The local currency of Brazil is he Brazilian real (BRL), which comes in bank notes of 2 reais, 5 reais, 10 reais, 20 reais, 50 reais, and 100 reais. Coins come in values of 1 centavo, 5 centavos, 10 centavos, 25 centavos, and 50 centavos.
The Brazilian real is a relatively stable currency, and it is widely accepted throughout the country. It is a good idea to exchange your currency for Brazilian reals before you travel to Brazil, as you will likely get a better exchange rate this way.
US dollars are not widely accepted in Brazil. You will likely have difficulty finding businesses that will accept US dollars, and you may receive a poor exchange rate if you do. However there are a few exceptions as some major tourist destinations, hotels and restaurants in major cities may accept US dollars. If you do decide to bring US dollars to Brazil, it is a good idea to keep them in small denominations. This will make it easier to make purchases and get change. It is also a good idea to have some Brazilian reals on hand, as you will likely need them for smaller purchases.
ATMs are widely available in Brazil, and they are a convenient way to withdraw cash. Most ATMs in Brazil accept most major international credit cards such as, Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, American Express and Discover cards. ATM fees vary depending on your bank and the ATM you use. Some banks charge a flat fee for each ATM withdrawal, while others charge a percentage of the amount you withdraw. The exchange rate you get when you withdraw cash from an ATM in Brazil may not be the same as the exchange rate you get when you exchange currency at a bank or currency exchange bureau. ATMs in Brazil have daily withdrawal limits. The daily withdrawal limit can vary depending on your bank and the ATM you use.
Here is a reference table of approximate exchange rates (for up-to-date exchange rates, please check xe.com before you travel):
| 1 unit of current | Brazilian real (BRL) |
| AU$1 | 3.25 |
| NZ$1 | 3.02 |
| US$1 | 4.96 |
Correct as of December 2023