Money & duty free for Brazil
Exchange rates:
Real/ReaisC$1 = R$2.51
€1 = R$3.5
£1 = R$4.17
US$1 = R$3.37
Currency & Money
Real (plural: reais) (BRL; symbol R$) = 100 centavos. Banknotes are issued in denominations of R$200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of R$1 and 50, 25, 10 and 5 centavos; the 1 centavo coin has been discontinued.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Brazil, particularly in cities, tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and large shops. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted, while American Express and Diners Club may have more limited acceptance in smaller establishments or rural areas.
Street vendors and local markets may only accept cash or PIX (Brazil's instant payment system).
ATMs (known as "caixas eletrônicos") are widely available in cities, towns and major transport hubs, and most accept international cards. Machines operated by major banks such as Banco do Brasil, Itaú, Bradesco and Santander are generally the most reliable. Withdrawal fees may apply, and daily limits can vary. For security reasons, it is advisable to use ATMs located inside banks or shopping centres rather than on the street.
There are no restrictions on bringing foreign currency into Brazil, but amounts exceeding R$10,000 (or the equivalent in other currencies) must be declared to customs upon arrival and upon leaving Brazil.
The Brazilian real (BRL) is not widely exchanged outside Brazil, so it's best to exchange any leftover reais before leaving the country.
Brazil duty free
The following goods may be imported into Brazil by travellers over 18 years of age once a month without incurring customs duty:
• 12L of alcohol.
• 10 packs of 20 cigarettes made outside Brazil, 25 cigars, and 250g of tobacco.
Other products not mentioned above:
• If arriving via air or sea: The total value of the above items should not exceed US$1,000, with up to 20 items worth less than US$10 each (no more than ten of the same item) or up to 20 items worth more than US$10 each (no more than three of the same item).
• If arriving via land or water (river/lake): The total value of the above items should not exceed US$500, with up to 20 items worth less than US$5 each (no more than ten of the same item) or up to 10 items worth more than US$5 each (no more than three of the same item).
In addition to the US$500 exemption, travellers may purchase goods up to US$1,000 in value at duty-free shops on arrival at Brazilian airports and up to US$500 at other duty-free shops in Brazil within a 30-day period. The following limits apply:
• 12L of alcohol in Brazil plus 24L of alcohol at the port of arrival (no more than 12L of the same type of alcoholic beverage).
• 10 packs of cigarettes, 25 cigars, and 250g of tobacco.
Banned imports include illegal drugs, firearms, ammunition, counterfeit goods, used consumer goods, poultry and pork products, pornographic, hazardous materials, and plant and plant products.
This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the official customs website or contact the embassy or consulate near you for the most up-to-date information.
You know where