Information about the Brazilian Real

Currency

Real/Reais (R$) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of R$100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of R$1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 centavos.

Currency exchange

All banks, cambios, travel agencies and authorised hotels exchange recognised traveller's cheques and foreign currency. There is an extensive network of ATMs around the country. The US Dollar is the most widely accepted foreign currency.

Credit & debit cards

Most major international credit cards are accepted, though not universally.

Traveller's cheques

Exchangeable at hotels, banks and tourist agencies. Tourists cannot exchange US traveller's cheques for US banknotes but they may, however, benefit from a 15 per cent discount when paying hotel or restaurant bills in foreign currency or traveller's cheques. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

Currency restrictions

The import and export of local currency is unlimited, provided amounts over R$10,000 are declared.