.

A common downtown scam involves drivers taking an obviously longer route through congested streets, claiming there is a "bloco" or protest blocking the direct way. Use a map app to follow the route in real time and politely point out a shorter alternative. Most will reroute once they know you are watching.

Live Prices Below - Updated in Real-Time by Our Booking Partners

Check Current Prices & Book

Our trusted partners provide real-time pricing, current schedules, and instant availability.

Prices vary by date, time, and availability - always showing you the latest rates

Book with Rome2Rio Trusted Partner

Tip: Book in advance for better prices. Rates shown include all fees.

Related Tours & Experiences

Skip the hassle with pre-booked transfers and tours

Didn't see anything interesting yet?

Browse Viator's full catalog of tours, day trips, food experiences, and private guides in Brazil.

See All Brazil Tours on Viator

More Booking Options

Book with Rome2Rio Trusted Partner
Book with Viator Trusted Partner