Dollar card for travel to the US
Why an international dollar card is usually the best way to spend in the United States, with no IOF and no FX surprise.
Why more Brazilians are spending in dollars
The problem with a Brazilian card abroad
The "global account" and the 1.1% IOF
The advantage of spending in dollars with Ruvo
How to prepare for the trip
Tips for spending in the US, and any country
- Pay in the local currency abroad. In the US, the Ruvo card is charged in dollars, which is the local currency, so there is nothing to choose. In other countries, when the terminal asks which currency, choose the local currency, not dollars: letting the terminal convert to dollars (dynamic currency conversion) applies its own markup, which can run 10% to 20% and which Ruvo does not control. Paying in local currency lets Ruvo convert instead (1% on non-dollar purchases). If there is no local-currency option, decline the conversion.
- Mind pre-authorization holds. Hotels, gas stations and car rentals often "hold" more than the purchase as a deposit. It is normal and released later, but keep enough balance to cover these temporary holds.
- Tipping. In the US, the tip (15% to 20%) is often added to the card afterward at restaurants and services, so the final amount can come in a bit above what you signed.
Physical card, contactless and in-app control
Spending $3,000 in the US: the cost of each card
| Cost | Ruvo card | Brazilian card |
|---|---|---|
| IOF | 0% | 3.5% |
| Convert reais to dollars | 0.5% (commercial rate) | 3% to 7% (tourist rate) |
| Spend the dollar balance | Free | — |
| Total cost on US$3,000 | ~US$15 | ~US$165 to US$315 |
Because it adds 3.5% IOF and the FX spread, with a final cost that can top 6%, and you only see the exact amount on the statement.
No. It is 0% IOF and 0% spread on dollar purchases. You spend the dollar balance directly, knowing the amount up front.
Keep a dollar balance and top up the card. Convert reais to dollars only for what is missing, at the best FX moment.
Converting reais to digital dollars costs 0.5%, at the commercial rate (not the tourist rate). After that, spending the dollar balance on the card is free, 0% IOF and 0% spread. If you already earn in dollars, you pay nothing to spend.
The card is virtual and works with Apple Pay and Google Pay, which are widely accepted. Ruvo sends a physical card on request, handy for hotels and car rentals. In the app, you set spending limits and can lock or freeze the card anytime.
Convert a small amount of your dollar balance to reais before departure and send via Pix, or exchange a small amount locally. Keep as much as possible in dollars — spending them on the card is free.
