The only currency legally accepted in Brazil is the Brazilian real (R$).

You can find reals in banks and foreign currency exchange shops.

It can only be exchanged in institutions authorized by the Banco Central do Brasil (BCB). Go to www.bcb.gov.br/?INSTCRED and check the complete list of institutions.

Because these institutions operate under the Brazilian law, which allows you to resort to the authorities in case you have any problems. It is advisable to always keep the receipt for the operation.

Only an identity card used to enter the country will be necessary to buy up to US$3,000 (or the equivalent amount in other currencies). If you want to buy more than that, it is necessary to prove the purpose of the purchase.

Yes. You can pay your bills with a credit card, debit card or pre-paid card issued by the main international financial service companies in most Brazilian establishments.

At the time of exchange, look at the Overall Actual Value ('Valor Efetivo Total - VET') which, in addition to the exchange rate, considers all the charges, fees and taxes levied on the operation. That allows you to compare the actual price practiced by the institutions.

Yes. You can withdraw money using credit cards, debit cards or pre-paid cards issued by the main international financial service companies.

Yes, this type of operation has been recently authorized. Institutions operating in the currency exchange market have been gradually making specific ATMs available for that – the "currency exchange machines".

Yes. Keep the receipt issued at the time of the purchase: it may be requested by an authorized institution.

There are no limited amounts you can carry in cash or traveler's checks, either upon entering or leaving the country. However, when carrying amounts in excess of R$10,000, or the equivalent in other currencies, you will be required to fill out the Currency Carry-on Electronic Declaration ('Declaração Eletrônica de Porte de Valores – E-DPV'), issued by the Brazilian Federal Revenue Office at http://www.receita.fazenda.gov.br/dpv/.

There is no limit for exchange operations in cash, pre-paid card or traveler’s checks in Brazil. However, if you want to carry out transactions of over R$10,000 you must do so through a bank transfer or check.