The real is the legal tender in Brazil since 1994 and is currently the strongest currency in the whole of Latin America. This currency has suffered many changes due to the economic crises that the country has undergone.
Origins and history
Throughout history Brazil has had different currencies, as a consequence of the diverse economic problems that the country has suffered.
From the mid-17th century until 1942 the real was the single currency, until a monetary reform withdrew it from circulation. At the time it was known as “réis”, the apocope of the plural form “reais”. Then the cruzeiro was imposed, which was divided into 100 centavos and remained in circulation until 1986. In that year the cruzado was established, in circulation until 1989, equalling 1,000 of the old cruzeiros and also divided into 100 cents.
Thecruzeiro real, equivalent to 1,000 cruzeiros, came back in 1993 for one whole year, until the country returned to the Brazilian real, after many years of inflation. This time the real came back to stay, by the hand of Itamar Franco, president of the Republic at the time, in order to provide the country with a stable currency.
Banknotes of Brazilian reais were printed at the “Casa de la Moneda” in Rio de Janeiro, and 900 million coins were distributed, with the Government investing ten million dollars to put this new currency in circulation.
In the years 1998 and 2010 new series were issued with new designs to improve the security of the banknotes and prevent counterfeiting.
Current Brazilian real Coins and Banknotes
Currently there are 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 centavo coins, one real coins and notes of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 reais. Coins are manufactured with a bronze coated steel ring and a stainless steel centre.
Did you know?
- The R$1 note can reach a value of R$100 for banknote collectors because it is no longer printed and is rarely seen in circulation.
- There are still 150 million R$1 coins in circulation.
- Brazil has other coins apart from the real. There might be up to 81 different currencies that complement the economy of the country, recognized by the Central Bank of Brazil, which have been minted by community banks in order to simulate the economy in some regions such as São Paulo or Río de Janeiro.
- Brazil has changed currency at least 8 times in just 50 years.
- The most modern reais banknotes, in circulation since 2010, have different sizes and are printed with different technologies that guarantee their authenticity.
Why changing currency with us is better than with your bank?
 Global Exchange | Your high-street bank | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Variety of currencies | We have more than 70 currencies. We are specialists. | Only major currencies. Travel money is just a secondary business for banks. | ||
| Availability of currencies | Immediate availability of currencies in our branches. Click and collect or walk in to our stores. | The branch requests it from the head office and they can take a long time for having the currency available, or even not at all. | ||
| Expenses | Only the exchange rate, no commission, and if you book online you are guaranteed the best price. | The bank sets its own margin plus a commission. | ||
| Different denominations available | At Global Exchange, you’ll get a variety of banknotes with different values, adapted to all your payment needs. | No. Prepare for refusals and complaints in foreign languages when paying with «big» banknotes. | ||
| Delivery options | Order online to benefit from a price reduction and collect at the branch of your choice. | You’ll have to go first to your bank to order the currency you need, then wait for it to come and go back again to collect it. | ||
| Timetables | We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. | Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. | ||
| Anything else? | Airport collection on the day of your trip. All comfort. | Air-what? What miles are you talking about? No, sir. This is a bank, not an airline. |