Credit Cards
Tipping
Traveler's Cheques and Money Exchange
ATM's in Brazil
Main Addresses for Traveler's Cheques
Currency Converter
The Brazilian currency is the real (1 real = 100 centavos). Bank notes are available in the following denominations: 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 real. Coins are for 1 real as well as 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 centavos. Real, pronounced HAY-ow, is the term for singular notes while reais, pronounced HAY-ice, is plural.
The major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express are widely accepted in large cities. Visa is the most versatile card, however. Always ask first before using any credit card as some establishments do not accept them.
Tipping in restaurants is normally 10%. Usually this is included in the bill under service charge. Taxi drivers are not normally tipped, although it is common to round up the fare.
While US dollars are easier to trade than traveler's cheques, it is advisable to carry a mixture of cash and traveler's cheques to guard against any situation. A currency declaration form has to be filled out by the tourists if they enter the country with over US$10,000 or its equivalent in any other currency.
You may be asked for proof of purchase so be sure to carry this with you when exchanging traveler's cheques. Keep receipts separate from cheques and one copy at home. A transaction fee of $10 to $20 may be charged if not exchanging at a bank, while banks will charge 1% of the face value of the cheque. American Express traveler's cheques are more widely accepted than Thomas Cook.
Usually the only currency that can be exchanged is US dollars and this should be done at banks or "cambios." Changing money is easy in large cities, except on weekends. Do not change money on the street.
Withdrawing money electronically from ATMs appears to be the safest and easiest way to acquire the local currency.
You may be asked for proof of purchase so be sure to carry this with you when exchanging traveler's cheques. Keep receipts separate from cheques and one copy at home. A transaction fee of $10 to $20 may be charged if not exchanging at a bank, while banks will charge 1% of the face value of the cheque. American Express traveler's cheques are more widely accepted than Thomas Cook.
Usually the only currency that can be exchanged is US dollars and this should be done at banks or "cambios." Changing money is easy in large cities, except on weekends. Do not change money on the street.
Withdrawing money electronically from ATMs appears to be the safest and easiest way to acquire the local currency.
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Thomas Cook
Brasilia, Stella Barros SCLS 406 Bioco C, Lpja 27 70255-530 55-61-242-1121 Rio de Janeiro Unidade Barra, Av de Las Ameri 22631-004 55-21-431-1607 Sao Paulo Unidade Sheraton Mofarrej, Al< 01419-001 55-11-251-2677 |
American Express
Brasilia
Buriti Turismo Ltda, Cls 402 B 70236-510 55-61-225-2686 M-F 8:30 A.M. - 7:00 P.M; Sat. 9:00 A.M. - 12 Noon Manaus Agencia Selvatur Ltda, Praca A 69005-290 55-92-622-2577 M-F 8:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.; Sat. 8:00 A.M. - 12 Noon Rio de Janeiro American Express Do Brasil S/A 21941-900 55-21-398-3671 Monday - Sunday 6:30am - 10:30pm Rio de Janeiro American Express Do Brasil S/A 22290-240 55-21-541-7281 Monday - Saturday 10:00am - 3:00pm |