US Dollar to Brazilian Real Conversion
Get the latest USD to BRL exchange rate
1 USD = 5.00 BRL
Current Exchange Rate (Live)
500.00 BRL
100.00 USD equals
Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 5.00 BRL
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Real-time USD to BRL exchange rates for Brazil travel
Quick USD to BRL Conversion Table
Common US Dollar to Brazilian Real conversions at current rates:
| US Dollars (USD) | Brazilian Reais (BRL) |
|---|---|
| $1 USD | R$5.00 BRL |
| $5 USD | R$25.00 BRL |
| $10 USD | R$50.00 BRL |
| $20 USD | R$100.00 BRL |
| $50 USD | R$250.00 BRL |
| $100 USD | R$500.00 BRL |
| $200 USD | R$1,000.00 BRL |
| $500 USD | R$2,500.00 BRL |
| $1,000 USD | R$5,000.00 BRL |
| $5,000 USD | R$25,000.00 BRL |
About USD to BRL Conversion
The USD to BRL exchange rate represents how many Brazilian Reais (R$) you receive for each US Dollar. This is one of the most important currency pairs for South American trade, travel, and investment, particularly for Americans visiting Brazil or sending remittances to family members.
Our USD to BRL converter uses live mid-market exchange rates updated hourly, giving you reliable conversions between US Dollars and Brazilian Reais. Whether you're planning a vacation to Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, or the Amazon, conducting business, or sending money to Brazil, this tool provides current USD/BRL rates.
Current USD to BRL Trends (2026)
The Brazilian Real has shown significant volatility against the US Dollar in recent years. Key factors affecting the USD/BRL rate include:
- US Federal Reserve Policy: Interest rate changes significantly impact Dollar strength globally
- Banco Central do Brasil Policy: Brazil's central bank Selic rate decisions directly affect the Real
- Commodity Prices: Brazil is a major exporter of soybeans, iron ore, and oil - higher commodity prices strengthen the Real
- Political Stability: Brazilian political developments often cause rapid currency movements
- Inflation Rates: Brazil's inflation directly impacts the Real's value
- Foreign Investment: Capital flows into Brazilian markets affect demand for the Real
Historical USD/BRL Exchange Rate
The Brazilian Real has experienced significant fluctuations over the decades:
- 1994: Real introduced at parity with USD (1 BRL = 1 USD)
- 1999: Devaluation crisis pushed rate to 2.00+ BRL per USD
- 2002-2003: Political uncertainty drove rate to 4.00 BRL per USD
- 2011: Real strengthened to 1.55 BRL per USD (strongest level)
- 2015-2016: Economic recession weakened Real to 4.00+ BRL per USD
- 2020: COVID-19 pandemic pushed rate to 5.80+ BRL per USD
- 2024-2026: Rate typically fluctuates between 4.80-5.30 BRL per USD
Best Ways to Exchange USD to BRL
For travelers and those sending money to Brazil, here are the best options:
- ATMs in Brazil (Best Option): Use your debit card at Brazilian ATMs with banks like Banco do Brasil, Bradesco, Itau, or Santander. Choose a card with no foreign transaction fees. Typically get rates within 1-3% of mid-market.
- Online Transfer Services: Wise (formerly TransferWise), Remessa Online, or Western Union offer 1-3% markups for remittances. Excellent for sending money to family in Brazil.
- Casas de Cambio in Brazil: Currency exchange offices in Brazilian cities offer competitive rates (3-5% markup). Better than US options.
- Credit Cards with No Foreign Fees: Using cards for purchases in Brazil can provide competitive rates (2-4% markup).
- Avoid These: Airport kiosks (8-15% markup), US banks before traveling (5-10% markup), hotels (10-20% markup).
Tips for Getting the Best USD to BRL Rate
- Exchange in Brazil, Not the US: Always get better rates in Brazil than at US banks or airports
- Bring Some USD Cash: US Dollars are widely accepted at casas de cambio; bring crisp, new bills
- Use ATMs Wisely: Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimize ATM fees (typically R$10-30 per transaction)
- Decline Dynamic Currency Conversion: Always choose to be charged in Reais (BRL), not Dollars
- Monitor the Rate: If planning a big trip or transfer, watch the rate for a few weeks
- Compare Transfer Services: For remittances, compare Wise, Remessa Online, and Western Union rates before sending
USD to BRL for Common Brazil Travel Expenses
Understanding costs in both currencies helps budget for your Brazil trip:
- Nice Dinner in Rio: $30-60 USD = R$150-300 BRL
- Hotel Per Night (Mid-Range): $80-150 USD = R$400-750 BRL
- Uber/Taxi Ride: $5-20 USD = R$25-100 BRL
- Copacabana Beach Day: $20-50 USD = R$100-250 BRL
- Christ the Redeemer Visit: $15-25 USD = R$75-125 BRL
- Caipirinha Cocktail: $3-8 USD = R$15-40 BRL
- Tips (10% typical): Calculate from bill in Reais
Understanding the Brazilian Real (BRL)
The Brazilian Real (R$, BRL) is the official currency of Brazil, the largest economy in South America. Some key facts:
- Symbol: R$ (Real singular, Reais plural)
- ISO Code: BRL
- Central Bank: Banco Central do Brasil
- Introduced: July 1, 1994 (replaced the Cruzeiro Real)
- Subunit: 1 Real = 100 centavos
- Coins: 5, 10, 25, 50 centavos; 1 Real
- Banknotes: R$2, R$5, R$10, R$20, R$50, R$100, R$200
USD to BRL Converter - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current USD to BRL exchange rate?
The current USD to BRL exchange rate fluctuates throughout the day based on market conditions. Use our converter above for the latest real-time rate, updated hourly. As of 2026, 1 USD typically equals approximately 4.90-5.20 BRL, but check the live rate for accuracy.
How much is 100 USD in Brazilian Reais?
At the current exchange rate of approximately 5.00 BRL per USD, 100 US Dollars equals about 500 Brazilian Reais (R$500). Use the converter above for the exact amount based on today's live rate.
How much is 1000 USD in BRL?
1000 US Dollars converts to approximately 5,000 Brazilian Reais at the current rate (1 USD = 5.00 BRL). The exact amount varies based on the real-time exchange rate, which can fluctuate daily.
Is it better to exchange USD to BRL in the US or Brazil?
It's significantly better to exchange USD to BRL in Brazil. US banks and currency exchanges typically charge 5-10% worse rates than you'll find in Brazil. The best strategy: bring USD cash (crisp, new bills) and use ATMs in Brazil with a debit card that has no foreign transaction fees, or visit casas de cambio in Brazilian cities.
Where can I get the best USD to BRL exchange rate?
The best USD to BRL rates are typically found at: (1) ATMs in Brazil using debit cards with no foreign fees (1-3% markup), (2) Online services like Wise or Remessa Online for transfers (1-2% markup), (3) Brazilian casas de cambio in cities (3-5% markup). Avoid airport exchanges (8-15% markup), US banks (5-10% markup), and hotels (10-20% markup).
What affects the USD to BRL exchange rate?
Key factors include: Federal Reserve and Banco Central do Brasil interest rate decisions (Selic rate), US and Brazilian economic growth (GDP), inflation rates, commodity prices (Brazil exports soybeans, iron ore, oil), political stability in Brazil, foreign investment flows, and global risk sentiment affecting emerging markets.
Should I bring USD cash or use ATMs in Brazil?
The best strategy is a combination: bring $200-500 USD cash (crisp, new bills - damaged or older bills may be rejected) for emergencies and exchanges at casas de cambio. For larger amounts, use ATMs in Brazil with a debit card that has no foreign transaction fees (like Charles Schwab or some credit union cards). This gets you the best rates with minimal fees.
What is Dynamic Currency Conversion and should I avoid it in Brazil?
Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) is when a Brazilian merchant or ATM offers to charge you in US Dollars instead of Brazilian Reais. Always decline this and choose to pay in BRL (Brazilian Reais). DCC rates typically include 5-10% hidden markups, making your purchase significantly more expensive than paying in the local currency.
How do I send money from the US to Brazil?
For remittances to Brazil, compare these services: Wise (formerly TransferWise), Remessa Online, Western Union, and MoneyGram. Wise and Remessa Online typically offer the best rates (1-2% markup), while traditional services may charge 4-8%. Check both the exchange rate markup and transfer fees. Recipients in Brazil can receive via bank transfer (TED/PIX) or cash pickup.
Is the Brazilian Real getting stronger or weaker?
The Real's strength fluctuates based on economic conditions and political factors. After weakening significantly during COVID-19 (reaching 5.80+ per USD in 2020), it has stabilized in the 4.80-5.30 range. Factors to watch include Brazil's Selic interest rate, commodity prices, inflation, and political developments. For travel or remittances, don't try to time the market perfectly - exchange when you need to.
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