XE.com Personal Currency Assistant

Is Brazil expensive?

Going out to a Brazilian restaurant is quite affordable. Generally, two people need order only one dish. That is plenty! Local drinks (beer, wine, cocktails, soft drinks, and bottled water) cost about half what they do in the U.S. Tap water is safe, but only because it contains a lot of disinfectants. For your taste buds' sake, ordering water „sem gas" (without gas) is an inexpensive alternative.

When you desire American standards and/or American food, expect prices as you would pay in the U.S. As with anything that is imported, expect to pay more, at times much more!

One nice thing: there is no sales tax to pay. And tips in restaurants should not exceed 10%.

 XE.com Personal Currency Assistant

How about tipping?

Restaurant tipping is about 10 %. Otherwise, where you would hand out one dollar, give one Real (that's about 60 cents). You need not tip taxi drivers.

 XE.com Personal Currency Assistant

What kind of money do I need?

Change some dollars into Real (the Brazilian currency. US$1=approx. R$2.55. The plural of Real is Reais.) Prices are sometimes quoted in dollars, but the actual payment is always done in the local currency. The black market for dollars has virtually disappeared. Bring traveler checks and your credit card/bank card with its PIN code stored in your memory only. ATM's are ubiquitous.