Currency exchange information

BEFORE TRAVELING

> WHAT CURRENCIES ARE ACCEPTED IN BRAZIL?

The only currency legally accepted in Brazil is the Brazilian real (R$).

> WHERE DO I GET REALS BEFORE TRAVELING?

You can find reals in banks and foreign currency exchange shops.

IN BRAZIL

> WHERE CAN I BUY REAIS?

It can only be exchanged in institutions authorized by the Banco Central do Brasil (BCB). Go to www.bcb.gov.br/?INSTCRED and check the complete list of institutions.

> WHY MUST I BUY REALS ONLY FROM INSTITUTIONS AUTHORIZED BY THE BCB?

Because these institutions operate under the Brazilian law, which allows you to resort to the authorities in case you have any problems. It is advisable to always keep the receipt for the operation.

> WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I PRODUCE TO BUY REALS?

Only an identity card used to enter the country will be necessary to buy up to US$3,000 (or the equivalent amount in other currencies). If you want to buy more than that, it is necessary to prove the purpose of the purchase.

> CAN I USE INTERNATIONAL CARDS TO PAY FOR MY PURCHASES?

Yes. You can pay your bills with a credit card, debit card or pre-paid card issued by the main international financial service companies in most Brazilian establishments.

> HOW DO I NEGOTIATE THE BEST EXCHANGE CONDITIONS?

At the time of exchange, look at the Overall Actual Value ('Valor Efetivo Total - VET') which, in addition to the exchange rate, considers all the charges, fees and taxes levied on the operation. That allows you to compare the actual price practiced by the institutions.

> CAN I USE INTERNATIONAL CARDS TO WITHDRAW MONEY FROM ATMS?

Yes. You can withdraw money using credit cards, debit cards or pre-paid cards issued by the main international financial service companies.

> CAN I EXCHANGE MONEY AT ATMS?

Yes, this type of operation has been recently authorized. Institutions operating in the currency exchange market have been gradually making specific ATMs available for that – the "currency exchange machines".

LEAVING THE COUNTRY

> CAN I SELL THE REALS I HAVE LEFT?

Yes. Keep the receipt issued at the time of the purchase: it may be requested by an authorized institution.

LIMITS

> HOW MUCH IN CASH OR TRAVELER'S CHECKS AM I ALLOWED TO CARRY WHEN ENTERING OR LEAVING BRAZIL?

There are no limited amounts you can carry in cash or traveler's checks, either upon entering or leaving the country. However, when carrying amounts in excess of R$10,000, or the equivalent in other currencies, you will be required to fill out the Currency Carry-on Electronic Declaration ('Declaração Eletrônica de Porte de Valores – E-DPV'), issued by the Brazilian Federal Revenue Office at http://www.receita.fazenda.gov.br/dpv/.

> WHAT ABOUT AT THE TIME OF CURRENCY EXCHANGE OPERATIONS? ARE THERE ANY LIMITS FOR OPERATIONS USING CASH, PRE-PAID CARDS OR TRAVELER'S CHECKS?

There is no limit for exchange operations in cash, pre-paid card or traveler’s checks in Brazil. However, if you want to carry out transactions of over R$10,000 you must do so through a bank transfer or check.