Brazil Currency Exchange

Tips for Exchanging Money & Using ATMs

Brazilian Currency Exchange Rate Converter

In the charts below we provide 'real time' live currency exchange rates of the Brazilian Real against the U.S. Dollar and other foreign currencies, and the U.S. Dollar exchange rates to the Brazilian Real and other world currencies.

Brazilian Real

Exchanging Money in Rio de Janeiro

Exchanging foreign money into Brazil currency in Rio de Janeiro is easy and is most commonly done at Bank ATMs, Cambios (stores that specialize in currency exchange), and at travel agencies. Currency exchange rates are posted in the window of most banks and at these agencies.

Avoid exchanging money at the airport upon arrival, as lines are long and the exchange rate is poor. Hotels will often offer money exchange and convert it at the front desk. Hotel currency exchange rates are less competitive than the Banks and Cambios, but are usually better than rates at the airport.

Many Cambios are located on the main avenues of Rua Visconde de Piraja in Ipanema and in Copacabana along the Avenida NS Copacabana. They will have "Cambio" signs in the windows and over the store. Cambios may be located inside travel agencies and will often give better Brazil currency exchange rates than the banks.

ATM cash withdrawal using a credit or debit card is the most convenient method to get Reais. Before leaving home, confirm with your bank or credit card company the procedures and fees charged for international ATM withdrawals. A service fee may also be charged by the Brazilian bank. Use ATMs that are located inside the bank lobbies and never use one on the street or late in the evening. Cover your PIN# with your hand and avoid withdrawing large sums at one time.

Traveler's Checks are less commonly accepted in stores and restaurants but are still easily exchanged at banks and cambios. These Cambios and Travel Agencies may give a better exchange rate than a bank, as they will often "hold" the checks for awhile before cashing them, thus hedging the foreign exchange rate changes.

In a pinch, you can usually pay taxis and other vendors in US Dollars or in Euros. They will figure out an exchange rate against the cost of the service in Reais on the spot. Don't expect a bargain when doing this.

Exchanging money before you arrive can be easily completed using an on-line exchange service. The company will offer rates that are about 10% less than the official exchange rate and will charge $15 to send you the Brazilian Reais by overnight delivery. The minimum exchange is usually US $ 200 to a maximum of $250. A Visa or Mastercard must be used to exchange currency, and this is treated as a "cash advance" which your credit card company may treat differently than merchandise charges. One such service that appears to have competitive rates is ExchangeRates.org.UK

Brazilian Currency Demoninations

1 Brazilian Real coin, and paper notes
(Courtesy of Banco do Brasil.)