Compare Brazilian Real Exchange Rates in Brazil

Understanding Brazilian Currency

Brazil uses the Brazilian Real (BRL), represented by the symbol R$. The currency comes in notes of R$2, R$5, R$10, R$20, R$50, R$100, and R$200. Coins are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos, as well as R$1. The R$200 note, introduced in 2020, features the maned wolf and is still unfamiliar to some Brazilians, so smaller denominations are easier to use.

Brazil has a complex relationship with cash versus cards. While major cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are increasingly card-friendly, much of Brazil still operates on cash, especially in smaller towns, beaches, and local neighbourhoods. Understanding how to manage both is essential for a smooth trip.

Best Ways to Get Brazilian Reais

Here are your main options for getting BRL, ranked by overall value:

Card Acceptance in Brazil

Card acceptance varies dramatically across Brazil. In major cities and tourist areas, you'll find cards widely accepted:

Cards work well at: Shopping centres (shoppings), supermarkets (Pão de Açúcar, Extra, Carrefour), chain restaurants, hotels, airlines, petrol stations, Uber and 99 (ride apps), and most tourist attractions.

You'll need cash for: Beach vendors (caipirinhas, coconut water), local "boteco" bars, market stalls, street food, many taxis (especially outside major cities), small restaurants, and tips.

Brazil uses chip and PIN for card transactions. Contactless is becoming more common in São Paulo and Rio but isn't universal. Some machines may ask if you want the charge in GBP (DCC) - always choose to pay in Reais to avoid poor exchange rates.

ATM Guide for Brazil

Finding an ATM that accepts foreign cards requires some knowledge of the Brazilian banking landscape. Here's what works:

Best options: Banco24Horas, a shared cash-machine network with over 24,000 machines in more than 1,500 municipalities, says its machines take Visa, Mastercard, Maestro and Cirrus cards issued abroad. It charges no fee of its own, so any charge comes from your bank, and it publishes no limit for foreign cards. Bank machines are an alternative; check the screen for any fee before you confirm.

Safety: Street ATMs are riskier than those inside banks or shopping centres. The FCDO warns that cards are cloned at some cash machines and shops, so do not use a machine that looks tampered with.

Withdrawal limits for foreign cards are not published and vary, so check the screen before you confirm. Machines inside shops and shopping centres are open only when the building is.

Exchange Bureaux (Casas de Câmbio)

If you prefer cash, use an exchange bureau authorised by the Banco Central do Brasil: foreign exchange must go through an authorised institution, and the central bank publishes the list.

Best rates: Downtown São Paulo (especially Rua Augusta and around Paulista), downtown Rio (Centro district), and large shopping centres. Compare at least 2-3 places as rates vary.

Airport exchange: At Guarulhos (São Paulo) Banco Safra runs exchange points open 24 hours, and at Galeão (Rio) Global Exchange has 24-hour desks in Terminal 2, the airport operators say. Rates trail a card withdrawal, so change only enough for your first needs. Avoid hotels for exchange - they typically offer the worst rates.

Documentation: To exchange money, you'll need your passport (not just a copy). Larger transactions may require additional ID. Keep exchange receipts - you might need them if you have leftover Reais to convert back. UK tourists can stay up to 90 days without a visa, but passports need six months of validity beyond your arrival date, and any cash of US$10,000 or more needs an online declaration on entry.

Money Safety in Brazil

Brazil requires more vigilance about money safety than many destinations. Some practical tips:

Don't carry large amounts of cash. Keep only what you need for the day (R$100-200 typically suffices). Use hotel safes for excess cash and backup cards. Consider wearing a money belt in crowded areas.

When using ATMs, go during daytime and prefer machines inside banks or shopping centres. Cover the keypad, be aware of your surroundings, and put money away immediately. Avoid counting cash in public.

For beach days, bring minimal cash in a waterproof pouch. Never leave valuables unattended. Many beaches have lock boxes or trusted vendors who watch belongings for a small fee.

Consider having a "decoy wallet" with small notes and expired cards if you're concerned about safety. The vast majority of tourists visit without incident, but basic precautions make a significant difference.