Brazil is a country with a spotty reputation. It has the enormous wealth of São Paulo and the enormous poverty of the barrios. A thriving economy of agriculture, mining and manufacturing, it also has high levels of unemployment. This Atlantic Ocean seaside country is the fifth largest in the world. Its most well known exports include coffee and aircraft. Its currency is currently the real. It is traded under the symbol BRL. The value is 100 centavos per 1 real.
History
The
turbulent history of the Brazilian currency begins with early port
settlements of the 1530s. These first coins were Portuguese and
Spanish. The first pieces made for the colony, however, date from 1643.
These were counter-stamped silver Spanish coins. Between 1830 and 1654,
there was also Dutch coinage circulating from the Dutch West Indies
settlement in the country. These coins are square, gold gilders and,
between 1645 and 1646, stuivers.
With the discovery of gold in
1639, gold and silver Portuguese coins came out in both national and
colonial systems. These even included “Joe” coins or dobra. The
Portuguese mint pumped out copper coins for the period from 1693 to
1729. Other coinage continued to appear for local and national
circulation.
In 1807, with the prince regent of Portugal in residence, changes took place in the colony’s status. In 1815, Brazil was rewarded by the now King Joao VI with a position of a “united kingdom.” The last Emperor of Brazil was in Pedro II (1815-1822). After this, came the Brazilian Republic. The result of the various upheavals and changes resulted in inflation, counter-stamping in the 1930s and several periods of coinage reform.
Until 1986, the currency was Cruzeiros. In 1986, the major coinage was Cruzado. Cruzado became Cruzado Novos in 1989. This metamorphosed into Cruzeiros in 1990 and the Cruzeiros Reais in 1993. The new monetary unit became the Real in 1998. The currency was fluctuating so quickly and becoming so devalued, Brazil ceased to print money with the faces of heroes and people the country wished to honor. It was no longer an honor but an insult to be on the currency. The mint now features animals and fauna on the money.
Currently, the monetary system consists of two concurrent currency units. They are equivalent, but the Real is slowing phasing out the Cruzeiros Reais system. In circulation, coinage consists of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 real/reais notes. In coins, there are 1 cent, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents as well as 1-real/reais. Although identical in worth, the reals are more ornate and colorful than the cruzeiros reis counterparts.
Obtaining Brazilian Reals
It is easy to obtain Brazilian currency. You can find currency exchange businesses across the country in the major cities. Some, such as the "Casas de Cambio" deal only with currencies. They are even in the smallest of towns. You can also trade currencies at several banks. The process is slow, but you can often get a better exchange rate. The only exception is the Bank of Brazil. There are also ATMs everywhere.
Protecting Your Currency
More than the usual precautions for tourists apply in Brazil. There are the usual robberies and street crime involving tourists. Pick pocketing, purse snatching and mugging are common. These are common during the annual Carnival. Violent and serious crimes are a continuing problem in the various cities, including the tourist destinations of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Recife, and Salvador.
Your best defense
is to be proactive. Avoid areas that are isolated. Do not walk on the
beach alone at night or wander through unsupervised areas. If you are
in Rio de Janeiro, be particularly careful if you are on the south side
or in the area around the bus station. Use well-lit and well-used
streets.
Carry only small amounts of cash. Lock up your valuables
in a safe place. Since you must carry Id on you at all time, be sure it
is a photocopy.
There is also a problem of piracy. If you are setting sail, take the
necessary precautions to avoid the problem. Have a good system of
communication active at all times.
Using Your Brazilian Reals
The Brazilian Real is a necessary item to purchase local items. When you are changing money, be sure to obtain plenty of small bills. There is a decided lack of change when your purchase things. This includes Brazilian cigars, textiles or beachwear. All are popular products of this country. When acceptable, haggle over the price.
Travel Tips and Warnings
- Travelers must be watchful of gang-related violence continue in the cities of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro States.
- If you decide to visit a favela or shantytown do so only if you are part of a guided tour. The level of crime is very high in such areas.
- Also dangerous are the wetlands and Amazon border regions. Venture there with guides only.
- When swimming, be aware of the dangers posed by sharks.
- Dengue Fever is on the rise in cities and you need to take care regarding Yellow Fever.
- Problems aside, you can enjoy the sites and attractions of Brazil. These include the Museum of Sấo Paulo and the beach of Praia de Rosa.
- Go mountain climbing at Serra dos Óryấos or visit the Reserva Biologicá Combois with its Turtle Beaches.
- Take the time to see Iguaça Falls or go to any of the National Parks.
- Visit the 4 churches of the colonial town of Parity.
- At Rio de Janeiro visit the 1754 Iglesia da Ordem Terceira do Carma with its ornate altars and portals.
- Go shopping for any and everything and take part in the various lively festivals including the Bahia Carnival, the largest in the world or the Brazilian Carnival at Rio de Janeiro.
Overview
Brazil is a group of small islands and islets comprising a British Territory. It has high standard of living. It is an offshore financial center as well as a tourist destination.
Currency Summary
Current currency: Real
100 centavos equals 1 real
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 centavos as well as 1 real
Banknotes: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100-reals