Expert: Sandra - 3/15/2010

Question
I will be travelling to Brazil very soon, and would like to know the where is the best place for me to obtain reals. I will be flying in to Porto Alegre, then travelling via bus to Campao da Canoa. I've heard some say to use an ATM machine, while others say to use a money exchange. I'm not sure if I should try to do these things at the airport, and I'm also not sure if my Canadian credit/debit cards will work in an ATM in Brazil. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Michael, I am unfamiliar with this particular airport, but most in Brazil have both a money exchange booth (if you bring cash--US dollars and Euros are most easily exchanged around Brazil) and ATMs. If you are going to continue into Porto Alegre, to the bus station and onwards, you will need reais, and you will get a better rate at the airport than at home. I usually travel with a combination of cash, debit card, and credit cards (and some time-consuming-to-exchange traveller's checks I've had forever as a backup). It depends on which network your debit/credit cards belong to (Cirrus, or ?), but I can usually find an ATM in major cities that takes my debit card, without a lot of problems. Ask your bank. You should also tell them and the other card companies that you will be in Brazil, so they don't think a fraud is being perpetrated and stop your cards. In small towns, it might not be as convenient to find an ATM that works for you though. Credit cards can be used for most purchases, at most restaurants, and even at some small places.
Best wishes for a great trip.