The currency of Brazil is the Brazilian real (ISO code BRL), written with the symbol R$ and divided into 100 centavos. It is issued and managed by the Central Bank of Brazil (Banco Central do Brasil) and is the official money used everywhere in the country, from the beaches of Rio de Janeiro to the markets of the Amazon. As of 2026, one US dollar is worth roughly 5 reais, though the exact rate moves daily with commodity prices and global markets.
What the Brazilian Real Looks Like
The plural of real is reais, and the word itself means "royal" in Portuguese, a nod to the colonial-era currency of the same name. Today's real circulates as banknotes in denominations of R$2, R$5, R$10, R$20, R$50, R$100, and R$200. Coins come in 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos plus a 1 real coin. Each banknote carries the allegorical effigy of the Republic on the front, while the reverse showcases a native Brazilian animal:
- R$2 (blue) – the hawksbill sea turtle
- R$5 (lilac) – the great egret
- R$10 (red) – the green-winged macaw
- R$20 (yellow) – the golden lion tamarin
- R$50 (brown) – the jaguar
- R$100 (blue-green) – the dusky grouper
- R$200 (grey-blue) – the maned wolf
The R$200 note is the newest, released in 2020 to ease cash handling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Brazilians quickly nicknamed it the "wolf note" after the maned wolf on its back.
How Brazil Tamed Its Hyperinflation
The modern real is one of the great success stories in monetary history. Between 1942 and 1994 Brazil changed its currency eight separate times, cycling through the cruzeiro, cruzado, cruzado novo, and others as runaway inflation destroyed each one. By 1993, annual inflation reached an astonishing 2,477 percent, meaning prices could double in a matter of weeks. Shoppers raced to spend wages the moment they were paid.
The turnaround came with the Plano Real of 1994. Rather than imposing the harsh "shock therapy" used elsewhere, economists introduced a clever transitional accounting unit called the URV (Unidade Real de Valor) that ran alongside the old money. Once prices, wages, and contracts had quietly re-anchored to the URV, the real was launched as physical currency on 1 July 1994. The plan broke the inflation spiral almost overnight and gave Brazil decades of comparative price stability.
Who Controls the Money
The Central Bank of Brazil, headquartered in Brasília, sets monetary policy, manages the country's foreign reserves, and oversees the printing of notes and minting of coins through the Casa da Moeda do Brasil. Its main policy lever is the Selic interest rate, which the bank raises or lowers to keep inflation near an official target. Because Brazil is a major exporter of soybeans, iron ore, oil, and coffee, the value of the real is closely tied to global commodity demand, and the currency can swing noticeably when those markets shift or when political uncertainty rises.
Paying in Brazil: Cash, Cards, and PIX
Brazil runs on a blend of cash and digital payments. Major credit and debit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard, are accepted across cities, hotels, restaurants, and shops. Cash remains useful for street vendors, small towns, taxis, and rural areas. ATMs (caixas eletrônicos) are widely available; for safety, travelers are advised to use machines inside bank branches and to tell their home bank about travel plans in advance.
The biggest change in recent years is PIX, the instant payment system launched by the Central Bank in 2020. PIX lets anyone transfer money or pay merchants instantly, around the clock, usually for free, using just a phone number, email, or QR code. It has become so dominant that even market stalls and food carts display PIX codes, and the system now processes billions of transactions every month, making it a model studied by central banks worldwide.
Tips for Visitors and Students
Exchange rates are generally better at banks and official exchange houses (casas de câmbio) than at airports. Carry small denominations for everyday purchases, since vendors may struggle to break a R$100 or R$200 note. Always confirm prices in reais rather than dollars, and keep an eye on the current exchange rate, as the real is one of the more volatile emerging-market currencies. For more on the country behind the currency, see our brazil country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the currency of Brazil called?
Brazil's currency is the Brazilian real, abbreviated BRL and shown with the symbol R$. The plural form is reais, and each real is divided into 100 centavos.
How much is 1 US dollar in Brazilian reais?
As of 2026, one US dollar is worth approximately 5 reais, but the rate fluctuates daily. Always check a current converter before exchanging money, since the real moves with commodity prices and market sentiment.
Can I use US dollars or euros in Brazil?
No. The real is the only legal tender, and most shops will not accept foreign cash. You should exchange dollars or euros for reais, or simply pay with an international card where accepted.
What is PIX and should travelers use it?
PIX is Brazil's free, instant payment system run by the central bank. It is hugely popular with locals, but it generally requires a Brazilian bank account, so most short-term visitors rely on cards and cash instead.