Uber has become big business in Brazil and is operating in 37 cities across the country , including capital Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo . However , the ride - hailing service 's success could be its downfall as all - too familiar threats of regulation and legislation are looming . In Rio , Mayor Eduardo Paes has signed legislation effectively banning it , though its drivers can stay until an appeal has been decided , while São Paulo 's authorities are set to roll out new regulations after surprise inspections . "It's hard to even have hope," said Fabio Freitas, a 37-year-old taxi driver in Rio who used to make $84 per day but now makes half of that. In Brazil , taxi drivers are complaining of loss of revenue , saying it is " destroying their profession " .
Uber has become big business in Brazil and is operating in 37 cities across the country , including capital Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo . However , the ride - hailing service 's success could be its downfall as all - too familiar threats of regulation and legislation are looming . In Rio , Mayor Eduardo Paes has signed legislation effectively banning it , though its drivers can stay until an appeal has been decided , while São Paulo 's authorities are set to roll out new regulations after surprise inspections . In Brazil , taxi drivers are complaining of loss of revenue , saying it is " destroying their profession " .