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Money & duty free for Brazil

Currency information: 

Real/Reais (BRL; symbol R$) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of R$100, 50, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of R$1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, and 1 centavos.

Credit cards: 

Most major international credit cards are accepted (Visa more so than other cards), though not universally. There is an extensive network of ATMs around the country.

ATM: 

There is an extensive network of ATMs around the country.

Travellers cheques: 

Traveller's cheques are becoming increasingly difficult to cash and visitors will find that they often lose money when doing so. Withdrawing cash directly from ATMs is preferable. Banks will not cash traveller's cheques into foreign currency, including US Dollars. Some hotels will accept payment in traveller's cheques.

Banking hours: 

Mon-Fri 1000-1600.

Currency restriction: 

There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign and local currency up to amounts equalling R$10,000. Amounts higher than R$10,000 must be declared.

Currency exchange: 

All banks, cambios, travel agencies and authorised hotels exchange recognised traveller's cheques and foreign currency. The US Dollar is the most widely accepted foreign currency.

Brazil duty free

The following goods may be imported into Brazil by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:

• Clothes and other articles for personal use.
• Gifts.
• Any other articles with total value not exceeding US$500 or equivalent in other currency.

In addition, international passengers can purchase duty free items up to a value of $500 at the airport upon deplaning, subject to the following restrictions:
• 400 cigarettes or 25 cigars.
• Maximum 12L of alcohol.

Banned imports: 

Meat and dairy products; fruit and vegetables; and plants or parts of plants.

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