Currency and Money Exchange in Brazil
What about paying your bills in Brazil? The local currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL), and understanding how to handle money here can make your trip smoother — and help you avoid extra fees. Here’s a quick guide:
💰 Brazilian Currency
- The currency symbol is R$ and the code is BRL.
- Coins: R$0.05, R$0.10, R$0.25, R$0.50, R$1.00.
- Banknotes: R$2, R$5, R$10, R$20, R$50, R$100.
🏦 Where to Exchange Money
- Official currency exchange offices (casas de câmbio) are found in airports, shopping malls, and city centers.
- Banks may offer currency exchange, but not all branches provide the service to tourists.
- Avoid changing money on the street — it’s unsafe and may be illegal.
- Check the daily exchange rate before changing money:
🔗 Central Bank of Brazil – Exchange Rates
💳 Using Credit and Debit Cards
- Major cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and stores.
- Cards are less common in small towns, street markets, and for small purchases — carry some cash.
- Foreign card transactions may incur IOF tax (currently 5.38%).
📲 Using Pix and Digital Payments
- Pix is Brazil’s instant payment system, popular with locals and some businesses.
- Foreign tourists can use Pix if their bank app supports Brazilian accounts (or if they open a local account, e.g., Wise or Nomad).
🏧 Withdrawing Money from ATMs
- ATMs are widely available but may have limits for foreign cards.
- International networks: Banco do Brasil, Bradesco, Itaú, Santander.
- Withdraw in safe, well-lit places such as inside banks or shopping malls.
⚠️ Safety Tips
- Avoid displaying large amounts of cash in public.
- Split your cash and keep it in different places.
- Use ATMs during the day and inside secure locations.
Final Tip: Compare exchange rates at different locations and consider using a travel card or multi-currency account to save on fees.