💰 This page covers the street-level details of spending money in Salvador: card acceptance by neighborhood, where to find ATMs, how to pay for buses and taxis, and what to budget for Carnival and day trips. For Brazil-wide ATM tips, tipping norms, and Pix details:
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Order BRL → CEI Currency ExchangeDo You Need Cash in Salvador?
Yes, more than in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo. Salvador has embraced card payments at tourist restaurants and shopping malls, but the city's famous street food culture, local buses, and smaller neighborhood businesses still run on cash. Acaraje sellers, beach vendors, and many bars in Pelourinho prefer reais in hand. Carry R$100–200 (about $18–36) when heading out for the day.
Where You Will Need Cash
Acaraje and street food vendors throughout the city. Local buses (exact change or transport card). Beach vendors at Porto da Barra and Itapuã. Small bars in Pelourinho's side streets. Mercado Modelo souvenir stalls (negotiable prices). Capoeira performances (tips). Church donations at São Francisco and Bonfim. Colectivos and vans to nearby beaches.
Where Cards Work Fine
Tourist restaurants in Pelourinho and Barra. Shopping Barra and Salvador Shopping (all stores accept cards). Hotels and hostels. Uber and 99 ride-hailing (card in-app). Supermarkets (Extra, Pão de Açúcar). Tour operators for island trips and whale watching. Elevador Lacerda accepts both (R$0.15). Card acceptance is solid in tourist Salvador, but step into local neighborhoods and cash becomes essential.
Paying by Card in Salvador
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at any business with a card machine. Amex has limited acceptance outside upscale hotels. Contactless payments work at most modern terminals. Many small vendors use maquininhas (portable card readers) but some have minimum purchase amounts of R$10–20. Pix dominates local payments, but tourists without a Brazilian CPF cannot use it easily.
Pelourinho (Historic Center)
Salvador's UNESCO-listed colonial heart. Restaurants on Largo do Pelourinho and Terreiro de Jesus accept cards. Bars on the main squares take cards, but smaller spots on side streets are cash-preferred. Mercado Modelo (ground floor souvenir market): mostly cash, prices negotiable. Churches: São Francisco (R$5 entry, cash) and Cathedral Basilica (free). Live music venues charge R$10–30 cover (often cash). Budget R$50–100 for a night out.
Barra & Porto da Barra
Salvador's most tourist-friendly beach neighborhood. Restaurants along the waterfront accept cards. Shopping Barra: all stores, food court, and cinema take cards. Porto da Barra beach: vendors sell beer, coconut water, and snacks for cash (R$5–15). ATMs at Bradesco and Itaú branches on Avenida Oceânica. Farol da Barra lighthouse museum: R$6 entry (cash or card).
Rio Vermelho
The local nightlife and seafood hub. Restaurants on Largo de Santana accept cards. Acaraje da Dinha and other famous acaraje stands: cash. Bars along the waterfront: most take cards. Friday and Saturday nights are lively with live music (cover charges R$10–40, often cash). A great area for eating where locals eat. Budget R$40–80 for dinner and drinks.
Cidade Baixa (Lower City)
The commercial lower city reached by the Elevador Lacerda (R$0.15). Mercado Modelo is here: haggle for souvenirs, pay cash. Feira de São Joaquim: Salvador's authentic local market with produce, candomblé supplies, and street food. Entirely cash. Not touristy but fascinating. Ferry terminal to Itaparica Island: R$7.70 (cash or card at ticket window).
Itapuã & North Coast Beaches
Local beaches north of the center, less touristy than Barra. Beach barracas (thatched-roof beach bars) are mixed: larger ones take cards, smaller ones prefer cash. Street food vendors: cash. Colectivos from the center: R$5–8 (cash). Beautiful, quieter beaches with a more authentic Bahian feel. Budget R$30–60 for a beach day including food and transport.
Paying for Acarajé and Street Food in Salvador
Salvador is Brazil's street food capital, and acarajé is the star. These deep-fried black-eyed pea fritters filled with shrimp, vatapá, and caruru are sold by Baianas (women in traditional white dresses) at stands across the city. Always cash. A single acarajé costs R$8–20 depending on the location and fillings.
Best acarajé spots: Dinha (Rio Vermelho), Cira (Largo da Mariquita), and Regina (Pelourinho). Other street foods: tapioca crepes (R$5–15), cocada (coconut candy, R$2–5), moqueca in a cup (R$10–20), and açaí bowls (R$8–18). Fresh coconut water from beach vendors costs R$5–8. Carry small bills (R$5, R$10, R$20) as vendors rarely have change for R$100 notes.
ATMs in Salvador
For Brazil-wide ATM advice, see the Brazil guide. Barra: Bradesco and Itaú branches on Avenida Oceânica. Pelourinho: Banco do Brasil ATM on Largo do Cruzeiro de São Francisco. Shopping Barra: Banco24Horas ATMs inside (safest option). Airport: ATMs in arrivals hall. Use ATMs inside bank branches or shopping malls during business hours. Avoid standalone street ATMs, especially at night. Maximum withdrawal: typically R$1,000–1,500 per transaction. Fees: R$10–15 per foreign withdrawal.
Look for these logos on the street. These banks work best with foreign cards in Salvador.
Bradesco
Itaú
Banco do Brasil
SantanderPaying for Buses, Taxis & Getting Around
City Buses
Salvador's bus system is extensive. A single ride costs R$5.20. Pay with a Salvador Card (reloadable transit card, buy at terminals) or exact change at the turnstile. No credit cards accepted on buses. Routes connect Pelourinho, Barra, Rio Vermelho, and the airport. Buses can be crowded and slow during rush hours. Watch your belongings.
Uber & 99
Ride-hailing is the safest and most convenient way to get around Salvador. Uber and 99 both operate citywide. Pay by card in-app (no cash needed). Pelourinho to Barra: R$15–25. Pelourinho to airport: R$50–80. Barra to Rio Vermelho: R$12–20. Prices surge during Carnival and on weekend nights. Much safer than hailing taxis on the street.
Elevador Lacerda
Salvador's iconic Art Deco elevator connects Cidade Alta (upper city, Pelourinho) to Cidade Baixa (lower city, Mercado Modelo). Just R$0.15 per ride (cash or card). A 30-second ride with stunning views of the Bay of All Saints. One of the cheapest tourist attractions anywhere.
Ferries
Ferries to Itaparica Island depart from the Terminal São Joaquim. R$7.70 for foot passengers (cash or card at ticket window). The crossing takes about 1 hour. Ferries run frequently during the day. Cars can also board but book ahead on weekends. On the island, transport is by van or mototaxi (cash).
Tipping in Salvador
The Brazil guide covers general norms. In Salvador: Restaurants: 10% service charge (taxa de serviço) is usually included in the bill. Check before adding more. Acarajé vendors: no tip expected. Capoeira performers: R$5–10 if you watch a roda (circle). Hotel porters: R$5–10 per bag. Tour guides: R$20–40 per person for full-day tours. Beach barraca waiters: round up or leave R$5–10. Always tip in cash.
Prices in Salvador
Salvador is one of Brazil's more affordable major cities. Local food is cheap and delicious, especially Bahian street food. Tourist restaurants in Pelourinho charge more, but prices are still reasonable compared to Rio or São Paulo. Accommodation is good value outside Carnival season, when prices triple or quadruple.
| Item | Price (BRL) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Acarajé | R$8–20 | $1.45–3.60 |
| Prato feito (set lunch) | R$18–30 | $3.25–5.45 |
| Restaurant meal (Pelourinho) | R$40–80 | $7.25–14.50 |
| Moqueca (seafood stew) | R$50–90 | $9.10–16.35 |
| Caipirinha | R$15–30 | $2.70–5.45 |
| Coconut water (beach) | R$5–8 | $0.90–1.45 |
| Bus ride | R$5.20 | $0.95 |
| Uber (Pelourinho to Barra) | R$15–25 | $2.70–4.55 |
| Ferry to Itaparica | R$7.70 | $1.40 |
| Carnival bloco abada | R$300–1,500 | $54–272 |
| Budget hostel (per night) | R$50–120 | $9.10–21.80 |
| São Francisco Church entry | R$5 | $0.90 |
USD estimates based on approximately R$5.50 = $1. Rates fluctuate.
Day Trips from Salvador
Itaparica Island
A relaxed island across the Bay of All Saints. Ferry: R$7.70 from Terminal São Joaquim (1 hour). Beaches: Ponta de Areia and Mar Grande are the most popular. Beach barracas serve seafood and cold beer (R$15–40 for lunch). Transport on the island by van (R$3–5) or mototaxi (R$5–15). Mostly cash on the island.
Morro de São Paulo
A car-free island paradise about 3 hours south. Catamaran from Salvador: R$120–150 each way (book online, card). Speedboat: R$150–200 (faster, rougher). The island has no cars, so transport is by foot or tractor-taxi (R$5–10, cash). Restaurants accept cards, but beach vendors and smaller pousadas prefer cash. Budget R$200–400 per day on the island.
Praia do Forte
A resort town 80 km north of Salvador. Bus from Salvador: R$20–30 (1.5 hours). Projeto TAMAR (sea turtle sanctuary): R$38 entry (card or cash). Restaurants and hotels accept cards. The town is small and walkable. Good for a day trip or overnight stay. More card-friendly than most day trip destinations from Salvador.
Salvador Quick Reference
| Destination | Cards? | Cash Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pelourinho restaurants | ✅ Most accept cards | Tips, small bars | 10% service charge included |
| Mercado Modelo | ❌ Mostly cash | R$20–100 | Haggle for souvenirs |
| Porto da Barra beach | ❌ Vendors cash | R$20–50 | Beer, coconut water, snacks |
| Street food / acarajé | ❌ Cash only | R$10–30 | Carry small bills |
| City buses | ❌ Salvador Card or cash | R$5.20 | Exact change needed |
| Uber / 99 | ✅ Card in-app | None | Safest transport option |
| Morro de São Paulo | ✅ Restaurants only | R$50–100 | Cash for beach, transport |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cash in Salvador?
Yes, more than in Rio or São Paulo. Street food, local buses, beach vendors, Mercado Modelo, and smaller bars are cash-dependent. Tourist restaurants and malls accept cards. Carry R$100–200 daily.
How much does Carnival cost?
Watching from the streets is free. Bloco abadas cost R$300–1,500. Food and drinks from vendors: R$5–20 each. Accommodation triples during Carnival week. Budget R$200–500+ per day.
Is it safe to use ATMs?
Use ATMs inside bank branches or shopping malls (Shopping Barra is a good option). Avoid standalone street ATMs at night. Withdraw only what you need and do not count cash publicly.
Can tourists use Pix?
Pix requires a Brazilian CPF and bank account. Most tourists cannot use it. Stick to cards and cash. Vendors who only accept Pix will usually also take cash.
How do I get from the airport to Pelourinho?
Uber or 99: R$50–80 (card in-app). Official airport taxis: R$120–150. Executive bus: R$8 (cash). The airport is about 30 km from the historic center.
What should I budget per day?
Budget travelers: R$100–200 ($18–36) covering hostels, street food, and buses. Mid-range: R$300–500 ($55–90) with restaurants and Uber. During Carnival, add R$200–500+ for abadas and higher prices.
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