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How to order Brazilian Real

  • Use our currency click & collect service to order your Brazilian Reais online. Choose your collection date and pick up from your selected M&S store’s bureau de change.

    Click & collect BRL in as little as 60 seconds^.

    ^Subject to availability

  • Or visit a participating M&S store to buy Brazilian Real*. With stores nationwide - many open seven days a week and late into the evening - you can buy your Travel Money at a time that suits you.

Aerial view of Christ and Botafogo Bay from high angle.

Why buy Brazilian Real from M&S Travel Money?

Get your trip to Brazil off to a great start with M&S Travel Money. With our quick and easy currency exchange service, you can expect:

  • A choice of collection and buying options.
  • Stores open 7 days a week.*
  • A buy back service for exchanging leftover currency.

*Store opening hours vary.

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What you need to know about the Brazilian Real currency

The Brazilian Real is the official currency and legal tender of Brazil. Its currency code is BRL and its symbol is R$. The currency comes in both coins and banknotes.

Coins include:

5 centavos, 10 centavos, 25 centavos, 50 centavos, R$1

Banknotes include:

R$2, R$5, R$10, R$20, R$50, R$100, R$200

You can buy Brazilian Real online using our click & collect service. Please note not all denominations are available to exchange. 

M&S Travel Money Wallet

Guide to Brazil

Vibrant, energetic and breathtakingly beautiful, Brazil offers something for all kinds of holidaymakers. As South America’s largest country, it boasts a huge variety of landscapes including thousands of kilometres of Atlantic coastline, plus the world’s biggest rainforest and most diverse range of wildlife, from capybaras to alligators. 

Away from its natural wonders, Brazil’s cities are a cultural beacon. Dance the night away in São Paulo, soak up the incredible atmosphere of the Rio Carnival, dine on delicious South American cuisine like feijoada and pick up some spectacular local art.

Whether you’re dreaming of relaxing on Brazil’s pristine white beaches or spotting pink dolphins along the Amazon river, get ready for your South American adventure with M&S Travel Money.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Brazilian Real the same as Reais?

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

Can I use my bank card in 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.

What are the typical prices in Brazil?

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).

Can you use other currencies in Brazil?

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

Do you need a visa to visit Brazil?

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.

Should I tip in Brazil?

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

What languages are spoken in Brazil?

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

What is the latest government travel advice for Brazil?

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.

What is the best time of year to visit Brazil?

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.

Other popular currencies

If you’re planning a future holiday or a trip that takes in multiple destinations, these other currencies may be useful: