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Cash Denominations and Series in Brazil: real experience from chats

Short answer
Exchange bureaus in Brazil significantly prefer pristine, high-denomination US dollar bills printed after 2013, as older banknotes are often rejected or accepted at rates 5-20% lower. For the best value, utilize specialized 'câmbio' outlets in shopping malls rather than airport counters.

From real experience

When exchanging US dollars in Brazil, the exchange rate for older bills may be lower than for newer ones, with a potential difference of 5% to 20%.
It is advisable to exchange money at official exchange bureaus, often found in shopping malls, where rates for newer USD bills are generally more favorable. While some locations might offer the same rate for both old and new bills, this is less common. Bringing newer USD bills is recommended to potentially secure a better exchange rate.
✓ 2 reports from chats
For currency in Brazil, exchanging Russian Rubles to Brazilian Reais (BRL) beforehand in Russia is an option, though exchange rates might not be optimal (around 18.5 RUB/BRL reported in Moscow/St.
Petersburg). Newer US Dollar bills are preferred for exchange; older 'blue' dollars may fetch a lower rate. Some CIS-issued cards, including UnionPay from Rosselkhozbank, may function in Brazil. Exchange rates for USD in Brazil can fluctuate, with reports of around 5.25 BRL per USD in exchange offices (cambio).
✓ 1 report from chats
Currency exchange in Brazil is handled by specialized 'câmbio' outlets rather than general retail banks.
Airport exchange counters typically charge a service fee ('taxa de serviço'). City-based 'câmbio' shops often waive fees for exchanges of $100 USD or more in pristine banknotes. Profit for exchangers is derived from the spread (margin) between buying and selling rates.
✓ 1 report from chats
In Brazil, foreign exchange bureaus (casas de câmbio) and banks are highly sensitive to the condition and series of USD banknotes.
Bills from 2006 or older are often rejected or accepted at significantly lower exchange rates. Travelers should carry high-denomination, crisp, recently issued USD bills (post-2013 'blue' series) to avoid exchange difficulties.
✓ 1 report from chats
In Brazil, currency exchange favors pristine, high-denomination USD bills.
Older USD banknotes are often accepted at a lower exchange rate. EUR is accepted but large denominations (200, 500 EUR) may attract worse rates. Currency exchange kiosks are typically found in major shopping malls.
✓ 1 report from chats
When exchanging US dollars in Brazil, be aware that there are different types of bills (green, white, and blue).
Newer bills are generally accepted without issue, while older bills may be subject to different exchange rates. It is advisable to confirm acceptance and rates for older denominations beforehand.
✓ 1 report from chats

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