Currency Exchange in Brazil: what actually matters to know
Short answer
Avoid exchanging currency at Sao Paulo airport due to poor rates; instead, purchase Brazilian Reais in Moscow or St. Petersburg before departure. Use banki.ru or RBC to check availability at Transstroybank or Sberbank branches and carry fresh US dollars as a backup.
From real experience
Confirms that exchange rates at Sao Paulo airport are poor.
Advises exchanging currency in the city or, preferably, purchasing Brazilian Reals in Russia before departure for a better rate. Mentions a specific exchange office in St. Petersburg (Ligovsky Prospekt) where Reals were available.
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For travelers going to Brazil from Russia, it is advised to purchase Brazilian Reals in Moscow due to potentially unfavorable and volatile exchange rates in Brazil.
Carrying fresh US Dollars is also recommended as a backup.
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For purchasing Brazilian Reais (BRL) in Moscow, check availability via banki.ru or RBC.
Transstroybank and major Sberbank branches are the primary options, though stock is often limited. Exchange rates fluctuate significantly.
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Information is needed regarding the earliest time and location for currency exchange in Foz do Iguaçu to purchase bus tickets for travel to the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls.
This exchange is necessary for bus ticket purchase.