What Currency Is Used in Rio? Money Tips
Brazil uses the Real (R$, BRL). As of 2026, 1 USD ≈ R$5–6 and 1 EUR ≈ R$5.5–6.5. The Real makes Rio very affordable for visitors from strong-currency countries. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, and ATMs are widely available.
Best Ways to Pay
Credit/Debit Card
Accepted at most restaurants, shops, and attractions. Visa and Mastercard are universal. Always pay in BRL (not USD) to avoid markup.
PIX (QR Code)
Brazil's instant payment system. Some places prefer PIX. International tourists can use it through Wise or some Brazilian bank apps.
Cash (Reais)
Needed for street vendors, small shops, beach vendors, and markets. Carry R$100–200 in small bills.
Money Tips
- • Never exchange money at the airport — the rates are terrible
- • Use a Wise or Revolut card for the best exchange rates
- • ATMs in shopping malls are safest — avoid street ATMs at night
- • Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks
- • Tipping: 10% is usually included in restaurant bills (check 'taxa de serviço')
For a full cost breakdown, read the Rio Travel Costs Guide.
Frequently asked questions
What currency is used in Rio de Janeiro?
Brazil uses the Real (R$, code BRL), plural reais. In 2026 roughly 1 USD ≈ R$5–6 and 1 EUR ≈ R$5.5–6.5, which makes Rio affordable for visitors from strong-currency countries. Notes come in R$2 to R$200; carry small denominations for vendors and tips.
Should I bring US dollars or euros to Brazil?
You don't need to. Cards and Pix cover almost everything, and airport exchange rates are poor. Bring a small amount of dollars or euros only as a backup and change them at a bank or exchange bureau (casa de câmbio) in the city, never at the airport.
Are credit cards accepted in Rio?
Yes, almost universally — Visa and Mastercard work at restaurants, shops, attractions and even many street vendors via card readers. Contactless is common. Always choose to pay in reais (BRL), not your home currency, to avoid the poor dynamic-conversion markup offered at the terminal.
What is Pix and can tourists use it?
Pix is Brazil's instant bank-transfer system, used everywhere by scanning a QR code, and it's often the preferred payment for small vendors. Tourists can use it through apps like Wise or some Brazilian bank accounts that support it; otherwise a contactless card covers the same situations.
Where should I withdraw cash in Rio?
Use ATMs inside bank branches, shopping malls or busy supermarkets, ideally during the day. Banco do Brasil, Bradesco and Santander machines accept foreign cards, though many charge a withdrawal fee. Avoid isolated street ATMs at night, and shield your PIN.
Should I exchange money before I travel to Rio?
There's little need. Your best rates come from withdrawing reais from a Brazilian ATM or paying by card in BRL once you arrive. If you want a little cash in hand for arrival, change a small amount at home, but skip large pre-trip exchanges and never use the airport counters.
How much should I tip in Rio?
Most restaurants add a 10% service charge (taxa de serviço) to the bill, which serves as the tip — check for it before adding more. Rounding up for good service is welcome but not expected. Tipping isn't obligatory for taxis; a small round-up is a kind gesture.
What's the best card to use in Brazil?
A multi-currency travel card like Wise or Revolut gives near-interbank exchange rates and low fees, and works for both card payments and ATM withdrawals. Failing that, any Visa or Mastercard works fine — just always pay in reais and check your bank's foreign-transaction fees before you go.
Is it better to pay in reais or my home currency?
Always pay in reais. When a card terminal offers to charge you in your home currency (dynamic currency conversion), it applies a poor exchange rate with a hidden markup. Choosing BRL lets your own bank handle the conversion at a much fairer rate.
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