Budget to visit Brazil

Understanding Brazilian Currency and Payments

The Brazilian Real (BRL)

• Symbol: R$
• Common denominations: Notes (R$2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200) and coins (centavos).

The Brazilian Real can be volatile. We advise checking the current exchange rate on a reliable financial website or app just before you depart and periodically during your trip to stay informed about its value against your home currency.

Cash vs. Card

• Credit/Debit Cards: These are widely accepted in cities at most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted networks.
• Cash: Having cash is essential for smaller transactions, such as paying for street food, browsing local markets, using public transport in some areas, and leaving tips.

We recommend carrying a mix of payment methods. Use your card for larger purchases and keep a sensible amount of cash for smaller, everyday expenses. Crucially, please inform your bank of your travel dates and destination before you leave to prevent your cards from being flagged for suspicious activity and potentially blocked.

You will notice the PIX system is used everywhere by locals for instant payments. While it is a convenient part of daily life in Brazil, it is generally linked to a Brazilian bank account, making it inaccessible for most international tourists.

Accessing Money

• ATMs (Caixas Eletrônicos): For security, use ATMs located inside major bank branches like Banco do Brasil, Itaú, or Bradesco, or in well-trafficked locations such as shopping malls.
• Currency Exchange (Casas de Câmbio): You will find these at airports and throughout major cities. They often provide more favorable exchange rates than what you might be offered at hotels or airport kiosks.

Be aware that some ATMs may have daily withdrawal limits, which can be lower for foreign cards. For your safety, never exchange money with individuals offering services on the street.

Daily Budget Estimates (Per Person, Excluding Pre-booked Flights/Hotels)

Budget Traveler

• Estimated Daily Cost: R$250 – R$400 (approx. $50 – $80 USD)
• What this covers: Accommodation in hostel dormitories, meals from supermarkets or street food stalls, use of public transportation, and enjoying free activities like city parks and beaches.

Mid-Range Traveler

• Estimated Daily Cost: R$500 – R$900 (approx. $100 – $180 USD)
• What this covers: Private rooms in charming pousadas or mid-range hotels, meals at casual restaurants (including “por quilo” buffets or à la carte dining), a mix of public transport and occasional ride-shares, and some paid tours or entrance fees.

Luxury Traveler

• Estimated Daily Cost: R$1,500+ (approx. $300+ USD)
• What this covers: Stays in high-end hotels or resorts, fine dining experiences, private car services and transfers, and personalized guided tours.

Please note that these figures are averages. Daily costs can be significantly higher in major destinations like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, especially during peak travel periods such as Carnival, New Year’s Eve, and other major holidays.

Detailed Cost Breakdown

Accommodation

• Hostel Dorm Bed: R$80 – R$150 per night
• Pousada / Budget Hotel: R$200 – R$450 per night
• Mid-Range Hotel: R$500 – R$1,200+ per night

Food and Drink

• Street Food Snack (e.g., açaí, pastel): R$15 – R$30
• “Prato Feito” (set lunch plate): R$25 – R$50
• “Por Quilo” (pay-by-weight buffet): R$50 – R$90 for a full plate
• Mid-Range Restaurant Dinner (per person): R$80 – R$150
• Domestic Beer (600ml bottle): R$12 – R$20
• Caipirinha: R$18 – R$35

Transportation

• City Bus / Metro Ride: R$4 – R$7
• Ride-Sharing (e.g., Uber/99) for a 15-20 min trip: R$15 – R$40
• Domestic Flights (one-way, booked in advance): R$400 – R$1,200+
• Long-Distance Bus (e.g., Rio to São Paulo): R$120 – R$300

Activities and Entrance Fees

• Christ the Redeemer (Rio): R$90 – R$120
• Sugarloaf Mountain (Rio): R$160 – R$185
• Iguazu Falls (Brazilian side entrance): R$80 – R$100

Ticket prices for major attractions are subject to change and can vary depending on the season. We highly recommend checking the official websites for the most current pricing and booking information before your visit.

Tipping and Service Charges

Restaurants and Bars

• A 10% service charge, listed as “taxa de serviço,” is often automatically included in the final bill.
• While technically optional, it is customary to pay this charge if you were satisfied with the service provided.
• Additional tipping beyond the standard 10% is not expected but is certainly appreciated as a gesture for exceptional service.

Other Services

• Tour Guides: A tip of R$30 – R$50 per person is a kind gesture for a guide who provided a great full-day tour.
• Hotel Porters: R$5 – R$10 per bag is customary.
• Taxis / Ride-Shares: Tipping is not required, but rounding up the fare to the next Real is a common and appreciated practice.

Practical Money-Saving Tips

• Eat your main meal at lunchtime. Many restaurants offer a “prato feito” (set plate) or “menu executivo” (executive menu) that provides excellent value.
• Visit “por quilo” (pay-by-weight) restaurants. They offer a wide variety of fresh food and allow you to control your portion size and, therefore, your cost.
• Utilize public transportation in major cities. The metro systems in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are efficient, safe, and affordable for getting around.
• For travel between cities, consider comfortable overnight buses (“leitos”) which offer fully reclining seats and are a cost-effective alternative to domestic flights.
• Enjoy the wealth of free attractions Brazil has to offer, from its world-famous beaches and vibrant city parks to free-entry museums and self-guided walking tours.
• Purchase bottled water, drinks, and snacks at supermarkets (“supermercados”) where prices are significantly lower than at tourist kiosks or convenience stores.