Brazil Currency Guide
From sweeping sandy beaches and lush jungles to vibrant cities and iconic landmarks, this South American gem can provide some of the most unique experiences in the world – whether it’s a thrilling tour of the Amazonian rainforest or a tropical getaway in Rio de Janeiro. With its fascinating history, tantalising cuisine and diverse culture, especially with regard to music and art forms, travelling to Brazil promise lasting memories that will follow you for years ahead.
Taking Travel Money to Brazil
If you’re travelling to Brazil, you’ll need to exchange your Australian dollars (AUD) for Brazilian reais (BRL) before you leave.
Is it better to convert currency in Australia or Brazil?
When planning to travel from Australia to Brazil, it is more practical and cost-efficient to convert your Australian dollars into Brazilian reals in Australia. By doing so, you can adequately budget for your trip, and you will have access to funds right away when arriving in Brazil. Furthermore, by completing the currency conversion at home, you can avoid having to search for currency exchanges during your trip. This allows you to save time and access more accurate exchange rates in a trusted environment.
How much cash can I take to Brazil?
Going to Brazil? It’s important to keep in mind the federal law requirements when dealing with amounts over $10,000 USD (or foreign currency equivalent). If you plan to bring local or foreign money with you into (or out of) Brazil exceeding this amount, you must complete a declaration form for the Brazilian Federal Revenue Department.
Where to convert currency?
Crown Currency Exchange is Australia’s largest and leading foreign exchange provider. With over 20 years of experience in ensuring our customers have the exact currencies needed to get the most from their travel adventures, we offer great rates on foreign currency and exceptional customer service. You can collect your foreign currencies from over 60 stores across Australia and get your travel money on the spot, locking in a fantastic exchange rate. Our stores are located nationwide in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Canberra, Adelaide, Tasmania & Perth.
What should you budget per day?
Budget
If you are visiting Rio de Janeiro and looking to keep costs as low as possible, you can expect to need about R$500 per day. This should cover accommodation at inexpensive hostels, meals of simple but delicious street food, transportation by public transit, and plenty of free activities such as enjoying the beach and hiking.
Moderate
For a more comfortable stay in Rio, a moderate budget of approximately R$1,000 per day should be sufficient. With this amount, you can opt for a private hostel or Airbnb room, explore the local cuisine at affordable restaurants, take the occasional taxi ride, use buses between destinations, have some drinks on occasion, and participate in more expensive activities such as surfing or samba lessons.
Luxury
Exciting things await you with a luxury budget of R$2,000 or more per day! With this amount, you can book yourself into a nice hotel, and your dining options are endless. You can head out to all the best restaurants, enjoy cocktails and other drinks without worrying about breaking the bank, take taxis all over town, fly between cities with ease and have enough left over to experience all the amazing tours and activities that Brazil has on offer. Go wild – when it comes to luxury budgets, there’s nowhere to stop but up!
What is ATM access like in Brazil?
In Brazil, accessing an ATM is a breeze. Banking platforms are sophisticated and well-established, leading to extensive use of ATMs by the population, even before their prevalence in Western Europe. If you’re travelling outside of larger cities, you can rest assured knowing that there will almost always be an ATM nearby as they are scattered (often freely) across the nation – even in the smallest towns.
Is tipping customary in Brazil? How much is expected?
If you’re planning a trip to Brazil, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the local customs. This includes understanding when and how much it’s customary to tip. To help you out, we’ve put together a simple guide to tipping in Brazil.
Restaurants: In most restaurants in Brazil, a 10% “servico” charge is added to your bill. This amount is for the staff at the restaurant, and it’s considered customary for customers to pay this service charge. That said, there is no legal obligation for customers to pay this fee.
Taxi: Tipping taxi drivers in Brazil is not expected, but they are accustomed to receiving tips if they provide good service. As with most transactions here, however, they will likely expect payment in exact change – or rounded up to the nearest real.
Hotel: Just like any other hospitality service industry, it’s customary to tip hotel staff like room service personnel, maids and bellboys. The usual rate is R$7-10 (roughly AUD $2-3), depending on the level of service received.
Hair Salon & Spa: Generally speaking, a 10-15% tip is expected in hair salons and spas. However, some places might include this amount as part of the bill. It’s best to ask beforehand if this is the case.
Tour Guides: Having a qualified tour guide in Brazil can be the difference between an extraordinary and lacklustre experience. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself with an outstanding guide, do not hesitate to show your appreciation by tipping them 10%, regardless if it’s for a private, multi-day or walking tour. Not only will your gesture of gratitude make their day but it also ensures that they continue providing the same high standard of service!
Can you bargain in Brazil?
Bargaining in Brazil is definitely an experience that you’ll never forget! Speaking with a street seller and haggling over the price of products is a normal part of doing business in this country, and everyone enjoys a good bargain. Most sellers will have pre-determined prices, so the more you buy, the greater the discount – and it’s true what they say about bargaining, you really can get some amazing deals.
Must-Do's in Brazil
1
Swim in Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches
No trip to Brazil would be complete without taking a dip in the iconic waters at Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. These two beaches are amongst the most famous in the world and offer visitors an idyllic setting for a day of sunbathing, swimming, or just relaxing on the white sand shores. Plus, they’re both located close to Rio de Janeiro’s city centre, so you can easily fit them into your itinerary.
2
Visit Christ the Redeemer Statue
The Christ the Redeemer statue is one of Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic attractions. Located atop Corcovado mountain, this 98-foot tall statue of Jesus Christ offers up spectacular views of the city below. Visitors often take pictures with their arms outstretched as if they’re embracing Christ himself – it’s a unique experience that shouldn’t be missed.
3
Sample Traditional Brazilian Cuisine
Brazilian cuisine is full of rich flavours and interesting ingredients that will tantalise your taste buds. The country is known for its delicious seafood dishes such as moqueca (Brazilian fish stew) and bolinhos de bacalhau (codfish cakes). There are also plenty of vegetarian options like feijoada (black bean stew), pao de queijo (cheese bread), and coxinha (deep-fried chicken croquettes). No matter what you choose, you won’t be disappointed.
4
Enjoy a Caipirinha on a Picturesque Patio
Nothing quite beats sipping on a refreshing caipirinha while taking in breathtaking views from an outdoor patio. This popular Brazilian cocktail consists of cachaça (sugarcane liquor), lime juice, sugar, and ice cubes – all blended together for a tart yet sweet flavour that goes down easy on hot days. If you want to truly enjoy your time in Brazil, then taking part in this classic pastime is a must!
5
Explore Rio de Janeiro's Vibrant Nightlife
There’s no shortage of things to do when it comes to experiencing Rio de Janeiro’s vibrant nightlife scene. Take advantage of live music performances at Lapa Arches or dance until the sun rises at one of many clubs along Copacabana Beach. Whether you’re looking for an intimate bar experience or an all-night party vibe—Rio has something for everyone!