Portuguese Phrase
Posso pagar com moeda estrangeira?
Meaning
Literally, “Can I pay with foreign currency?” It is a polite request to know whether a shop, restaurant, or service will accept money that is not the local Brazilian Real.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are traveling in Brazil and need to know if a vendor will accept dollars, euros, or any other non‑Brazilian money. It works in hotels, markets, taxis, and tourist attractions.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Possopagarcommoedaestrangeira?
Poder (Posso)
‘Posso’ is the first‑person singular present of the modal verb ‘poder’, used to ask permission or ability.
Infinitive verb (pagar)
The main verb stays in the infinitive after ‘posso’, indicating the action you want to do.
Preposition (com)
‘Com’ means ‘with’ and links the verb to the means of payment.
Noun + adjective agreement (moeda estrangeira)
‘Moeda’ (currency) is feminine singular, so the adjective ‘estrangeira’ must also be feminine singular.
Question intonation
In spoken Portuguese, a rising intonation at the end signals a yes‑no question; no word order change is needed.
🗨In Conversation
Posso pagar com moeda estrangeira?
Can I pay with foreign currency?
Desculpe, só aceitamos Real. Você pode trocar na casa de câmbio mais próxima.
Sorry, we only accept reais. You can exchange at the nearest currency exchange.
✕Common Mistakes
Pago com moeda estrangeira?
‘Pago’ is the first‑person singular present of ‘pagar’ (I pay). The correct modal form is ‘posso pagar’ (can I pay).
Posso pagar com dinheiro estrangeiro?
While understandable, ‘dinheiro estrangeiro’ sounds less natural than ‘moeda estrangeira’ when referring to foreign cash.
Posso pagar com a moeda estrangeira?
The article ‘a’ is unnecessary because ‘moeda’ is used in a general sense.
↔Alternatives
Aceitam moeda estrangeira?
Do you accept foreign currency?
Posso usar dinheiro estrangeiro?
Can I use foreign money?
É possível pagar com dólares?
Is it possible to pay with dollars?
Cultural Tip
In most of Brazil, only the Brazilian Real (R$) is legal tender. Tourist‑heavy zones (airports, big hotels, and some souvenir shops) may accept dollars or euros, but they usually give a poorer exchange rate. It’s safer to exchange money beforehand or use a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign‑transaction fees.