Money and duty free for Brazil

Currency and Money

Currency information

Real/Reais (BRL; symbol R$) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of R$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of R$1, and 50, 25, 10 and 5 centavos.

Credit cards

Most major international credit cards are accepted (Visa more so than other cards), though not universally; it is easier to pay by card in hotels, shops and restaurants located within the major cities.

ATM

There is an extensive network of ATMs around the country. Occasionally, getting cash from ATMs can be problematic with machines producing a sem comunicação error, which means they won't give out any cash. Some may find they have still been debited for the sum. Check your bank statement and get in touch with the ATM operator and your bank back home if you are having trouble withdrawing money.

Travellers cheques

Traveller's cheques are becoming increasingly difficult to cash and visitors will find that they often lose money when doing so. Withdrawing cash directly from ATMs is preferable. Banks will not cash traveller's cheques into foreign currency, (including US Dollars) but some hotels will accept payment in traveller's cheques.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 1000-1600.

Currency restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign and local currency, but amounts higher than R$10,000 must be declared.

Currency exchange

All banks, casas de cambio, travel agencies and authorised hotels exchange recognised traveller's cheques and foreign currency. The US Dollar is the most widely accepted foreign currency.

Brazil duty free

Overview

The following goods may be imported into Brazil by travellers over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:

• 12L of alcohol.
• 200 cigarettes and 25 cigars and 250g of tobacco.
• 20 items items worth more than $10 each (no more than three of the same item).

The total value of the above items should not exceed US$500 if arriving via air or sea or US$300 if arriving via land, river or lake. In addition to the US$500 limit, travellers can buy goods up to US$1,000 in value at the duty-free shop on arrival in Brazil. The following limits apply:

• 24 units of alcohol, limited to 12 units per type of drink.
• 20 packs of cigarettes made outside Brazil and 25 cigars and 250g of tobacco.
• 10 toiletry items including cosmetics.
• 3 of the following: watches, toys, games or electronic items.

Banned Imports

Prohibited imports include toy, replica and imitation firearms, illegal drugs, cigarettes and drinks manufactured in Brazil intended for sale abroad, unlicensed wildlife species, and counterfeit and pirated goods.

Restricted items which you must declare and have prior authorisation for include firearms and ammunition, drugs (other than prescribed drugs for personal use), animals, animal products, plants and seeds.