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Contactless smart cards 'debut in South America'
10 Nov 2009

Rio de Janeiro has become the first South American city to offer contactless payment technology on public transportation.

New contactless key fobs have been introduced, which will allow people to pay for journeys on the Supervia rail service or for parking at the city's Estapar and Riopark car parks.

In addition, contactless payments are now available at McDonald's fast food restaurants, as well as UCI cinemas, and the Pao de Acucar (Sugar Loaf Mountain) lift.

Further plans for the system will see it rolled out to include the Rio de Janeiro metro system and additional merchants.

One benefit of contactless payments is that they carry a minimal risk of fraud, according to the UK Cards Association.

The group's Mark Bowerman told the Times last month that fraudsters may be deterred from the technology, as only a small amount of money can be spent in one transaction using contactless smart cards.