Brazilian Real
BRL
The money
The Brazilian real is the official currency of Brazil and is abbreviated as BRL. One ‘real’ is made up of 100 centavos. The Brazilian real used today was introduced back in 1994; when introduced it was pegged against the US dollar at an exchange rate of 1:1. It uses a dollar-like symbol with the exception being that it has two vertical lines instead of one. A bit of a difficult one to pronounce, it is actually pronounced "hey-al". The plural of the real is reais and is pronounced "hey-ice". The most commonly used denominations are: R$2, R$5, R$10, R$20, R$50, R$100.
- Currency
- Brazilian Real
- Code
- BRL
- Symbol
- R$
- One Australian dollar
- 3.4204 BRL
Bank notes
- R$ 5
- R$ 10
- R$ 20
- R$ 50
- R$100
Coins
- 5 centavo
- 10 centavo
- 25 centavo
- 50 centavo
- R$ 1
We supply notes only. Coins are listed so you know what the change in your pocket is worth.
What things cost in Brazil
The left column is what the guide records locally. The right column is that same figure through today’s rate — the arithmetic we would do for you at the counter, done here instead.
| Everyday price | Real | Australian dollars |
|---|---|---|
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range restaurant | 100 | A$29.24 |
| One-way ticket on local transport | 4.05 | A$1.18 |
| Bottle of water | 2.74 | A$0.80 |
Converted at 1 AUD = 3.4204 BRL, our online rate as at 7 Sep 2026, 14:27. Local prices are a guide to what you will pay, not a quote.
How much to take
Set the trip and the calculator prices it in BRL, using the same rate as the figures above.