banknotes you will encounter
Banknotes of R$2, R$5, R$10, R$20, R$50, R$100 and R$200 circulate, with different colors, sizes and Brazilian animals. Learn to distinguish especially 20, 50, 100 and 200 before going out at night or paying in a hurry.
RIO GUIDE
Money in Brazil: reais, cards and safety
Brazil's currency is the real: R$ 1,00 means one real and R$ 20,00 means twenty. Becoming familiar with banknotes, coins and the decimal comma helps avoid confusion when paying.
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Coins
You will find coins of 5, 10, 25 and 50 centavos and R$1. The one-real coin has a center and outer ring in different colors. Prices may include centavos even though many businesses round when exact change is unavailable.
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Cash without showing it
Carry a small amount for the beach, tips or contingencies and keep it in more than one place. Exchange money only at authorized businesses and confirm the rate, commission and final amount before handing over cash.
Cards
Enable international purchases and instant alerts. Prefer using cards at established businesses. At street vendors or informal places, pay only if you can verify the recipient's name and personally keep control of the card terminal.
keep the card terminal in sight
Check the amount before entering your PIN. Cover the keypad and do not accept repeated confusing attempts without checking your banking app. If the terminal says the payment failed, first confirm that no charge was actually approved.
reais or your home currency
If the terminal offers dynamic currency conversion, compare your options. It is usually better to choose Brazilian reais and let your bank handle the conversion. Check your card's terms as well.
backup plan
Carry two cards, a small amount of cash and a backup payment method stored separately. Keep enough in reserve to get back to your accommodation, and block any lost card through the app.
