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Brazil (BR)

South America's largest country, combining major work hubs, world-famous culture, beaches, Amazon biodiversity, strong digital payments, and complex but navigable bureaucracy for expats.

Capital: Brasilia
Region: Americas
Language: Portuguese
Currency: BRL (R$)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 35)
Emergency: 190

Currency & Money

Practical money tips for living in Brazil.

R$
Brazilian real
BRL

Denominations

Banknotes: R$2, R$5, R$10, R$20, R$50, R$100, R$200. Coins: 5, 10, 25, 50 centavos and R$1.

Payment Culture

Pix instant payments dominate daily life, cards are common in cities, and cash is still useful for beaches, markets, tips, parking attendants and small vendors.

ATM Tips

Use bank or shopping-mall ATMs from Banco24Horas, Banco do Brasil, Itau, Bradesco, Santander or Caixa. Avoid isolated ATMs at night and expect foreign-card withdrawal fees.

Exchange Tips

Use bank ATMs, licensed exchange offices or Wise-style transfers. Never exchange cash on the street; keep receipts for large currency exchanges and property/business source-of-funds checks.

Pro tip: Best apps for expats

  • Wise — Send money internationally at near-interbank rates
  • Revolut — Multi-currency account, free ATM withdrawals (limits apply)
  • N26 — German IBAN, free account, good for EU residents