🇧🇷 Brazil · BRL
Brazil uses the real (BRL, plural reais), and the country is highly card-oriented, with contactless and the instant-payment system Pix used almost everywhere. You'll still want some cash for small vendors, beach kiosks and rural areas, but day-to-day you can rely heavily on cards.
The currency is the Brazilian real (BRL), symbolized R$ and divided into 100 centavos. Banknotes come in 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 reais, with coins for centavos and 1 real. The notes are colorful and feature different Brazilian animals, making them easy to tell apart.
Brazil is very card-friendly, and credit and debit cards with contactless are accepted from large stores down to many street vendors. The domestic Pix instant-transfer system is ubiquitous but generally requires a local bank account, so most tourists rely on cards. Keep some cash for small purchases, beach vendors, tips and places that have a card minimum.
Exchange offices (casas de cambio) in cities typically offer better rates than hotels, and paying in reais by card is often very competitive. Compare a couple of casas de cambio and ask about commission before changing larger sums. Avoid exchanging at hotels or tourist kiosks where the spread is wider.
Airport exchange counters offer poor rates and should be used only for a small amount if you need cash immediately. A better option is to withdraw reais from a bank ATM in the airport or in the city. Many travelers skip cash exchange altogether and rely on cards plus an ATM withdrawal.
Use ATMs inside banks, shopping malls or airports rather than isolated street machines for security, and be aware that some ATMs limit or stop international withdrawals at night. Decline dynamic currency conversion and choose to be charged in reais. Watch for per-withdrawal fees and note that certain bank networks (such as Banco24Horas, Bradesco and Banco do Brasil) more reliably accept foreign cards.
Restaurants commonly add a 10% service charge (servico) to the bill, which is customary to pay and usually covers tipping. Beyond that, rounding up or small extra tips for excellent service are appreciated but not expected. Small tips for hotel staff and tour guides are a nice gesture.
Always decline dynamic currency conversion and pay in reais on cards and ATMs. Use ATMs in secure indoor locations to reduce the risk of skimming and theft, and be cautious withdrawing cash late at night. Keep cards in sight when paying and watch for distraction tactics in crowded tourist areas.
Because cards are so widely accepted, you only need modest cash for small vendors, beach kiosks, tips and rural trips. A practical approach is to rely on cards and withdraw moderate amounts of reais from secure ATMs as needed. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash for safety reasons.
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