Brazil travel money tips
Heading to Brazil? Here's a quick rundown of how to handle money on the ground — tipping etiquette, when to use cards versus cash, the best ATMs to use, and the most common pitfalls travelers run into. The local currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL, R$).
Tipping
10% is auto-added to most restaurant bills ('serviço'). No need to tip again. Round up taxi fares.
Cards vs cash
Cards widely accepted, even at street markets. Pix instant payments are everywhere but require a Brazilian bank account.
Payment methods accepted
ATMs & cash tip
Banco do Brasil, Itaú, and Bradesco ATMs are reliable. Withdraw before 10 PM — many close overnight for security.
Heads-up
- Don't flash phones, jewelry, or large amounts of cash on city streets, especially in Rio and São Paulo.
- Use 99 or Uber instead of street taxis to avoid fare disputes.
About the Brazilian Real (BRL)
The Brazilian Real (BRL, symbol R$) is the official currency of Brazil. Knowing the live BRL rate against your home currency helps you sanity-check menu prices, taxi fares, and souvenir markups while traveling.
More travel tips
See all country tips →Tips are general guidance for travelers, not legal or financial advice. Customs vary — confirm with local sources for important plans.