Brazil has so much to offer, from vibrant carnivals to the lush Amazon rainforest and all the life it contains. But just like any other country you've been dreaming of visiting, money remains King here, and it's important to know your options when travelling to and through Brazil.
At Crown Currency Exchange, we've put together this ultimate guide to using ATMs in Brazil. We'll look at whether it's possible with your Australian bank card, what fees you might have to pay when withdrawing money, and how to use an ATM in Brazil safely.
You should feel as safe as possible when using an ATM in Brazil, and to ensure that you do, there are some basic rules to follow. These aren't all that different to what you'd likely do when withdrawing cash in Australia, but they still need to be followed nonetheless.
Be sure to choose an ATM that you feel is in a well-lit, busy area. While it is easy to think that more people means a higher chance of theft, busyness can actually act as a deterrent as it makes it harder for a thief to run away unseen.
Likewise, be cautious of individuals who offer unsolicited help or seem to be very interested in your transaction. There's nothing wrong with stepping away from a situation if something feels off and choosing another ATM in a different location.
Before inserting your card into the ATM, take a moment to inspect the machine. Look to see if the keypad seems loose or if the card reader seems damaged or tampered with, including any attachments that you don't think should be there. This could be a card skimming device, which can steal both your money and your identity. Should you have any doubts, go to another ATM.
You should also take care to conceal your PIN when using an ATM in Brazil. Position your body to shield both the keypad and the screen, or if possible, cover the keypad with your other hand while you enter the numbers.
As soon as your cash has been ejected by the ATM, take it and place it somewhere secure. Take your time to do this, and don't feel as though you have to move away from the ATM quickly, even if there's a long queue behind you. Securing your cash is much more important than rushing to seem polite.
Following your transaction, keep a close eye on your bank account for any suspicious activity, such as online transactions or cash withdrawals you don't remember making. Should anything seem out of the ordinary, contact your bank and ask them to freeze your card.
Just like any other trip, it's important to plan ahead when you're visiting Brazil. Below you'll find some of our top planning tips, that won't only make life much easier but also help you work out how many Brazilian Real you need to take with you.
You will need a visa if you're visiting Brazil from Australia from April 2024 onwards. You'll need to apply for this through the Australian Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil, and if granted, your visa will allow you to stay in Brazil for up to 90 days over a 12-month period.
Once your visa has been granted, it's a good idea to make an itinerary that outlines everything you want to do on your trip. By doing this, you're able to create an overall travel budget and break your expenses down daily, meaning that you'll then know how much to keep on your person each day and how much to leave safely locked away in your hotel room.
From the second you get off the plane, you'll need some Brazilian Real to pay for a taxi to your accommodation and tip hotel staff. Having cash on hand also means that you're able to head straight out and explore the area, grab something to eat, or do anything else you've been looking forward to!
Travel insurance can seem like a pretty boring thing to contemplate, but it's really important. A good policy will cover you for a plethora of unfortunate circumstances, including lost luggage, cancelled accommodation, and medical care. So, make sure you take the time to take out some travel insurance before your trip.
It's also important that you know who to contact in situations that your travel insurance can't cover, such as legal help or lost passports. In these instances, you'll need to contact the Australian Embassy in Brazil.
Regardless of whether you need to use a cash point or exchange Australian Dollars when you're in Brazil, you're going to have to pay a fee when doing so. You can avoid this, however, with careful planning and by exchanging your money before you leave.
Crown Currency Exchange has the best rates on AUD to BRL with no commission or hidden fees. Contact us today to learn more, or visit one of our many branches to speak to a member of our expert team.