Dollar or Reals in Brazil

[Anna201213]

We'll stay 4 days in Rio and I wish to know if we can use US money or if we need reals (money of Brazil. Thank you in advance

[Wendy The Wanderer]

No, you'll need reis (plural of real). Their economy is strong and I sensed no desire for US currency.

[Mura]

I do have a guide booked in Rio for next December who said that he does want to be paid in cash in dollars. I was quite surprised. Our guides in other Brazilian ports want reis.

[A Knitter]

Our guide in 2006 preferred US currency and since we will have him as our guide once ahain in December he still prefers the same.

[grmmybtty]

We will be on the Rio to Valpo cruise in December and almost all of the guides have requested to be paid in USD, however we will still need the local money for food, beverage, taxis and other purchases.

[wave time]

Even if they take US dollars, the local vendors will have to figure out the exchange rate and you will not get a favorable rate.

 

Taxis and many restaurants and the majority of stores will expect to be paid in the local currency.

[Caroldoll]

I believe our dollar is stronger still, but when they convert, you probably will be on the losing end. We carried Reis. Everyone takes them, no discussion.

[dorisis]

We'll stay 4 days in Rio and I wish to know if we can use US money or if we need reals (money of Brazil. Thank you in advance

 

Best to use Brazilian currency They will not always accept dollars.

[Travelcat2]

Definitely use local currency!

[Evita1216]

The wholesale international exchange rate is now 2.26 reais for 1 US dollar.There is a not insignificant delta in the buy and sell rates of reais and US dollars. For example, if a Brasilian wants to buy dollars (to travel) he will have to pay about 2.33 reais, but if you are trading your dollars for reais you will get about 2.18 per dollar. Locals who intend to travel will want to be paid in dollars to save the expense of purchasing them later on.

[corpkid]

Ries all the way. Spent a week in Rio last x-mas and you'll want cash. Most places take credit cards, but still - get some ries. Have fun in Rio - it's a fantastic city and can't wait to go back some day!

[Anna201213]

Thanks for the replies. I will bring reis in cash and can't wait visiting Rio. Everyday I check weather in Rio and Buenos Aires and there is 10 degrees between is it the same during december

[orchestrapal]

Thanks for the replies. I will bring reis in cash and can't wait visiting Rio. Everyday I check weather in Rio and Buenos Aires and there is 10 degrees between is it the same during december

 

Remember your best exchange rates will be at an ATM at the airport or in Rio. ;)

[Paulchili]

Thanks for the replies. I will bring reis in cash and can't wait visiting Rio. Everyday I check weather in Rio and Buenos Aires and there is 10 degrees between is it the same during december

 

For the record, as pointed out by Evita - the currency is Real - plural REAIS (not reis); and you will definitely need them in Rio.

[Earl Rosebery]

Cash usually means 'no tax'

[sitraveler]

Value of Real has been dropping vs US $, by quoting in US guide gets the better exchange rate down the road.