Currency & Payment

Brazil's currency is the Brazilian real (BRL), written with the R$ symbol and divided into 100 centavos. Notes come in several denominations and coins in smaller values. Carry small notes for taxis, markets and tips, as vendors may not have change for large bills.

You can exchange money at banks, licensed exchange bureaus (casas de câmbio) and at airports, though airport rates are usually poorer. For most travellers, withdrawing reais from ATMs on arrival gives fair rates. Compare fees, bring clean undamaged notes if changing cash, and keep receipts.

Cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels, restaurants and shops, with contactless common. Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere; Amex less so. Tell your bank you are travelling, watch for foreign-transaction fees, and still carry some cash for small vendors, markets and remote areas.

Pix, Brazil's instant payment system, is everywhere and used by locals via QR codes, but it generally requires a Brazilian bank account, so most short-term visitors cannot use it directly. Contactless card payments and phone wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are widely accepted, so rely on those plus some cash.

Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge (serviço) to the bill, which is customary to pay and covers the tip. Extra tipping is optional. For taxis, rounding up is common but not expected; for hotel staff and guides, small tips are appreciated. Check the bill so you don't tip twice.

Brazil offers a wide range of prices: street food, local buffets (por quilo) and neighbourhood bars are affordable, while tourist areas of Rio and São Paulo and beach resorts cost more. A casual meal is modest; a coffee and pastry are cheap. Prices vary a lot by city and season, so budget flexibly.

Brazil does not have a broad nationwide tourist VAT-refund scheme like some countries, so most visitors should not count on reclaiming sales tax on ordinary purchases. Rules can vary and change, so if this matters for a specific purchase, check current arrangements with the retailer or an official source before you buy.