Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
sunblock, good-quality clothing, cameras and
anything to do with computers (except internet
cafés, which are very cheap), tend to cost even
more. Hotels in
São Paulo
and
Rio
cost more than
you would pay in London or Zurich.
The good news is that outside of these two big
cities, Brazil remains very much a viable destination
for the budget traveller. Every town has a range of
cheap eats and hostels, and the fact that the best
attractions, such as the beaches and many
museums, are free, makes it possible to have an
enjoyable time on a
budget
of less than R$125 a
day. Staying in good hotels, travelling by comfort-
able buses or planes
and not stinting on the extras
is likely to cost you a lot more - at least R$400 a day.
Citibank and HSBC (Santander and Bradesco also
usually have ATMs that are compatible), though
don't be surprised if your card is rejected; only try
machines which have the “Visa” or “MasterCard” (or
Cirrus and Maestro) logos (not all the machines in
the same bank do). Another important thing to
note is that for security reasons most bank ATMs
stop dispensing cash
after 10pm
. Airport ATMs are
the only ones that dispense cash at all hours. Note
also that in 2013 the Brazilian government slapped
a R$300 per
day limit
on ATM withdrawals by
foreign cards (regardless of what the home bank
has authorized).
Credit cards
All major
credit cards
are widely accepted by
shops, hotels and restaurants throughout Brazil,
even in rural areas. MasterCard and Visa are the
most prevalent, with Diners Club and American
Express also widespread. It's a good idea to inform
your credit-card issuer about your trip before you
leave so that the card isn't frozen for uncharacteri-
stic use (and Brazil always raises red flags).
Travellers' cheques
are not recommended,
unless you want a small emergency reserve. Only
the head o
ces of major
banks
(Banco do Brasil,
HSBC, Itaú, Santander) will have an exchange
department (ask for
câmbio
); whether changing
cash or travellers' cheques, you'll need your
passport. You can also change cash and travellers'
cheques in smart hotels and in some large travel
agencies. Airport banks are open seven days a
week, others only Monday to Friday.
Exchange rates
have stabilized after weakening
against the dollar during the financial crisis of late
2008; the
real
has been strengthening again since
2012, making Brazil more expensive for North
Americans and Europeans. Since Brazil's new-found
economic stability means it is now well placed to
weather crises, exchange-rate turbulence is unlikely
to be a feature of your stay. Rates out of ATMs are
usually better than at
câmbios
.
The real
The Brazilian
currency
is the
real
(pronounced
“hey-al”); its plural is
reais
(pronounced “hey-ice”),
written R$. The
real
is made up of one hundred
centavos
, written ¢. Notes are for 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and
100
reais
; coins are 1, 5, 10, 25, 50
centavos
and the 1
real
. You will occasionally see a tattered R$1 note
but these are being phased out, although they are
legal tender. Throughout the Guide, all prices are
given in Brazilian
reais
unless otherwise noted.
However, US dollars and euros are easy enough to
change in banks and exchange o
ces anywhere.
ATMs
Getting cash in Brazil is simple in theory; just
take your debit or credit card and use
ATMs
- they
are now ubiquitous in Brazil, to be found in most
supermarkets, many pharmacies and all airports, as
well as banks. The problem is getting them to work
for international cards - always plan ahead and
make sure you have enough cash to last a day or so
in advance.
Increasing numbers of Brazilian banks are linking
their cash dispensers to the Cirrus and Maestro
networks; the most reliable and widespread is the
Banco 24 Horas network, including Banco do Brasil,
ATMS
A WARNING
One of the sneakiest financial scams in Brazil today is a rather sophisticated one. Cartels across
the country rig
ATM machines
so that they can record the details of your card (and your
password); a few weeks later an identical cloned copy of your card will be used to withdraw
cash from machines globally. Unless you are in dire financial straits, DO NOT use third party
(non-bank) ATM machines, especially at airports, bus stations or shopping centres - only use
o
cial machines in banks. The problem is most acute in Rio and São Paulo, but it pays to take
care throughout the country. And check your card activity regularly, even several weeks after
you've returned home. Once notified, your bank will cancel the card and usually refund any
money stolen, but check in advance.
