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Currency

The currency in Brazil is the Real (pronounced ‘Ray-al’, plural ‘Ray-eye’). There are approximately 1.5 Reals to the US dollar; and 3 Reals to the pound sterling; however, the rate varies daily, and often spectacularly. It is difficult to buy and sell Reals outside Brazil; so please exchange or spend them before you leave. There will be time for this on the last day of the tour

The simplest negotiable currency is the US dollar, which is accepted in most shops, and should be brought with you. Reals will be needed for smaller purchases. The Banco do Brasil (Brazil's only national bank) at a main airport is the easiest place to exchange dollars to reals. It is virtually impossible to exchange currency anywhere else, but a Banco do Brasil

American Express Travellers’ Cheques may also be changed at a Banco do Brasil

The currency limit into Brazil is approximately US$3000. However, unless you intend to buy really expensive gifts or souvenirs, you will not require anywhere near this amount, since most of your expenses will have been pre-paid

Credit and Switch cards are accepted in many, but not all, shops; and Mastercard is more welcome than Visa in the areas covered by the tour. If you plan to use credit cards, it is better to bring several, and to let your bank(s) know beforehand; otherwise you may find them blocked when attempting to use them in South America

Despite this precaution, you may still find that some credit cards do not work; and that this can vary from one establishment to another, since Brazil's card processing systems have not yet been unified

Cash machines (ATM's) are only available at banks. The only internationally-known bank, in the areas we will be visiting, is HSBC; and although their systems normally recognise HSBC cards, or accounts, that originate from outside Brazil; it is not guaranteed

The maximum daily withdrawal from a cash machine is R1000 (R300 at weekends!), the equivalent of US$500 (US$150 at weekends)

HOWEVER - It is very difficult to find cash machines that accept cards issued outside Brazil, regardless of what your bank may tell you. The reality is that western bank staff just assume that their cards will work as normal, but they haven't actually tried it…

In other words, your cards may work for cash, but please do not rely on them!


Tipping - Brazilians are very warm hearted, and treat their professions and uniforms with the dignity you would expect of a predominantly Catholic people. As such, tipping is not expected, but not discouraged. If you wish to reward the service of a good driver, guide or waiter, tipping discreetly will avoid embarrassment

A good website to obtain the latest exchange rates is www.oanda.com
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