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Currency in Brazil BRL - Things to know

Foreign exchange guide to Brazil and the Brazilian real

Brazil

What currency is used in Brazil?

The official currency of Brazil (country code: BR) is the Brazilian real, with symbol R$ and currency code BRL.

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Things to know about the Brazilian real

Trading in Brazil’s real contributes to around 1% of the foreign exchange market daily turnover.

The value of Brazil’s real is heavily influenced by commodities prices, given that the country’s top exports include iron ore, crude oil and the ‘soft’ commodities, especially soybeans.

As an emerging market currency, the real is considered riskier than currencies from major developed nations, which means that its value will fall against those currencies (especially JPY, USD, CHF, GBP and EUR) during periods of economic uncertainty or when global geopolitical risk is elevated, or during bouts of high market volatility.

Since the year 2000, the real’s highest valuation against the US dollar occurred in July 2011 when the exchange rate for USD/BRL fell to just 1.531. Its lowest value came in September 2015, when USD/BRL reached 4.248 following a plunge in commodities prices.

The Brazilian real banknotes and coins

The physical currency consists of coins and banknotes. The coins come in denominations of 1 centavo, 5 centavos, 10 centavos, 25 centavos, 50 centavos, and 1 real. The banknotes come in denominations of 2 reais, 5 reais, 10 reais, 20 reais, 50 reais, and 100 reais. The banknotes feature images of famous Brazilian historical figures, such as Pedro Álvares Cabral and José Bonifåcio de Andrada e Silva. The design of the currency is constantly being updated, so the physical appearance of the coins and banknotes may vary slightly over time.

An example Brazilian real banknote

 

Travel money for Brazil

Save money and time by Ordering your Brazilian real online from Travelex, you get better rates and can pick up the BRL cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.

Another popular option is to use a Pre-paid Travel Card. Your Debit/Credit Card provider will charge you 2% from market mid-rate, but your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash.

For card purchases if offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in Brazilian real otherwise you may get much worst exchange rates.

 
 

Travel Ideas and Money Tips for Brazil

Brazil is a large country located in South America. It is known for its diverse culture, beautiful beaches, and vibrant music and dance scenes. The official language is Portuguese, and the country has a tropical climate with high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. Brazil is home to a variety of landscapes, including the Amazon rainforest, the Pantanal wetlands, and the Iguazu Falls. The country has a diverse economy, with a focus on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Brazil is known for its natural resources, including iron ore, timber, and coffee, and it is also a major exporter of soybeans and beef. Brazil is home to a number of famous landmarks and attractions, including the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro and the Iguazu Falls in the north.

Morro Rock is a volcanic plug in Morro Bay

Best way to pay in Brazil?

It is generally easy to pay for goods and services in Brazil, as most places accept cash and there are a number of options for electronic payments. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas, and there are also many ATMs where you can withdraw cash. However, it is important to note that some smaller businesses and vendors may only accept cash, so it is a good idea to have some on hand.

Brazil has a high level of credit card fraud, so it is a good idea to be cautious when using your credit or debit card. Make sure to keep an eye on your card at all times, and only use ATMs in well-lit, public areas. It is also a good idea to inform your bank before you travel to Brazil, as this can help to prevent fraud and ensure that your card will work while you are abroad.

Overall, it is generally easy to pay for goods and services in Brazil, but it is always a good idea to be prepared and to be cautious when using your credit or debit card.

Brazil has some of the worlds most famous waterfalls.

Top things to do in Brazil

Brazil is a large and diverse country with many things to see and do. Here are a few ideas for things to do in Brazil:

  1. Visit the Christ the Redeemer statue: This iconic statue is located in Rio de Janeiro and offers panoramic views of the city.

  2. Explore the Amazon rainforest: Brazil is home to the largest part of the Amazon rainforest, and there are many tour operators that offer guided trips to explore the region.

  3. Visit the Pantanal wetlands: The Pantanal is the world's largest wetland and is home to a diverse range of wildlife including jaguars, capybaras, and anacondas.

  4. Go to the beach: Brazil has a long coastline and is home to many beautiful beaches. Some popular spots include Copacabana and Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro, and Jericoacoara in the northeast.

  5. Visit the Iguazu Falls: These falls, located on the border between Brazil and Argentina, are one of the largest and most spectacular waterfall systems in the world.

  6. Explore the city of Salvador: This city is known for its rich history, beautiful colonial architecture, and vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture.

  7. Learn about Brazil's history and culture: Brazil has a diverse culture with a mix of indigenous, African, and European influences. There are many museums and cultural centers to visit, including the Museu de Arte de SĂŁo Paulo and the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil.

  8. Go to a soccer match: Soccer is a national passion in Brazil, and attending a match is a must-do experience. The country has a number of professional soccer teams, including Santos and Flamengo.

The colonial towns of Brazil.

Is Brazil safe for travellers

  1. Keep an eye on your belongings: Brazil has a high rate of petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, so it is important to be cautious and keep an eye on your belongings when you are out and about.

  2. Be cautious when using your credit or debit card: Brazil has a high level of credit card fraud, so it is a good idea to be cautious when using your card. Make sure to keep an eye on your card at all times and only use ATMs in well-lit, public areas.

  3. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash: It is a good idea to avoid carrying large amounts of cash with you, as this can make you a target for thieves.

  4. Stay in safe areas: Some areas of Brazil, especially in larger cities, can be more dangerous than others. It is a good idea to research your destination and stay in safe areas, especially at night.

  5. Get travel insurance: It is always a good idea to get travel insurance before you travel, as it can provide financial protection in case of unexpected events such as illness, injury, or theft.

Overall, Brazil is a safe country to visit, but it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and to take precautions to ensure your safety.

 
   

USD/BRL Market Data

The below interactive chart displays the USD/BRL change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.

 
1 USD =
5.0143We compare provider deals to this wholesale mid-market rate. Read more
BRL
  1 BRL = 0.1994 USD   (Inverse rate)
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

What currency should I use in Brazil?

The domestic currency in Brazil is the Brazilian real.

What is the Brazilian real currency code and symbol?

The three letter currency code for the Brazilian real is BRL — symbol is R$.

Which countries use the Brazilian real?

It is the domestic currency in    Brazil.

Is the Brazilian real a closed currency?

No, the Brazilian real is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?

What are equivalent amounts of USD and BRL?

Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to BRL (US dollar to Brazilian real)*.

USD BRL
$ 1 R$ 5.0143
$ 5 R$ 25.07
$ 10 R$ 50.14
$ 20 R$ 100.29
$ 50 R$ 250.72
$ 100 R$ 501.43
$ 250 R$ 1,254
$ 500 R$ 2,507
$ 1,000 R$ 5,014
$ 2,000 R$ 10,029
$ 5,000 R$ 25,072
$ 10,000 R$ 50,143
$ 20,000 R$ 100,286
$ 50,000 R$ 250,715
$ 100,000 R$ 501,430
USD BRL
$ 0.1994 R$ 1
$ 0.9970 R$ 5
$ 1.9940 R$ 10
$ 3.9880 R$ 20
$ 9.9700 R$ 50
$ 19.94 R$ 100
$ 49.85 R$ 250
$ 99.70 R$ 500
$ 199.40 R$ 1,000
$ 398.80 R$ 2,000
$ 997.00 R$ 5,000
$ 1,994 R$ 10,000
$ 3,988 R$ 20,000
$ 9,970 R$ 50,000
$ 19,940 R$ 100,000

More amounts

*Converted at the current USDBRL interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.

Send Money to Brazil - Best Rates

To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Brazil you need to find and compare exchange rates for International Money Transfers (IMTs).

The available FX rates for sending money abroad can be very different to the mid-market (wholesale) rate which you see reported online and in the News.

You should especially compare your own bank's exchange rates to those available from Money Transfer specialists to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.


Get a better deal for foreign transfers to Brazil

When sending money to Brazil it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :

  1. Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
  2. You specify the local or Brazilian real amount you want to transfer
  3. Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
  4. Once your funds are received by the provider the converted BRL amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in Brazil.

Use the above calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more Brazilian real deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!

 

Expat Money & Business Guide to Brazil

Managing your money effectively while living and working abroad can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to ensure that your finances are in order.

By following these tips and managing your money effectively, you can reduce financial stress and enjoy your experience living or doing business in Brazil.

What is the expat life like in Brazil?

The expat life in Brazil can be exciting and rewarding, as the country is known for its diverse culture, beautiful landscapes, and welcoming people. However, it can also be challenging, as there are some cultural differences and bureaucracy to navigate. Here are a few things to consider about the expat life in Brazil:

  1. Cost of living: The cost of living in Brazil varies depending on the location and lifestyle. Major cities such as Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro tend to be more expensive than smaller cities or rural areas.

  2. Cultural differences: Brazil has a diverse culture with a mix of indigenous, African, and European influences. It is a good idea to learn about local customs and traditions and to be respectful of them.

  3. Language: The official language of Brazil is Portuguese, and it is a good idea to learn at least some basic Portuguese, as this can help with communication and building relationships.

  4. Housing: There are a variety of housing options in Brazil, including apartments, houses, and guesthouses. It is a good idea to research your options and to be prepared for some differences compared to your home country.

  5. Work opportunities: Brazil has a diverse economy with many opportunities for expats. However, it can be challenging to find work as an expat, and it is a good idea to research your options and to be prepared for some competition.

Overall, the expat life in Brazil can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it is important to be prepared for some challenges and to be open to new experiences.

Doing business in Brazil

Doing business in Brazil can be challenging, as there are a number of complex regulations and bureaucracy to navigate. However, it is also a large and diverse market with many opportunities for businesses. Here are a few things to consider when doing business in Brazil:

  1. Understand the local market: Brazil has a large and diverse economy, and it is important to research the local market and understand the specific needs and preferences of consumers.

  2. Be prepared for bureaucracy: Brazil has a complex bureaucracy, and it can take time to navigate the various regulations and procedures required to do business in the country. It is a good idea to work with a local lawyer or business consultant to help navigate the process.

  3. Build relationships: Building relationships is important in Brazil, and it is a good idea to take the time to get to know your local partners and clients.

  4. Be patient: Doing business in Brazil can take time, and it is important to be patient and to be prepared for delays.

  5. Learn the local language: Although many people in Brazil speak English, it is a good idea to learn some basic Portuguese, as this can help to build relationships and facilitate communication.

Overall, doing business in Brazil can be challenging, but with the right preparation and approach it can also be a rewarding and profitable experience.

Managing your finances in Brazil

Here we list some key points for expats and businesses to consider when managing financial dealings in Brazil:

  1. Understand Brazilian real currency exchange rates: Exchange rates can have a big impact on your finances, so it is important to keep an eye on the BRL exchange rate and consider using a currency exchange service or a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees to get the best exchange rate.

  2. Use a local Brazilian real bank account: A local BRL bank account can make it easier for you to manage your finances and pay bills while you are in Brazil. It may also be more convenient to use a local BRL bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash.

  3. Research local laws and regulations: It is important to understand the local laws and regulations that apply to financial transactions in Brazil. This can help you avoid legal issues and ensure that you are complying with local requirements.

  4. Consider the tax implications: It is important to understand the tax implications of living or doing business in Brazil. This can help you plan your finances and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax.

  5. Seek financial advice: If you are unsure of how to manage your finances in Brazil, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a financial professional who is familiar with the local financial system. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid financial pitfalls.

 

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