Brazil’s Pix Is Getting a Credit Upgrade
Plus: Top Emerging Markets for Digital Nomads in 2025
Quick hits ahead: first, Brazil’s fintech darling Pix is doubling down on inclusion and competition. Then, we dive into where the world’s remote workers are choosing (and why).
Let’s go 🌍
🇧🇷 Pix Automático & the Financial Inclusion Push
Pix has already transformed Brazil’s payments landscape—processing roughly R$26 trillion (~US $4.6 trillion) in 2024 and overtaking cash, cards, and bank slips.
But now comes the real test: recurring payments.
🗓️ Timeline & Details
June 16, 2025:
Launch of Pix Automático, enabling users to authorize recurring payments—streaming, utilities, school fees—with one-time consent via their banking app, revocable anytime.September 2025:
Expected rollout of Pix Parcelado, which empowers users to split purchases into installments while merchants receive full upfront payment—directly rivaling credit-card instalments.~2026:
A future capability to let businesses use Pix receivables as loan collateral—potentially rewriting credit access for SMEs.
Why This Changes the Game
• Financial Inclusion
~60 million Brazilians without credit cards can now access subscriptions and recurring services.
• Cost & Efficiency
Pix Automático is cheaper than cards and simpler than boletos or direct debits.
• Merchant Benefits
Small businesses can offer subscriptions without complex integrations. EBANX projects R$150 billion (US$30 billion) in Pix e-commerce volume over two years.
Digital Nomads — New Patterns, Bigger Numbers
Remote work isn’t a fad—it’s transforming economies. Here's what’s new in 2025:
New Digital Nomad Hotspots to Watch in 2025
Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi offers a compelling mix of low living costs and a growing digital infrastructure.
Monthly expenses for digital nomads range from $800 to $1,500. Internet speeds average between 100–230 Mbps. Georgia allows visa-free stays up to a year for many nationalities and offers a 1% tax rate for freelancers earning under $165,000 annually.
Popular neighborhoods like Vake and Saburtalo have become digital nomad favorites.
Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang blends urban convenience with beachside tranquility.
It’s becoming a favorite among nomads thanks to its affordable rent, quality coworking spaces, and fast internet. Events like Vietnam Nomad Fest 2025 signal local commitment to remote work culture.
Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei is a new entry into the nomad space with modern infrastructure and rich culture.
Taiwan launched a Digital Nomad Visa in January 2025, granting up to six months of stay for qualifying applicants. Requirements include proof of remote employment and meeting income thresholds.
The city’s transport system, safety, and Wi-Fi infrastructure make it highly attractive.
Siargao, Philippines
Siargao, long known for surfing, is now a rising digital nomad hub.
The island features affordable housing, reliable internet, and a growing coworking scene. Venues like Coco Space and Sinag Hostel are popular. Events like “Nomads in Paradise” foster community among remote workers.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town combines natural beauty with growing digital infrastructure.
The city now offers a digital nomad visa and a lifestyle mix few places can match. However, rising rents and local gentrification have created friction. Still, Cape Town remains a strong contender for those seeking variety and vibrancy.
TLDR;
If you prefer to listen to an audio overview of this post - here is an audio file with the voices from Google’s NotebookLM, all the key takeaways in under 5 minutes - check it out below.
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