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1. Exchange at the airport. The majority of large airports in Brazil have at least one (sometimes two) currency exchange bureaus. You can exchange any paper U.S. currency on hand, or withdraw dollars from an ATM (also at the majority of airports) and then exchange them for reals. If you plan on using cash while in Brazil, it is recommended that you exchange at least initially at the airport to save yourself from having to locate a currency exchange agency inside a foreign city on your day of arrival.
2. Locate a cash-exchange agency. There are multiple currency exchange agencies located throughout Brazil, however, they are primarily found in the major cities. These include São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Porto Alegre, Belo Horizonte, Curitiba and Florianópolis. If you are going to visit a smaller city, exchange all your currency at the airport and keep it in multiple wallets, purses, pockets and bags, or carry traveler's checks. For addresses, phone numbers and hours of the exchange agencies, visit the website of Brasil Contact at brasilcontact.com and click on 'Tourism Directory' located to the right of the map on the homepage.
3. Use your credit card. If you are traveling with a Visa, MasterCard or even American Express credit card, chances are you can use it at the majority of locations you visit. Restaurants, shops and hotels usually accept credit cards, which will save you the hassle of having to count out foreign currency. However, there are certain places that do not accept credit cards, such as small independent vendors, certain local bars and government agency offices (although the post office accepts credit cards). Know your personal bank or credit plan before using a credit card abroad so as to make sure you understand the transaction and currency exchange fees charged upon each transaction. It is a good idea to call the bank ahead of time and let them know you will be using your credit card abroad as they may have policies to cover and replace your funds in the event that your credit card is stolen.
4. Withdraw cash from your checking or savings account at a private bank ATM. As with credit cards, you can use your bank card at an ATM machine to withdraw directly in reals. Not all banks will let foreign bank cards withdraw, however. Federal banks such as Banco Central do Brasil or BNDES do not allow foreign ATM use. Private banks such as Itaú, HSBC, Bradesco and Santander will allow you to withdraw from their ATMs for a fee. Usually both the foreign bank as well as your own bank charge a fee for each transaction.