Money in Brazil
Brazil uses the Brazilian real. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- BRLBrazilian real
- Symbol
- R$
- Tipping
- Appreciated
Paying in Brazil
Cards are widely accepted in cities. Carry cash for beach vendors.
- Cards
- Widely accepted
- Cash
- Small stores, cafes, markets and places outside cities often do not take cards, so carry some reais. Cash can sometimes earn a discount on rooms or purchases (Frommer's, undated).
- ATMs
- ATMs are less plentiful than many expect, and major banks such as Banco do Brasil, Bradesco and Santander are most likely to accept foreign cards. Most will not dispense to foreign cards roughly 10pm to 6am, and some sit behind doors that close overnight.
- Foreign currency
- Shops take reais only, so carry a modest amount of US dollars only as a backup to exchange.
- Exchanging money
- Exchange at a bank or official casa de cambio rather than on the street. Wise says airport and hotel desks typically give poor rates.
- Watch out for
- If a terminal or ATM offers to charge in your home currency, decline and pay in reais. Keep exchange receipts and use clean notes, since damaged notes may be refused.
Tipping in Brazil
Restaurants usually add 10%. Check your bill before adding more.
Appreciated: Tipping isn't required, but a tip or rounding up is welcome.
Sources checked: South America Travel, Wise, Frommer's, Jacada Travel, Wonderful Wanderings, SmarterTravel.
Convert to and from BRL
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5.44 BRL | 6.09 BRL | 7.30 BRL |
| 10 | 54.38 BRL | 60.93 BRL | 72.98 BRL |
| 50 | 272 BRL | 305 BRL | 365 BRL |
| 100 | 544 BRL | 609 BRL | 730 BRL |
| 500 | 2,719 BRL | 3,046 BRL | 3,649 BRL |
What each amount is worth in BRL. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Brazil use?
Brazil uses the Brazilian real (BRL).
Do you need to tip in Brazil?
Appreciated. Restaurants usually add 10%. Check your bill before adding more.
Can you pay by card in Brazil?
Widely accepted. Small stores, cafes, markets and places outside cities often do not take cards, so carry some reais. Cash can sometimes earn a discount on rooms or purchases (Frommer's, undated).
Are there ATMs in Brazil?
ATMs are less plentiful than many expect, and major banks such as Banco do Brasil, Bradesco and Santander are most likely to accept foreign cards. Most will not dispense to foreign cards roughly 10pm to 6am, and some sit behind doors that close overnight.