Planning a trip to Brazil, whether it’s dancing at Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, exploring the Amazon rainforest, or relaxing on the beaches of Florianópolis?
You’ll need to get familiar with the Brazilian Real (BRL), the official currency of Brazil. Luckily, TravelCash has you covered:
What is the Brazilian Real?
The Brazilian Real (BRL), pronounced “ray-al,” has been Brazil’s official currency since 1994, when it replaced the Cruzeiro Real to stabilise the economy. The symbol for the Real is R$, and it’s abbreviated with BRL in international markets. One Real is divided into 100 centavos, similar to pence in the UK. You’ll encounter coins in denominations of 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos, plus 1 Real, while banknotes come in 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Reais. Each note features a different Brazilian animal, like the jaguar or macaw, making them colourful and distinct.
Brazil’s economy relies heavily on cash, especially in smaller towns, markets, and for tipping. While cards are widely accepted in cities like São Paulo or Salvador, having Reais on hand is essential for street vendors, taxis, or remote areas like the Pantanal. Knowing how to manage your travel money will save you time and stress.
Why You Need Brazilian Reais for Your Trip
Brazil’s diverse attractions, from the Christ the Redeemer statue to the Iguaçu Falls, often involve cash transactions. For example, street markets in Recife or beachside stalls in Copacabana typically accept only cash. Tipping is common in Brazil—think 10% at restaurants if the bill doesn’t include a service charge—and small notes like R$2 or R$5 are handy for this. Public transport, such as buses in Brasília, may also require cash, especially outside major cities.
Cards are useful in urban areas, but smaller businesses may not accept them, and some places charge extra for card payments to cover fees. ATMs are widespread, but they can have high withdrawal charges, and exchange rates at airports or hotels are often poor. Arranging your BRL before travelling through TravelCash ensures you get a competitive rate, avoiding the need to hunt for a good deal on arrival.
How to Get the Best Exchange Rates for BRL
Exchanging GBP to BRL before you travel is the smartest way to stretch your budget. At TravelCash, we offer great rates with 0% commission, so you get more Reais for your pounds. We offer competitive value compared to high-street banks or airport bureaux, which often add hefty fees. Our online platform lets you select BRL, enter the amount you need, and choose a nearby store to collect from—often ready the next working day for popular currencies.
Avoid exchanging money at Brazilian airports or tourist hotspots, as their rates are rarely competitive. TravelCash also buys back your unused Reais at great rates, so you won’t lose out if you bring some home.
Using TravelCash for Brazilian Reais
At TravelCash, we’ve made exchanging money simple and secure. Here’s how it works in three easy steps:
- Select Your Currency: Choose Brazilian Real (BRL) from our range of over 20 world currencies.
- Enter Your Amount: Decide how much GBP you want to spend or how many Reais you need.
- Collect and Pay: Once your order is ready, we’ll send you an SMS and email confirmation, often the same day for in-stock currencies. Pay with a debit card, cash, or bank transfer when you collect at one of our UK agents.
You’ll need to bring ID, like a passport or driver’s licence, when collecting your order. For larger amounts, your chosen store may request a small deposit in advance, but we’ll let you know upfront. Our store locator makes it easy to find a nearby collection point, whether you’re in London, Manchester, or elsewhere in the UK.
Practical Tips for Managing Money in Brazil
- Budget Wisely: Brazil can be affordable, but costs vary. A meal at a local eatery might cost R$20–40, while a coffee is around R$5. Budget R$100–200 per day for modest travel, excluding accommodation.
- Carry Small Notes: Vendors often struggle to break large notes like R$100 or R$200, so keep R$10 and R$20 notes handy.
- Stay Safe: Brazil is generally safe, but avoid flashing cash in crowded areas. Split your money between a wallet and a secure bag.
- Check Exchange Rates: Rates fluctuate, so use TravelCash to lock in a good deal before you go. Our rates are updated daily for transparency.
- Plan for Remote Areas: In places like the Amazon or smaller towns, cash is king. Order enough BRL to cover a few days in these regions.
Why Choose TravelCash for Your Brazilian Adventure?
Whether you’re samba dancing in Rio or hiking in Chapada Diamantina, TravelCash ensures you have the Brazilian Reais you need without the stress. Our 0% commission, competitive rates, and next-day collection for many orders make us a top choice for savvy travellers.
Ready to exchange your pounds for Reais? Order your BRL today, find your nearest collection point, and start planning your Brazilian getaway with confidence.
