Currency
The currency in Brazil is called the Real, in plural is Reais. However, the name of the money was only adopted in 1994...

Changing money
All banks and "cambios exchange" recognised travellers cheques and foreign currency. There is an extensive network of ATMs around the country. The US Dollar is the most popular foreign currency...

Exchange rates
The following table is a guide to the movements of the Brazilian Real against Sterling and the US Dollar...

Credit & debit cards Most major international cards are accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travellers cheques Exchangeable at hotels, banks and tourist agencies. Tourists cannot exchange US travellers cheques for US banknotes but they may, however, benefit from a 15 per cent discount when paying hotel or restaurant bills in foreign currency or travellers cheques. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars.

Currency restrictions The import and export of local currency is unlimited although it may be subject to prior approval by Brazil Central Bank. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided amounts over US$1000 are declared on arrival; the export of foreign currency is limited to US$4000 per person (amounts in excess of this need special approval from the Brazilian Central Bank).

Banking hours Mon-Fri 1000-1600.