Buy Brazilian Real

Yes, Reais is the plural form of Real. The word "Reais" comes from Portuguese, the official language of Brazil.

You’ll probably find card payments are widely accepted in Brazil’s urban areas and tourist hotspots, but don’t rely on cards alone. Many of the country’s attractions are off the beaten track, where card payments are less likely to be accepted, so it’s good to have cash on hand to be covered for all scenarios.

Brazil can be a pricey destination for tourists, with the average nightly cost of a hotel in Rio de Janeiro coming in at around R$677 (£92).

As Brazil’s official currency, you should only expect Brazilian Real to be accepted on your trip.

British tourists don’t need a visa when visiting Brazil for less than 90 days. If you’re planning on staying longer, get in touch with the Federal Police (in Portuguese). You can find more info from the Brazilian Consulate in London, and should always research the most up-to-date visa guidelines before planning a trip.

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Brazil, but it’s polite to give service workers a 10-20% tip.

About 98% of Brazil’s population speaks Portuguese, though you may occasionally hear German and indigenous languages spoken.

You should always check and follow government travel advisories before planning your trip. The FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) currently advises against all but essential travel to certain river areas towards the west of Amazonas State, learn more on the FCDO website. Remember, travelling against FCDO guidance can invalidate your travel insurance.

As a huge and geographically diverse country, there’s no single best time to visit Brazil. For sun-soaked beach holidays, you might want to look at December to March. But if you prefer milder weather and smaller crowds, visit October to November.