Cash and Currency Exchange in Brazil: real experience from chats
Short answer
Carry Brazilian Reals for daily transactions, as Russian cards are not accepted and US Dollars are not used for direct payments. Use non-Russian bank cards for digital payments and exchange modern USD notes at local exchange houses for the best rates.
From real experience
When traveling to Brazil, it's recommended to have Brazilian Reais or US Dollars.
Russian 'Mir' cards are not accepted in Brazil, nor are Russian cards generally accepted in countries like Kazakhstan. While credit/debit cards are widely used, carrying some cash is advisable for smaller purchases or in places where cards might not be accepted. Exchanging currency at the airport often yields unfavorable rates; local exchange bureaus ('cambio') may offer better rates but operate primarily on weekdays. Uber is noted as a cost-effective option for transportation compared to other services, which can be as expensive as in Moscow or higher.
✓ 1 report from chats
For travel to Rio de Janeiro: Safety is generally adequate, but incidents can occur.
Uber operates effectively; ensure you have a non-Russian version of the app downloaded. Brazilian Reals (BRL) are universally accepted. Non-Russian bank cards (e.g., Kazakh Mastercard) are also accepted for payments. For cash, USD is highly recommended for exchange, though EUR can also be easily converted. Russian-speaking tour guides, including those with vehicles, are widely available.
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Paying for taxis in Brazil with US dollars is generally not standard practice and depends on the driver's discretion.
If a driver accepts USD, expect a significantly inflated exchange rate, potentially 30-50% higher than official rates, as it is an inconvenience for the driver who will need to exchange the currency later. The official currency of Brazil is the Real (BRL).
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USD notes are widely accepted at exchange houses (casas de câmbio), but modern (post-2013) notes fetch a significantly better exchange rate.
Older notes may be discounted. USD is not a substitute for local currency (BRL) for daily transactions or QR-based payments.
✓ 1 report from chats
When visiting the waterfall on the Brazilian side, inquire about accepted payment methods for the entrance fee.
Options may include cash or card, and currency exchange facilities might be available nearby or at shopping centers like Palladium.
✓ 1 report from chats
When traveling to Brazil, consider using payment cards for transactions.
For cash exchange, it is recommended to use reliable methods or trusted contacts rather than exchanging large amounts upon arrival.