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In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the official currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL). It's essential to have some local currency with you when you arrive in the city.
The Brazilian Real is divided into 100 centavos, and you'll often see prices displayed with two decimal places. For example, R$10.50 is equal to 10 real and 50 centavos.
You can exchange your money for Brazilian Reals at airports, banks, and currency exchange offices, but be aware that exchange rates may vary.
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History of Currency
The Portuguese royal court withdrew all the bullion currency it could from banks in exchange for worthless bond notes before leaving Brazil in 1821.
The first ever coins minted in Brazilian land were struck in 1645 by the Dutch administration, repurposing gold coming from the Dutch Guinea.
The Dutch settlers occupied Northeastern Brazil and used guilders, while the Portuguese settlers used Réis coins from Portugal.
Historical currencies of Brazil:
The modern Brazilian real is equivalent to 2.75 quintillion times the old real, that is, 2.75×10^18 réis.
History
The history of currency in Brazil is a complex and fascinating topic. The country's early settlers used various currencies, including Réis coins from Portugal and guilders from the Dutch.
In 1645, the Dutch administration in Northeastern Brazil struck the first coins ever minted in Brazilian land, repurposing gold from the Dutch Guinea. This was done to pay for troops fighting Portuguese settlers.
The Portuguese royal court withdrew all the bullion currency it could from banks before leaving Brazil in 1821, exchanging it for worthless bond notes. This left the new government with a financial crisis.
Here's a list of the major currencies used in Brazil, along with their introduction and withdrawal dates:
One of the most interesting facts about Brazil's currency history is that the country has had 13 different currencies since 1645, with some of them overlapping in use. The most recent currency, the Real, has been in use since 1994 and is still the official currency today.
For another approach, see: Currency Use in Brazil
Released Latest Series of Notes in 2010.
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In 2010, the Central Bank of Brazil released the latest series of real banknotes, featuring improved security elements.
These new notes were also printed in different sizes, making it easier for people with vision impairments to recognize individual banknotes.
Interestingly, Brazil is still minting one-real coins and putting them into circulation, which is a convenient and durable denomination of Brazilian currency.
The R$1 banknote, however, hasn't been printed since 2005, creating scarcity and making it a collector's item.
If you find a R$1 banknote in good condition, it could be worth quite a bit more than its face value, with one case estimated to be worth as much as R$275.
So, if you get a R$1 banknote, don't spend it - have a qualified expert take a look at it instead.
Types of Currency
Brazil has had a complex history of currency, with many different denominations and face values being used over the years. No single face value has been present in all historical Brazilian banknotes, but a face value of 100 has been present in all the other currencies.
Historical Brazilian banknotes with a face value of 100 include ₢$100, NCr$100, Cz$100, NCz$100, Cr$100, and CR$100. The absence of a face value of 100 is notable in the old real and the provisional cruzeiro novo, which had the lowest denomination of banknotes being 500 Rs and NCr$10, respectively.
Brazilian coins have also had various denominations, with no single face value present in all historical coins. A face value of 1 has been present in all the other currencies, with examples including ₢$1, NCr$1, Cz$1, NCz$1, Cr$1, and R$1.
Banknotes
Banknotes are a fascinating aspect of currency, and Brazil has had its fair share of unique banknotes over the years. The country has used various currencies, including the Real (old), Cruzeiro (1st), Cruzeiro novo, Cruzeiro (2nd), Cruzado, Cruzado novo, Cruzeiro (3rd), and Cruzeiro real.
One thing that stands out about Brazilian banknotes is that no single face value has been present in all historical banknotes. For example, a face value of 100 is missing from the old real and the provisional cruzeiro novo.
A face value of 100, however, is present in all other currencies, including the first cruzeiro, second cruzeiro, Cruzado, Cruzado novo, third cruzeiro, and the overstamped Cr$100,000 banknote.
Here's a list of historical Brazilian banknotes with a face value of 100:
- ₢$100 (first cruzeiro)
- NCr$100 (second cruzeiro - second family, issued between 1981 and 1984)
- Cz$100
- NCz$100 (overstamped as Cr$100)
- Cr$100 (third cruzeiro)
- CR$100 (overstamped Cr$100,000 banknote)
In 2000, the Brazilian Central Bank released a commemorative polymer 10 real banknote to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Portuguese arrival on Brazilian shores.
Coins
Coins have been a vital part of Brazil's financial history, with various denominations being introduced and phased out over the years.
One thing to note is that not all historical Brazilian coins had a face value of 1, with some currencies, such as the cruzeiro novo, missing this denomination altogether.
The first cruzeiro, introduced in 1942, had a coin with a face value of 1, known as the ₢$1 aluminium coinage, which was in circulation from 1957 to 1961.
A number of currencies have had a 1-real coin, including the first cruzeiro, the cruzado, the cruzado novo, the third cruzeiro, and the new real.
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Some currencies, such as the cruzeiro real, had a lowest denomination of coin of 5, while others, like the old real, had a lowest denomination of coin of 5 as well.
Here's a list of currencies that have had a face value of 1:
- ₢$1 (first cruzeiro/aluminium coinage 1957-1961)
- NCr$1 (second cruzeiro/second family 1979-1984)
- Cz$1
- NCz$1
- Cr$1 (third cruzeiro - 1990)
- R$1
Remains Popular in Trading
The Brazilian real remains popular in trading, and it's not hard to see why. It's the most traded of all the Latin American currencies.
The Brazilian real is a significant player in the global market, thanks to the country's strong economy. Brazil's economy was ranked the 12th largest in the world by GDP in 2020.
The real is a top 20 most traded currency in the world, and its popularity shows no signs of waning.
Currency Exchange
The Brazilian real's value is constantly changing due to market forces of supply and demand for foreign exchange.
You have a lot of options for getting your hands on Brazilian reais, including ordering them from your bank, exchanging them at the airport, or using ATMs in Brazil.
Just be sure to follow some basic safety precautions when using ATMs in Brazil.
Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Brazil, with Visa and Mastercard being the most common.
However, be careful about foreign currency fees, which can dilute the value and convenience of using a credit card.
Having some cash on hand can be especially helpful outside of major cities, for things like taxis, tipping, shopping in the market, and general emergencies.
Using Money
In Brazil, you'll need to use the real, which is the only currency accepted as legal tender throughout the country.
The real is what you'll use to make payments in Brazil, and it's essential to have some local currency with you when you arrive.
You can easily convert US dollars to Brazilian real currency within Brazil, and it's generally your best option.
Exchanging your money once you get to Brazil will help you get a better value, ensure your money's accepted everywhere, and avoid confusion calculating the exchange rate at the time of purchase.
Some merchants might accept US dollars in bigger cities, but it's not guaranteed, so it's best to be prepared with local currency.
Converting your dollars to reais will also help you avoid carrying large amounts of cash, which can be a hassle and may require a declaration at customs.
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Payment and Withdrawal
You can withdraw cash from ATMs in Brazil, and it's a good idea to opt for Brazilian currency to avoid additional fees.
Major Brazilian banks like Banco do Brasil, Bradesco, Itaú, and Santander have ATMs that accept international cards, making it easily accessible to exchange foreign currency.
The withdrawal limit from ATMs is usually R$1,000, but it may be lower depending on the ATM.
You can also use credit cards, which are widely accepted at most Brazilian shops and hotels, and restaurants.
The most commonly accepted cards are Visa and MasterCard, but American Express and Diners Club are also often accepted.
It's a good idea to have at least two cards as some stores and restaurants may only accept one card, usually Visa or MasterCard.
US dollars are widely accepted by many tourist-oriented businesses in the main cities of Brazil, but it's still a good idea to exchange some local currency.
Brazil's financial infrastructure is very sophisticated, and you'll find ATMs everywhere, even in the smallest towns.
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Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_currency
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_real
- https://www.westernunion.com/blog/en/us/brazil-currency-guide-the-brazilian-real-brl/
- https://blog.remitly.com/currencies/facts-you-probably-didnt-know-brazilian-real/
- https://ripioturismo.com/travel-guide/brazil/local-currency-in-brazil-and-where-to-exchange-money/
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