Nomad vs Ruvo: dollar card comparison for travel
Which card costs less on a US trip? See IOF, FX and what changes in your pocket when you spend in dollars.
Two dollar cards for travel
Where each one's cost is
What it costs on a US$3,000 trip
Where Nomad does well
Using the card abroad: where and how
Before your trip: card setup and spending limits
A note on fees
US trip: Nomad vs Ruvo
| Criteria | Ruvo | Nomad |
|---|---|---|
| Convert reais to dollars | 0.5% (commercial rate) | 1% to 2% (spread, by tier) |
| IOF | 0% | 1.1% |
| Spend the dollar balance | Free | — |
| Total cost | ~0.5% | ~2% to 3% |
| Best rate requires | Nothing | Climbing Nomad Pass |
Nomad charges 1.1% IOF on the global-account conversion; Ruvo keeps 0% IOF and 0% spread on dollar purchases.
On Nomad, the FX spread (1% to 2%) improves with your Nomad Pass tier. With Ruvo, you convert reais to digital dollars for 0.5% and spend in dollars with no spread, from the start, no tiers.
Yes. Third-party fees change; the data is from mid-2026. Confirm on official sites before traveling.
Figures are from mid-2026. Third-party fees change; confirm current rates at nomadglobal.com before making a decision.
ATM withdrawals may carry a local bank fee. Card spending at merchants abroad is free of IOF and spread. Check the app for the current ATM fee before withdrawing.
Yes. The Ruvo Visa is accepted anywhere Visa is accepted worldwide, with 0% IOF. Non-dollar purchases carry a 1% FX fee — still far cheaper than a Brazilian card.
