As Brazil prepares for the New Year holiday, banks, public agencies and state services will operate on altered timetables across the country. The Federal Banking Association has confirmed closures that affect in-person banking and clearing operations, while social security, postal services and metropolitan transport systems will run under special schedules in many areas, notably São Paulo.
Brazil New Year services – key schedules
Banks will not hold face-to-face hours on Wednesday 31 December and Thursday 1 January, the Federal Banking Association (Febraban) has said. Clearing operations, including processing of TED transfers, will not occur on those days. The instant payment system Pix will continue to operate normally, however. Customers with bills due on 31 December or 1 January can pay without fines on the next business day; for taxes and levies it is advisable to pay in advance where possible.
In-person banking services resume on Friday 2 January in localities without an additional municipal holiday. On Tuesday 30 December, banks operate as usual.
INSS and postal services
Agencies of the National Institute of Social Security (INSS) will close early at 13:00 on 31 December under a federal optional working day and remain closed on 1 January. Face-to-face appointments restart on Friday 2 January in line with pre-booked schedules. The telephone helpline 135 will provide human support until 18:00 on 31 December; after that and throughout 1 January the service will be electronic only.
Correios branches will not provide in-person service on 1 January. On 31 December most branches will follow their normal opening hours. Digital services remain available 24 hours through the assistant Carol via the Correios website, phone (4003-8210), WhatsApp (11 4003-8210) and chat. Customers can check branch addresses and opening hours at https://buscaagencia.correios.com.br.
Transport and state services in São Paulo
Metropolitan transport and state-run services in São Paulo will run on special timetables. The Companhia Paulista de Trens Metropolitanos (CPTM) will operate on a regular weekday timetable on 31 December and on a Sunday timetable on 1 January, with continuous circulation overnight between the evening of 31 December and the early hours of 1 January; stations will be open for disembarkation.
The São Paulo Metro will apply a special plan for New Year’s Eve on Avenida Paulista. Consolação station will close at 10:00 on 31 December and reopen after 04:40 on 1 January. Nearby stations such as Paraíso, Brigadeiro and Trianon-Masp will remain open overnight for boarding and disembarkation. Other stations will operate until 02:00 and thereafter will only permit disembarkation.
State-run Poupatempo units will be closed on 31 December, 1 January and Saturday 3 January, reopening on Friday 2 January, and returning to normal service from Monday 5 January by appointment only through digital channels. Hospitals will maintain emergency and urgent care throughout the holiday. Ambulatórios Médicos de Especialidades (AMEs) and state pharmacies will have varied opening hours, with confirmed closures on 1 January. The Bom Prato network will operate reduced services on New Year’s Day, with only the Brás unit serving meals.
Practical tips for residents
Plan ahead for payments due at year-end and favour Pix or other electronic options for time-sensitive transactions. Use digital channels for Correios and INSS where possible to avoid delays, and confirm local municipal timetables that may affect reopening dates. For emergencies, rely on hospital urgent care services, which remain available throughout the holiday.
This advisory aims to help residents and visitors manage essential payments and access critical services during the New Year period.
Key Takeaways:
- Brazil New Year services will adjust schedules: banks and many public offices close on 31 Dec and 1 Jan.
- Pix remains available and in-person bank services resume on 2 Jan where no municipal holiday applies.
- INSS and Correios operate reduced or suspended hours; digital channels remain active.
- In São Paulo, metropolitan transport and public services follow special timetables — urgent hospital care continues.
