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Buy Brazilian reais before you fly to Brazil
Buy Brazilian reais online from US First Exchange and arrive in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo or Salvador with cash ready to spend. We are a Los Angeles currency exchange registered with FinCEN, part of the US Treasury, as a Money Services Business. Choose your amount in the order form on this page and see your full price before you pay.
When you need cash in Brazil
Cards are widely accepted in Brazilian cities, and most locals pay instantly through Pix, a payment system that usually needs a Brazilian bank account. As a visitor, cash fills the gaps.
You will want reais for beach vendors and kiosks, street food, markets, tips, small towns and taxis that do not take cards. Carry small notes, keep larger amounts out of sight, and split your cash between pockets or bags.
Brazilian real banknotes at a glance
Brazilian banknotes are issued by the Banco Central do Brasil, and each one shows a native Brazilian animal on the back. We source reais as orders come in, so the exact mix of notes depends on availability at the time of your order.
| Note | Animal | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| R$2 | Sea turtle | Tips, coffee, water |
| R$5 | Great egret | Snacks, beach vendors |
| R$10 | Green-winged macaw | Street food, small purchases |
| R$20 | Golden lion tamarin | Meals, taxis |
| R$50 | Jaguar | Everyday spending |
| R$100 and R$200 | Grouper and maned wolf | Larger purchases; small vendors may not have change |
How to buy Brazilian reais online
- Choose your amount. Select Brazilian real and enter how much you want. You can add other currencies to the same order.
- Pay securely. Pay by credit or debit card, e-check, check, cashier's check or money order.
- Verify your identity. Upload a valid US government-issued ID, as federal rules require.
- Receive your delivery. Choose FedEx 2Day or Overnight and track your package.
See how to get foreign currency delivered to your door or the full process on how it works.
Payment and delivery
Pay by credit or debit card, e-check, check, cashier's check or money order. We do not accept bank wire, ACH or PayPal payments.
| Payment method | Time to clear |
|---|---|
| Credit or debit card | Up to 72 business hours |
| Check, e-check, cashier's check or money order | Up to 7 business days from the day payment is received and processed |
Check payments take longer because of our due diligence checks. Once your payment clears, your order ships by FedEx with full-value insurance and tracking.
| Shipping option | Cost |
|---|---|
| FedEx 2Day | $24 |
| FedEx Overnight | $34 |
| Orders of $5,000 or more | Free |
An adult (18+) must sign for the package. We deliver to every U.S. state except Texas, Illinois, Washington and New Mexico; Alaska and Hawaii are treated as international deliveries.
Because we source reais to order, allow a little extra time and order well before your trip.
Why buy reais from US First Exchange
- Verified notes checked on De La Rue verification machines before they ship.
- Fully insured FedEx delivery, free on orders of $5,000 or more.
- Rate locked at checkout, so the price you see is the price you pay.
- Registered and compliant. We are registered with FinCEN, part of the US Treasury, as a Money Services Business and follow federal know-your-customer rules. Read our compliance statement.
- A real US business. Our office is at 550 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013. We serve customers by mail and phone; there is no walk-in counter.
- People who pick up the phone. Call 310-982-1743, 10am–5pm Pacific Time.
- Sell back leftovers. Home with reais to spare? Sell Brazilian reais for US dollars.
Visiting more than one country? See every currency on our buy foreign currency page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need cash in Brazil?
Cards work in most city shops and restaurants, but cash is useful for beach vendors, street food, markets, tips and small towns.
Can I use Pix as a tourist?
Pix usually requires a Brazilian bank account, so most visitors rely on cards and cash.
What is the plural of real?
Reais. Prices are written with the R$ symbol.
How long does it take to get Brazilian reais delivered?
Your order ships once your payment clears and your notes are sourced: card payments clear in up to 72 business hours, check payments in up to 7 business days. Order well before you travel.
How much is shipping?
FedEx 2Day costs $24 and FedEx Overnight costs $34. Shipping is free on orders of $5,000 or more.
Is there a minimum order?
There is no minimum order. Larger orders need extra identity verification, and government reporting rules may apply.
Can I buy Brazilian reais with a credit card?
Yes. We accept Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards. Your card issuer may treat the purchase as a cash advance, so check with them first.
Do you accept wire transfers, ACH or PayPal?
No. We accept credit and debit cards, e-checks, checks, cashier's checks and money orders.
Do I need to be home to receive my order?
Yes. An adult aged 18 or over must sign for the package at the address on your order.
Can I return Brazilian reais?
All sales are final and currency cannot be returned. You can sell it back to us later at our posted buyback rate.