Brazil, a vast country with vibrant culture, lush rainforests, and iconic beaches, provides an unforgettable experience for all visitors. It is a land of contrasts and excitement, from the rhythms of Rio Carnival to the wonders of the Amazon rainforest and the golden beaches of Copacabana. To ensure a smooth journey, become acquainted with the local cash and ATMs in Brazil along with payment methods. This will help you enjoy all Brazil has to offer without worrying constantly about managing your money.
You may also enjoy reading Ultimate guide on how to travel on a budget in 2025.
Where can I find ATMs in Brazil?
There are over 170,000 ATMs in Brazil. These are operated by over ten commercial and specialised banks and some foreign banks. Many of them can be found on main shopping streets in cities, and there are certainly a few options in smaller towns (at least 1-2 ATMs) to get money in Brazil. However, if you are travelling to remote locations, such as islands, don’t expect to find them.
You can find ATMs at:
- Major airports,
- Market and town squares,
- Every major town’s main tourist streets,
- Shopping malls,
- Food lanes,
- Bank branches,
- Several corporate buildings.
It will be difficult to find ATMs in:
- Small airports,
- Islands,
- Regional bus stops,
- Interior of the villages,
- In small towns, off the main roads,
- Remote resorts and retreats.
Best ATMs to use in Brazil for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Brazil are those owned by popular banks such as:
Banco Bradesco,
Itau,
Santander, and
Banco 24 hours.
Note that many bank other ATMs in Brazil do not accept foreign cards.
Global ATM Alliance: The Global ATM Alliance is a partnership between many banks around the world that allows its customers to withdraw cash from all partner banks abroad without incurring any ATM fees. The Global ATM Alliance includes many banks from the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and Latin America, such as Bank of America, Barclays, and Deutsche Bank. However, no local banks in Brazil are part of this network. So do not rely on this.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Brazil, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in BRL).
- If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
- If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees while withdrawing cash in Brazil, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in BRL’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Brazil?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Brazil. ATMs commonly accept Visa and Mastercards. Some of them also accept Plus and Cirrus cards. Only some accept American Express, Diners, Discover cards. Others like CUP, JCB, Maestro or Rupay cards are usually not accepted.
For a detailed guide, read Money and Currency in Brazil.
What are the ATM opening hours?
ATMs – In most cases, yes, they are open around the clock, every day of the year 24×7. You should have no trouble getting to any of them at any hour of the day or night because many of them are self-contained ATMs. Depending on the location, some bank branches may only be open from 9 am to 3 pm.
What do they call ATMs in Brazil?
ATMs typically display the words ‘extratos’ or may not have any signage. You won’t see the word ‘ATM’ commonly used.
PIN type
PIN Length: ATMs typically accept 4-digit and 6-digit PINs.
Merchants accept both Chip-and-PIN and magnetic stripe cards.
Languages at ATMs in Brazil
By default, ATMs in Brazil have two language options: Portuguese and English. If you don’t understand these languages, you can use Google Translate’s camera to translate the ATM screen on your phone in real time. Note that these translations are not always accurate, so don’t rush through the transaction.
If you cannot understand these languages, it’s fine. Use the camera feature of Google Translate to translate the selections on your phone in real time! Note: Because these translations are not always accurate, please take your time and finish the transaction without haste.
Do ATMs in Brazil work similarly as other countries?
Yes. Many ATMs especially inside bank branches are very modern and work similarly to those found in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and India. Some of them take your card completely inside during the transaction, so remember to take it after withdrawing cash from such ATMs.
Join the discussion, read and share cash related travel experiences on ATM Fee Saver’s Community Travel Forum at Money & Travel in South America.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Brazil?
ATMs in Brazil dispense only the official currency Brazilian Real (BRL).
ATM withdrawal limits in Brazil?
ATMs in Brazil have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of BRL 2,000 to BRL 2,500 (Brazilian Rials).
ATM Fees in Brazil?
There are some fee-free ATMs in Brazil. Some bank ATMs in Brazil charge between BRL 12 to BRL 24 per transaction (Brazilian Rial) and some bank ATMs do not charge ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. So, there are some fee-free ATMs you can use in Brazil as a foreign cardholder! Note – Brazil ATMs don’t always accept foreign cards, there are only some ATMs that do.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Brazil – something every traveller handling cash in Brazil should be aware of. These are:
- Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
- Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Brazil?
- Use the fee-free or lower fee ATMs in the country.
- Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
- Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
- Consider getting a fee-free travel card from your home country.
- Get one Visa and one Mastercard fee-free cards as some ATMs abroad accept only Visa and some only Mastercard.
- Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Brazil?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Brazil. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Brazil.
Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Is it safe to use Brazil ATMs?
In Brazil, ATM safety varies based on location, time, and surrounding people. Muggings for cash are common, especially at night and in isolated or crowded areas.
To be safe, use precautions such as:
- Use the ATMs located inside bank branches instead of standalone ones.
- Avoid using ATMs on empty streets or late at night.
- Keep your card visible at all times.
- Cover the PIN pad with the palm of your hand to avoid revealing your PIN to hidden cameras.
- If you find any suspicious devices attached around the keypad area of the ATM, do not use the ATM.
- Be aware of your surroundings, if you see suspicious people, move away.
- Keep two or more cards as backup.
- If also using your mobile phone for the transaction, avoid using public Wi-Fi. Use VPN for extra protection.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Brazil takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash in Brazil free of cost?
Yes, it is possible. There are some fee-free ATMs in Brazil. Some bank ATMs charge between BRL 12 to BRL 24 per transaction (Brazilian Rial) and some bank ATMs do not charge ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. So, there are some fee-free ATMs you can use in Brazil as a foreign cardholder! Note – Brazil ATMs don’t always accept foreign cards, there are only some ATMs that do.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Brazil?
Yes. ATMs in Brazil typically accept credit cards from the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and other countries.
Bitcoin ATMs?
Yes, some Bitcoin ATMs exist in Brazil, mainly in São Paolo.
Foreign bank ATMs’ here.
Bank of America: There are no Bank of America ATMs here.
Citibank: None.
Barclays: There are no Barclays ATMs in Brazil.
HSBC: Yes, there are many HSBC ATMs throughout Brazil.
Standard Chartered: Brazil does not have any Standard Chartered ATMs.
