What are the Brazilian Real currency denominations?

The Brazilian Real (BRL – R$) comes in both coins and banknotes. Coins include 5, 10, 25, 50 centavos and R$1. Banknotes come in R$2, R$5, R$10, R$20, R$50, R$100, and R$200. Carrying a mix of smaller notes and coins is helpful, as some shops and taxis may have limited change.

What is the cost of a meal in Brazil?

Meal prices can vary depending on where you eat. Street food typically costs R$5–R$15, casual restaurants R$20–R$40, mid-range restaurants R$40–R$80 per person, and high-end dining usually R$100 or more. Local buffet-style ‘por kilo’ restaurants offer excellent value.

How many Brazilian Reals should I buy?

The amount you need depends on your travel plans and spending habits. It is sensible to buy enough Reals to cover your first few days for food, transport, and essential items. ATMs are widely available in major cities if you need additional cash later.

When is the best time to buy Brazilian Reals?

The best time to buy Brazilian Reals is when the exchange rate is favourable. Track currency movements in the weeks leading up to your trip. Buying in advance can help you avoid last-minute rate changes, especially during peak travel seasons.

Which countries use the Brazilian Real?

The Brazilian Real is only used in Brazil. All neighbouring South American countries have their own separate currencies, so if you plan to visit multiple destinations, you’ll need the appropriate currencies for each.

What's the quickest way to get Brazilian Reals?

You can buy Brazilian Reals through Click & Collect, by visiting a branch, or using our home delivery service. ATMs are also widely available in airports, shopping centres, and banks across Brazil once you arrive.

Is it safe to carry cash in Brazil?

Carrying cash in Brazil is generally safe, but take sensible precautions. Avoid displaying large amounts of money, store spare cash in your hotel safe, and keep your wallet secure, particularly in busy tourist areas.

Buy Brazilian Real Online

Secure a great rate today with Click & Collect
Or choose the convenience of home delivery

Buy Brazilian Real Online

Secure a great rate today with Click & Collect
Or choose the convenience of home delivery

Buy Brazilian Real Online

Q: Are other currencies accepted in Brazil?

Most shops and restaurants only accept Brazilian Reals. While some tourist establishments may take US Dollars, it is not consistent and usually comes with unfavourable exchange rates. For the best value and convenience, always use local currency.

Q: Is tipping expected in Brazil?

Most restaurants automatically include a 10% service charge on the bill. If it’s not included, it’s polite to leave a similar amount for good service. Taxi drivers generally do not expect tips, though rounding up is appreciated. Hotel staff and tour guides may also be tipped at your discretion.

Q: What can I do with leftover Brazilian Reals?

We’ll buy back any foreign currency purchased with our Buy Back Scheme, so you’re not left out of pocket when you return home.

Get competitive Brazilian Real exchange rates with Hays Travel and enjoy flexible ways to buy — from our quick Click & Collect* service, to secure home delivery.

And if your travel plans change, you don’t need to worry about being left with unused currency. With our Buy Back Guarantee*, you can return your foreign currency at the same rate you bought it for just £3.95, giving you extra peace of mind when planning your trip.

Voted by the public as Best Retailer for Forex / Travel Money 2025 at the British Travel Awards — making Hays Travel Money the Nation’s Favourite for three years running.

*Click & Collect rates differ to branch rates
** We’ll buy back up to £300 (or your original purchase amount, whichever’s lower) at the same rate you bought your currency. Does not apply to Hays Travel Money Card.

Ways to get your Brazilian Real

Click, Collect, Go

Our Click & Collect Travel Money service is the fast, safe, and easy to get your foreign currency. With a wide range of currencies available, and over 500 Hays Travel branches to collect from, you can secure a great online rate today and collect as soon as you are ready from your local branch.

Buy Brazilian Real online and collect at your convenience
Over 460 Hays Travel branches to choose from
Safe and secure checkout process

Home Delivery

Ordering currency from the comfort of your own home has never been easier. With our great rates and over 60 currencies to choose from, as well as next-day delivery, why not choose your currency to be delivered to your doorstep?

Get Brazilian Real delivered straight to your door
Next-day and Saturday delivery available
Secure packaging and tracked delivery for peace of mind

How to buy Brazilian Real online

Buying Euros online is fast, easy, and secure.

Choose Click & Collect

Select Brazilian Real as your currency

Enter your desired amount

Fill in your details

Place your order and you’re ready to go!

Buying Brazilian Real in branch

With almost 500 branches across the UK, getting Brazilian Real in person has never been easier. Drop into your local Hays Travel branch for great rates, expert advice, and friendly service.

Use our branch finder to locate your nearest Hays Travel

Review our Deals of the Day in-branch

Get in-person advice from our travel experts and a great rate on your currency

More Information on Buying Brazilian Real

Still have some queries about our Travel Money? Find answers to common questions about our travel money services and foreign currency here. You can also learn about how to contact us if you need some extra advice.

FAQ's about Brazilian Real

Your daily travel budget for Brazil varies depending on the region. On average, expect to spend R$150 to R$300 per day. Major cities like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Brasília tend to be more expensive, while smaller towns and rural areas are more budget‑friendly. Be sure to budget for meals, transportation, attractions, and unexpected costs.

The Brazilian Real (BRL – R$) comes in both coins and banknotes.
Coins: 5, 10, 25, 50 centavos and R$1
Banknotes: R$2, R$5, R$10, R$20, R$50, R$100, R$200
Carrying a mix of smaller notes and coins is helpful, as some shops and taxis may have limited change.

Cash is widely accepted across Brazil, particularly in markets, taxis, cafés, rural areas, and smaller independent businesses. In larger cities, card payments are common in hotels, restaurants, and malls. It's always a good idea to carry some cash for places that don't accept card payments.

Most shops and restaurants only accept Brazilian Reals. While some tourist establishments may take US Dollars, it is not consistent and usually comes with unfavourable exchange rates. For the best value and convenience, always use local currency.

Most restaurants automatically include a 10% service charge on the bill. If it’s not included, it’s polite to leave a similar amount for good service. Taxi drivers generally do not expect tips, though rounding up is appreciated. Hotel staff and tour guides may also be tipped at your discretion.

Meal prices can vary depending on where you eat:

Street food & snacks: R$5–R$15
Casual restaurants: R$20–R$40 per meal
Mid‑range restaurants: R$40–R$80 per person
High‑end dining: R$100+
Brazil has excellent value options, especially in local “por kilo” buffet restaurants.

The amount depends on your travel plans and spending habits. It’s sensible to purchase enough Reals to cover your first few days (transport, food, minor purchases). After that, you can withdraw more locally if needed. ATMs are widely available in major cities.

The best time to buy currency is when the exchange rate is favourable. Keep an eye on BRL fluctuations in the weeks before your trip. Buying in advance can help you avoid sudden rate changes, especially during peak travel seasons.

The Brazilian Real is only used in Brazil. All neighbouring South American countries have their own currencies, so if you’re travelling beyond Brazil, you’ll need to exchange for each additional destination accordingly.

We’ll buy back any foreign currency purchased with our Buy Back Scheme, so you’re not left out of pocket when you return home.

Hays Travel offers several convenient ways to buy BRL:

Click & Collect
Visit a branch
Home delivery

ATMs are widely available once you arrive in Brazil, especially in airports, shopping centres, and banks.

Carrying cash is generally safe, but you should take sensible precautions. Avoid displaying large amounts of money in public, keep your wallet secure, and use a hotel safe for additional cash. In busy tourist areas, be mindful of pickpockets and keep belongings close.

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