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

All banks, cambios, travel agencies and authorised hotels exchange recognised traveller's cheques and foreign currency. There is an extensive network of ATMs around the country. The US Dollar is the most widely accepted foreign currency.

Most major international credit cards are accepted, though not universally.

Exchangeable at hotels, banks and tourist agencies. Tourists cannot exchange US traveller's cheques for US banknotes but they may, however, benefit from a 15 per cent discount when paying hotel or restaurant bills in foreign currency or traveller's cheques. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

The import and export of local currency is unlimited, provided amounts over R$10,000 are declared.

Mon-Fri 1000-1600.