Currency

Brazilian currency is in Real (pronounced: heau). Plural: Reais. Depending on where in the country you are, native Brazilians will pronounce their R’s differently. In Rio and in the north, the R is pronounced as an H (ie: Rio would sound like Hio).

Bills: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 (There is a R$1 but it is in the form of a coin)
Coins: 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents, 1 Real

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Dollar ($) : Real (R$) – 1 : 2.89 (as of March 2nd, 2015)

As a quick conversion, divide the Real by 3 and then add a little more. If you are good at math divide by about 2.9. The Real is weak compared to the dollar so don’t be alarmed when you first see the price! (1)

Quick tips:

  • If you are buying inexpensive items like M&Ms or candy, don’t think twice.
  • However, if you are looking to go shopping, don’t buy imported goods (i.e. American brands like Nike). The prices are three times compared to what you would pay in the US!
  • If you’re a girl and dying to buy something, absolutely look for bikinis. Brazilian bikinis are miniscule compared to the ones American’s wear, but they are ten times cuter and you will look like you belong right on a Brazilian beach.

Source: XE Live Exchange Rates, http://www.xe.com

 

How to cite this page: “Before You Arrive: Things to Know: Currency,” Written by Becca Fisher and Elena Kim (2013), World Cup 2014, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University, http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/world-cup-2014/world-cup-2014-fan-guide/anglophone-version/before-you-arrive-things-to-know/currency (accessed on (date)).

 

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