Banks, social security, and post offices in Brazil will be closed on February 16 and 17 due to the Carnival holiday, with normal operations resuming on the 18th.
In Brazil, agencies of banks, the National Institute of Social Security (INSS), and the Post Office will be closed on Monday, February 16, and Tuesday, February 17, in observance of the Carnival holiday, which is a public holiday in many regions. Normal operations will resume on Wednesday, February 18, with banks and post offices opening at 12 PM, while the INSS will open at 2 PM. During this period, banks will not process transactions such as electronic transfers, known as TED, although Pix—the instant payment system—will be available 24/7.
According to the Brazilian Federation of Banks (Febraban), any bank compensations will be suspended until after the holiday. However, payments for bills and utility accounts can be made without penalties on the next business day, which is February 18. Tax payments that fall during the closure days need to be made in advance to avoid penalties or interest charges. People are encouraged to plan for these closures to ensure they manage their financial obligations effectively.
The INSS’s Central 135 call center will operate during this holiday from 7 AM to 10 PM, with only electronic services available on Sundays. The INSS website and mobile app will continue to operate 24/7, allowing users access to essential information regardless of the holiday. Furthermore, automated online assistance will be available through the Post Office's channels, ensuring some level of service remains accessible to the public even during the holiday closures.
