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 " .
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 undoing as all-too familiar threats of regulation and legislation are looming. In Rio, Mayor Eduardo Paes has signed legislation effectively banning Uber, though its drivers can operate until an appeal has been decided, while Sao Paulo's authorities are set to roll out new regulations including surprise inspections. In Brazil, taxi drivers are complaining of loss of revenue, saying Uber is "destroying their profession".