What is the Currency in Brazil?

Discover what currency Brazil uses, how the Brazilian real works, and how UK travellers can manage money abroad

What is the Currency of Brazil?

If you're travelling to Brazil—whether to enjoy the beaches of Rio, explore the Amazon rainforest, or attend Carnival—it’s essential to understand what currency is used and how to manage your money while abroad. This guide is tailored for UK travellers and explains the Brazilian currency, common payment methods, and how to avoid unnecessary costs.

What currency does Brazil use?

The official currency of Brazil is the Brazilian Real, abbreviated as BRL and symbolised by R$. All purchases in Brazil—from food and transport to accommodation and excursions—must be made in reals.

You will often see prices written as R$100, meaning 100 Brazilian reals.

How is the Brazilian real structured?

The real is a decimal currency divided into 100 centavos.

Common denominations include:

  • Banknotes: R$2, R$5, R$10, R$20, R$50, R$100 and R$200

  • Coins: 5, 10, 25, 50 centavos and R$1

At the time of writing, £1 is worth approximately 6 to 7 BRL, though this can vary—so always check current exchange rates before converting.

Can you use British pounds or other foreign currencies in Brazil?

No. The Brazilian real is the only legal tender in Brazil. Foreign currencies such as GBP or USD are not accepted in shops, restaurants or by service providers. You’ll need to exchange your pounds for reals before or after arriving in Brazil.

Should you bring cash or use a card in Brazil?

Brazil has a card-friendly payment culture in cities and tourist areas. Credit and debit cards (especially Visa and Mastercard) are accepted at most restaurants, hotels, supermarkets and shops. Contactless and mobile payments (Apple Pay and Google Pay) are also common in urban areas.

That said, it’s smart to carry some cash in reals for:

  • Street vendors

  • Local transport

  • Rural areas

  • Tips and small purchases

UK travellers should bring a fee-free travel card (like Starling, Monzo or Revolut) and withdraw reals from bank-affiliated ATMs in Brazil.

Where to get Brazilian reals

You can:

  • Order BRL from UK currency exchange services before travelling

  • Withdraw reals from ATMs after arrival (most accept international cards)

  • Exchange GBP for BRL at Brazilian banks or authorised exchange bureaux (called "câmbio")

Avoid exchanging money at airports or hotels, where rates tend to be less favourable.

Tips for managing money in Brazil

  • Always pay in BRL, not GBP, to avoid poor exchange rates

  • Use contactless or mobile payments where available

  • Be cautious when withdrawing cash—use ATMs in secure locations

  • Tipping is appreciated but modest—5–10% in restaurants is customary

  • Keep small notes and coins handy, especially in markets or taxis

Common mistakes to avoid

A common mistake is assuming you can use USD or GBP in tourist zones. While prices may be listed in dollars online, all payments are made in reals. Another is using unregulated street money changers—always exchange at licensed locations.

Also, avoid dynamic currency conversion at ATMs or payment terminals—always choose to pay in BRL for the best rate.

In summary

Brazil uses the Brazilian Real (BRL) as its official currency. Cards are widely accepted in cities, but cash remains important for smaller transactions and rural areas. UK travellers should carry a mix of reals and travel cards, exchange money from reliable sources, and always pay in local currency.