What currency does Brazil use? Everything you need to know before traveling

If you’re planning a trip to Brazil, whether it’s to wander through the Amazon, relax in Bahia, or dance your way through Rio, one of the first (and practical) things you'll want to sort out is the local money: Brazil’s official currency is the Brazilian real, written as BRL and symbolized by R$.

Travelers often overlook the importance of understanding local currency, but in Brazil, it’s especially useful. Prices change quickly due to the country’s floating exchange rate, different types of payment are accepted in different regions, and you’ll notice a blend of old and new banknotes in daily circulation.

This article walks you through everything you need to know about Brazil's money – including what is Brazil currency called, exchange rates, common banknotes, safe places to exchange cash, typical costs, credit card acceptance, and the smartest ways to pay while exploring one of the most colorful countries in the world.

What currency does Brazil use? (Quick answer)

Brazil currency basics (coins, bills)

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves the feeling of unfamiliar coins in your hand or the soft rustle of colorful bills, Brazilian currency will feel like part of the adventure. Both coins and banknotes have distinctive designs inspired by Brazilian wildlife, culture, and history.

Coins

Brazilian coins range from small, copper-colored pieces to larger bimetallic ones. The denominations are:

• 1 centavo
• 5 centavos
• 10 centavos
• 25 centavos
• 50 centavos
• 1 real

A quick tip for your wallet: The 1–5 centavo coins rarely appear in daily transactions. Many stores round prices, especially in smaller towns. You may receive 10-cent coins instead of exact change, which is normal.

Banknotes

Brazilian real banknotes are vibrant and easy to distinguish by color and design. Each note features the effigy of the Republic on the front and a different animal¹ native to Brazil on the back – something you might enjoy spotting as you travel.

The animals and colors² featured on each banknote denomination are:

• R$2 – Blue, with a sea turtle
• R$5 – Purple, with a heron
• R$10 – Red, with the macaw
• R$20 – Yellow, with a golden lion tamarin
• R$50 – Orange, with a jaguar
• R$100 – Blue-green, with a dusky grouper

There are old and new versions of many notes in circulation. Most new ones have improved security features – watermarks, raised print, and shiny patches.

How prices appear in Brazil

Prices use a comma for decimals.

• R$ 10,00 = ten reais
• R$ 2,50 = two reais and fifty centavos

You’ll see this format on menus, receipts, and digital screens everywhere.

What is the Brazil currency symbol?

The symbol R$ stands for real. It’s written before the amount, much like the U.S. dollar sign; however, it’s not the same symbol. Locals use it in:

• Restaurant menus
• Grocery stores
• Taxi apps
• Receipts
• Market stalls

Once you land in Brazil, you’ll see R$ everywhere. Within a day or two, you’ll instantly recognize prices without thinking twice.

Value of the Brazilian Real (2025 overview) 

The value of the Brazilian real shifts frequently. Brazil’s economy is deeply tied to global commodity prices (like soybeans, oil, and minerals), so changes in global markets can influence the exchange rate. Inflation also plays a role year-to-year.

The exchange rates travelers care about most are:

• BRL to USD (U.S. dollar)
• BRL to EUR (Euro)

The value can rise or fall quickly; therefore, it's always a good idea to check the current exchange rate before exchanging or withdrawing money.

Check today's rate

Because of frequent fluctuations, don’t rely on a rate you saw last week – especially if you're budgeting for a longer trip. Check today's rate.

Quick history: What currency did Brazil use before the Real?

Before the real stabilized the economy, Brazil cycled through several currencies. It began with the Cruzeiro, switched to the Cruzado, and later adopted the Cruzeiro Real³. These frequent changes were driven by severe hyperinflation in the 1980s and early 1990s. Everyday prices rose so quickly that people rushed to spend their salaries before the money lost value.

In 1994, Brazil introduced the Plano Real, a major economic reform that created the Brazilian real⁴. The country’s inflation dropped dramatically, and the real became a trusted, stable currency that remains in use today.

How much does everything cost in Brazil? (2025 estimate)

Travelers often love Brazil because you can make your trip fit your style – budget-friendly, mid-range, or high-end. 

Although costs in Brazil vary by region, season, and even neighborhood, the ranges below reflect what tourists commonly pay in 2025.

• Coffee: R$9–R$11 (street coffee is cheaper, specialty cafés cost more)
• Casual meal: R$20–R$50⁵ per person
• Taxi ride (10–15 min): R$10–R$15⁶ (longer rides cost more)
• Mid-range hotel: R$80–R$150⁷ per night
• Intercity bus (short trip): R$15–R$25⁸ per hour of travel 
• Domestic flight: R$278–R$722 depending on route and season

The USD equivalents vary too much to give a fixed conversion, so use these ranges as local price references.

Can you use USD in Brazil?

The short (and quick) answer is: not really. You can’t use USD in Brazil. Locally, people use only the Brazilian real, and most businesses will not accept foreign cash.

There are a few exceptions:

• Some hotels
• Airport shops
• A few tourist areas
• But even in those situations, the exchange rate is usually terrible, meaning you lose value. For anything beyond these rare exceptions, you need Brazilian currency.

How to pay in Brazil: Cards, cash, PIX, ATMs

Brazil has a modern yet diverse payment system, and knowing how to explore it makes your trip smoother from day one. Even though Brazil is highly digital, you’ll still need a mix of cash, cards, and smart choices when handling Brazil money. 

Cash

Cash remains important, especially outside major cities. While big restaurants and malls accept cards, many small businesses still prefer physical BRL notes. 

You’ll likely need cash for:

• Street food vendors
• Small cafés and family-run bakeries
• Local markets and weekend fairs
• Taxis or moto-taxis in smaller towns
• Beach vendors selling snacks, drinks, or umbrellas

Because not every business can break large bills, carry smaller denominations like R$10, R$20, and R$50.

Credit & cebit cards

Cards are widely used across Brazil, especially in larger cities. Visa and MasterCard have the best acceptance everywhere, from supermarkets to hotels. American Express works at some businesses, but not all – so don’t rely on it as your only card.

Here are some tips for card use:

• Choose a travel card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Always select “credit” at the POS terminal, even if it’s a debit card – it usually works better for foreign accounts.
• Some machines ask if you want to pay in your home currency. Choose BRL to avoid extra charges.

PIX

PIX is Brazil’s incredibly popular instant payment system. Locals use it for everything – from taxi rides to buying artisanal goods. However, foreign tourists can’t open a PIX account without a Brazilian ID and phone number. 

But you can send money to Brazil through PIX using BOSS Money, which helps if you’re supporting family, paying for local services, or booking tours directly with small providers.

ATMs

Brazil has many ATMs. According to one report, there are about 153,113 ATMs in Brazil⁹.

However, there are a few things to know:

• Most charge a fee for foreign cards.
• Some have low withdrawal limits, requiring multiple transactions.
• Always use ATMs inside banks, malls, or airports for safety.
• Avoid standalone street machines.

Where to exchange money in Brazil (and where not to)

The best (and safest) places to exchange money are banks, official currency exchange offices (casas de câmbio), and ATMs inside major banks. These offer reliable rates and lower risk. 

However, make sure to avoid:

• Street money changers
• Tourist-heavy districts
• Most hotels
• Airport exchange desks (high fees)

Airport exchanges are convenient but almost always have noticeably worse rates. If possible, exchange only a small amount there and handle the rest once you’re in the city.

Sending money to Brazil: what to consider

If you’re transferring money to family, paying for accommodation ahead of time, or supporting a travel companion, take these into account:

• Total cost (fees + exchange rate)
• Transfer speed
• Payment method options
• Whether the recipient uses PIX

PIX is the most widely used system in Brazil. In fact, many people prefer receiving money through it.

BOSS Money makes sending Brazilian reais (BRL) easy, especially via PIX. You see exchange rates and fees upfront, and transfers are often completed within minutes. 
Ideal for supporting family, paying local services, or settling bills, BOSS Money offers a secure, user-friendly app to ensure funds reach recipients safely and efficiently.

Tips for travelers using money in Brazil

By now, you must know what is the currency of Brazil is and what it’s called. Using money in Brazil is simple once you understand the local habits, but a few smart precautions can make your trip much smoother. 

Whether you’re wandering through Rio’s beachfront kiosks, exploring Salvador’s historic streets, or grabbing snacks in a São Paulo market, these practical tips will help you use Brazilian real confidently and safely.

Carry some cash - You’ll need it more foten than expected

Brazil is modern and card-friendly, but cash is still the backbone of many small daily transactions. Street sellers, market vendors, tiny cafes, and beachside stalls often prefer physical notes. 

Even in medium-sized towns, you may find places without card machines or with machines that are temporarily offline. Keep a mix of small bills, such as R$10, R$20, and R$50, for smooth purchases.

Always check your change

In busy tourist areas – like Rio’s Copacabana, Salvador’s Pelourinho, or Florianópolis during summer – mistakes can happen, and sometimes they’re not accidental. 

Always check that your change is correct, especially when paying with a R$50 or R$100 bill. Cashiers can occasionally give back the wrong amount or mix in older, damaged notes. Just a quick glance helps avoid misunderstandings.

Use ATMs inside bank branches

Brazil has many ATMs, but not all are created equal. Machines located inside banks, malls, or airports are safer and better maintained than standalone street ATMs. They’re also less likely to have skimming devices. 

If possible, withdraw money during daytime hours and in well-lit areas. Large banks like Banco do Brasil, Bradesco, Caixa, and Itaú are generally reliable options.

Avoid street exchangers

You may encounter people offering currency exchange on sidewalks or outside tourist hotspots. Avoid them entirely. Street exchangers are illegal, often offer terrible rates, and are sometimes linked to scams or counterfeit notes. 

Stick to official exchange houses (casas de câmbio), banks, or reputable ATMs for your Brazil money needs.

Use cards without foreign transaction fees

Many foreign cards add a 1–3%¹⁰ fee to every international purchase. If you can, bring a travel card without extra charges. 

Visa and MasterCard have the highest acceptance in Brazil, and most businesses use chip-and-PIN or tap-to-pay terminals. Using a fee-free card saves money – especially on hotels, restaurants, and large purchases.

Sources: all third party information obtained from applicable website as of December 05, 2025

1. https://usfirstexchange.com/brazilian-currency-a-guide-to-the-brazilian-real
2. https://www.bcb.gov.br/dinheirobrasileiro/en/primeira-familia-cedulas.html
3. https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/foreign-exchange/brazilian-real-brl/
4. https://www.bcb.gov.br/en/banknotesandcoins
5. https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Brazil
6. https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/brazil
7. https://www.trip.com/guide/info/trip-to-brazil-cost.html#:~:text=In%20major%20cities%2C%20the%20average,for%20a%20luxury%20hotel%20room.
8. https://blog.onevasco.com/transportation-guide/brazil
9. https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/BRAFCACNUM#:~:text=Data%20%3E%20Countries%20%3E%20Brazil-,Geographical%20Outreach:%20Number%20of%20Automated%20Teller%20Machines%20(ATMs)%2C,Next%20Release%20Date:%20Not%20Available
10. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/foreign-transaction-fee.asp

This article is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to address every aspect of the matters discussed herein. The information in this article is not intended as specific personal advice. The information in this article does not constitute legal, tax, regulatory or other professional advice from IDT Payment Services, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “IDT”), and should not be taken or used as such by any individual. IDT makes no representation, warranty or guaranty, whether express or implied, that the content in this article is current, accurate, or complete. You should obtain professional or other substantive advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the information in this article.