Money exchange in Rio de Janeiro

It is better to buy Brazilian Real (BR$) in Brazil. All exchange rates outside Brazil are worse. You can bring up to 10.000 BRL worth in cash to Brazil. Higher amounts must be declared to the Brazilian Federal Police on arrival. 

We do not recommend travelers checks, as you barely find any counters to cash them in.

It is better to withdraw money with your credit card from ATMs at a Citybank, HSBC and some Banco do Brazil agencies. All you need is your PIN number. For security reasons, there is daily limit to withdraw cash from ATMs in Brazil. This limit is usually 1.000 BRL per day. ATMs usually are closed out at night starting from 10:00 pm. It is better to withdraw money during the work days than on weekend. Also avoid going to the bank on holidays like New Year or Carnival.

Don't show your PIN to the others, be careful typing your PIN on the ATMs too.

Never hand your credit card to a waiter and leave him alone - always ask him to bring the machine or go with him to the credit card machine.