Money exchange in Rio de Janeiro is available at exchange offices authorized by Banco Central do Brasil, airports, shopping malls and tourist neighborhoods such as Copacabana and Ipanema. For many travelers, withdrawing Brazilian reais directly from ATM24h machines with an international card is the most practical alternative.
You are planning a trip to Rio de Janeiro and want to know where to exchange money without paying more than necessary.
The city offers options for every traveler profile: exchange offices authorized by Banco Central do Brasil across Copacabana, Ipanema and Downtown, as well as ATM24h machines throughout the main tourist neighborhoods, airports, subway stations and hotels.
Throughout this article, you will find the main ways to obtain Brazilian reais in the city: exchange offices, banks and withdrawals from ATM24h machines. We will also compare costs, list ATM24h locations by neighborhood and share tips for saving money during your trip.
The Brasil ATM Editorial Team specializes in tourism in Brazil and follows an editorial process that combines research from official sources, verification of information and a focus on answering travelers’ main questions clearly and accurately. Here you will find everything you need to decide on the best way to have Brazilian reais on hand in Rio.
How can I exchange money in Rio de Janeiro?
It is possible to exchange money in Rio de Janeiro at specialized exchange offices and banks authorized by Banco Central do Brasil. However, many tourists prefer to withdraw Brazilian reais directly from ATM24h machines using an international card, avoiding the need to carry large amounts of foreign currency during the trip.
Money exchange in Rio de Janeiro is available in three main ways: – Exchange offices authorized by Banco Central do Brasil, concentrated in Copacabana, Ipanema, Downtown and the airports. – Traditional banks, which carry out foreign exchange transactions for account holders and, in some cases, the general public. – ATM24h machines, distributed among hotels, subway stations, shopping malls and tourist attractions.
Each of these options has advantages and limitations depending on the amount you need, the card you use and how you intend to pay during your stay. Below, Brasil ATM explains each one in detail so you can choose the option best suited to your profile.
Is it better to exchange money or withdraw cash?
It depends on your card, the applicable fees and how you intend to pay during your trip. For many travelers, withdrawing cash directly from ATM24h machines may be more practical than exchanging physical currency.
When is exchanging money worthwhile?
Exchanging physical currency makes more sense for those who need a larger amount of Brazilian reais, want to have cash on hand before departure or will visit places where cards are not accepted.
● Those who prefer to travel with cash and keep close control of their spending.
● Buying the currency in advance and locking in the exchange rate before traveling.
● Destinations or situations within the city where cash payments are more common, such as markets, informal transportation and beach kiosks.
● Travelers coming from countries with favorable exchange rates who want to take advantage of a good rate at the right time.
When is withdrawing cash worthwhile?
Withdrawing cash from an ATM is the most practical choice for those who want to avoid traveling to an exchange office and already have an international card with reasonable fees.
● Holders of international debit or credit cards with overseas withdrawal limits.
● Users of digital global accounts, which often offer competitive exchange rates.
● Those looking for convenience: simply find an ATM24h machine in the neighborhood where they are staying.
● Travelers who prefer to withdraw small amounts as needed without carrying foreign currency.
Where can I exchange money in Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has several exchange offices, mainly in tourist areas and airports. Even so, many visitors choose to withdraw Brazilian reais directly from ATM24h machines, avoiding the trip to a specialized exchange office.
The main places to exchange money in the city are: – Exchange offices authorized by Banco Central do Brasil, with the highest concentration in Copacabana and Ipanema. – Traditional banks, which serve account holders and, in some cases, the general public. – Airports: Galeão (Tom Jobim International Airport) and Santos Dumont have exchange offices operating in their terminals.
– Shopping malls, such as Shopping Rio Sul in Botafogo and BarraShopping in Barra da Tijuca.
An important consideration: airport exchange rates tend to be less favorable than those at neighborhood exchange offices because there is less local competition. Whenever possible, compare the airport rate with at least one alternative in the city before completing the transaction.
Where can I withdraw cash in Rio de Janeiro?
Those who prefer to avoid exchange offices can withdraw Brazilian reais directly with an international card at ATM24h machines located throughout the city’s main tourist neighborhoods.
The ATM24h network is available in hotels, subway stations, pharmacies, shopping malls and places with high tourist traffic. Below, Brasil ATM lists the main locations by neighborhood.
ATM24h machines in Copacabana
Copacabana has the largest number of ATM24h machines in the city, with locations at well-known hotels, subway stations and businesses along the beachfront.
| Location | Type of location |
| Copacabana Palace | Hotel |
| Fairmont Rio de Janeiro | Hotel |
| Marriott Copacabana | Hotel |
| IBIS Copacabana | Hotel |
| Galeria River | Shopping center |
| Orla Rio | Beachfront / kiosk |
| Farmácia Copacabana | Pharmacy |
| Cardeal Arcoverde Station | Subway |
| Siqueira Campos Station | Subway |
| Cantagalo Station | Subway |
ATM24h machines in Ipanema
Ipanema has ATM24h locations near subway stations and businesses frequented by tourists, providing convenient access wherever you are in the neighborhood.
| Location | Type of location |
| Nossa Senhora da Paz Station | Subway |
| General Osório Station | Subway |
| Mango Tree | Hostel / business |
| Orla Rio Posto 9 | Beachfront / kiosk |
| Hostel Ipanema | Hostel |
ATM24h machines in Botafogo
Botafogo has ATM24h machines at strategic locations throughout the neighborhood, including shopping malls and hotels, providing convenient access for visitors staying in or exploring the area.
| Location | Type of location |
| Shopping Rio Sul | Shopping mall |
| Novotel Botafogo | Hotel |
| IBIS Botafogo | Hotel |
| Hostel Botafogo | Hostel |
ATM24h machines in Barra da Tijuca
Barra da Tijuca has ATM24h machines at major hotel chains, serving both tourists and business travelers staying in this part of the city.
| Location | Type of location |
| Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro | Hotel |
| Windsor Barra | Hotel |
| Mercure Barra | Hotel |
| Novotel Barra | Hotel |
| Marriott Barra da Tijuca | Hotel |
| Hilton Barra | Hotel |
| LSH Barra | Hotel |
ATM24h machines in Downtown Rio
In Downtown Rio, ATM24h machines are located in high-traffic areas: transportation terminals, hotels and places near the main attractions in the Historic Center.
| Location | Type of location |
| Santos Dumont Airport | Airport / terminal |
| Carioca Station | Subway |
| Cinelândia Station | Subway |
| Hotéis Atlântico | Hotel |
| Selina Rio de Janeiro | Hostel / coliving |
| Pier Mauá | Cruise terminal |
| Hotel Arosa | Hotel |
ATM24h machines at Tom Jobim International Airport (Galeão)
Tom Jobim International Airport, known as Galeão, has ATM24h machines distributed across both terminals. Withdrawing cash as soon as you arrive in Rio is a practical option for those who prefer to have Brazilian reais on hand before leaving the airport.
| Location | Reference point |
| ATM area, Terminal 1 | Main hall |
| ATM area, Terminal 2 | Main hall |
| Café Suplicy, Terminal 2 | Near the café |
| Domestic Departures | Departures area |
| International arrivals gate | Arrivals |
For international travelers arriving in Rio with foreign currency, Galeão is a good option for the first withdrawal. Keep in mind, however, that airport fees may be slightly higher than at machines elsewhere in the city. If you can wait, consider making a second withdrawal in the neighborhood where you will be staying.
Other ATM24h machines in Rio de Janeiro
The ATM24h network is available in neighborhoods beyond the major tourist areas, also covering Santa Teresa, Lapa, Maracanã and São Conrado.
| Neighborhood | Location |
| Leblon | Sheraton Grand Rio / Antero de Quental Station |
| Leme | Rio Farma / Orla Rio |
| Glória | Glória Station |
| Catete | Largo do Machado |
| Castelo | U.S. Consulate |
| Cosme Velho | Joe & Joe |
| Santa Teresa | MGallery Santa Teresa |
| São Conrado | Fashion Mall / Grand Meliá |
| Recreio | Blue Tree Recreio |
| Maracanã | Maracanã Station |
| Lapa | Banca Arcos da Lapa |
| Praça Mauá | Pier Mauá |
Which cards work at ATM24h machines?
Most international cards from the main payment networks can be used to make withdrawals at ATM24h machines. This includes international debit and credit cards, as well as digital global accounts with a withdrawal function.
The types of cards generally accepted by the ATM24h network include: – International debit and credit cards from Visa, Mastercard and other payment networks. – Digital global accounts that support international withdrawals. – International debit cards linked to accounts at foreign banks.
Before traveling, contact your bank to confirm whether the card is enabled for international withdrawals and what the daily limits are. Some banks require the international function to be activated in advance through their app or customer service.
How much does it cost to withdraw cash in Rio de Janeiro?
The cost of a withdrawal depends on the card-issuing bank, the network used and the fees applicable to each transaction. There is no fixed amount: each bank sets its own terms.
| Cost | Who determines it |
| Fee charged by the issuing bank | Traveler’s bank |
| IOF (when applicable) | Brazilian government |
| ATM fee | According to the transaction |
IOF applies to foreign exchange transactions carried out by individuals. For ATM withdrawals using a foreign card, the rate may vary according to the type of transaction and its tax classification under Federal Government rules. Check with your bank before traveling to understand the total cost of the withdrawal.
Brasil ATM works to keep its content accurate and up to date. Even so, fees, IOF rates and exchange terms may change without notice. We always recommend checking official channels and contacting your bank before traveling.
Tips for saving money when obtaining Brazilian reais during your trip
Small adjustments to your travel financial planning can make a difference to the total cost. See Brasil ATM’s main recommendations:
● Compare the cost of an ATM withdrawal with exchange office rates before deciding.
● Check your card’s fees for international withdrawals: a fixed fee per transaction can make small withdrawals proportionally more expensive.
● Prefer to withdraw larger amounts at once to reduce the number of fixed fees charged per transaction.
● Use more than one payment method: cash for smaller expenses and a card at established businesses.
● Avoid carrying large amounts of cash while sightseeing for safety reasons.
● Check Banco Central do Brasil’s PTAX rate as a market reference before exchanging money at any establishment.
Is it safe to exchange money at exchange offices in Rio de Janeiro?
Yes, provided that you use establishments authorized by Banco Central do Brasil. Exchanging money with informal dealers or at unregulated locations is illegal in Brazil and carries a real risk of fraud, counterfeit banknotes and financial loss.
Brazil’s formal foreign exchange market is regulated and supervised by Banco Central do Brasil. Authorized exchange offices follow specific rules on transparency, traceability and transaction security, ensuring that tourists’ transactions are protected by Brazilian law.
How to identify an authorized exchange office
The first step is to check Banco Central do Brasil’s Cadastro de Instituições Financeiras (CIF) before going to the establishment. The portal allows you to search by company name or CNPJ and confirm whether its authorization is active.
At their physical locations, authorized exchange offices must display their CNPJ, Banco Central do Brasil registration number and an exchange-rate table visible to customers. The transaction must generate a receipt containing its details.
● Check the Banco Central do Brasil portal before going to the establishment.
● Request a transaction receipt at the end.
● Be suspicious of rates far above the market average: they may indicate fraud.
● Never exchange money with strangers on the street, at beaches or near tourist attractions.
● Avoid carrying large amounts of cash while sightseeing.
Is it worth exchanging money in Rio de Janeiro?
The answer depends on your traveler profile. For those who need a larger amount of cash, authorized exchange offices remain a good option. For those seeking convenience, the ATM24h network offers dozens of locations across the city’s main tourist neighborhoods, airports, subway stations, hotels and shopping centers.
In summary, the alternatives available in Rio are: – Several exchange offices authorized by Banco Central do Brasil in the main neighborhoods and airports. – The ATM24h network with locations in Copacabana, Ipanema, Botafogo, Barra da Tijuca, Downtown, Galeão and more than 12 other neighborhoods.
– For many travelers, withdrawing Brazilian reais directly with an international card from ATM24h machines is the most practical alternative during the trip.
Where to withdraw cash from ATM24h machines in Brazil
To make the most of your Rio de Janeiro itinerary, it is best to carry cash. This helps ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. In some places, cash is essential for food, transportation, attraction tickets and more.
See the table below with some ATM24h machines in the regions mentioned in this article:
| Where | Location |
| Galeão International Airport | See all locations here |
| Santos Dumont Airport | See all locations here |
| MetrôRio | See all locations here |
| Sheraton Rio & Resort | See all locations here |
| Ipanema Beach Hostel | See all locations here |
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Frequently asked questions about money exchange in Rio de Janeiro
Yes. Rio de Janeiro has dozens of exchange offices authorized by Banco Central do Brasil, distributed among tourist neighborhoods such as Copacabana, Ipanema and Downtown, as well as Galeão and Santos Dumont airports and the city’s main shopping malls.
Yes. ATM24h machines and other ATMs in the city accept international cards from the main payment networks. The withdrawal cost includes the fee charged by the card-issuing bank, and IOF may apply depending on the transaction and the type of card used.
The ATM24h network is available in hotels, subway stations, pharmacies, shopping malls and tourist attractions in Copacabana, Ipanema, Botafogo, Barra da Tijuca, Downtown, Lapa, Maracanã, Leblon, São Conrado and other neighborhoods. Galeão Airport also has machines available in both terminals.
It depends on your card fees and the amount you need. For larger cash amounts, authorized exchange offices often offer a lower spread than banks. For smaller amounts or for those who pay mainly by card, withdrawing cash from an ATM24h machine is more practical and avoids the trip to an exchange office.
Yes. Tom Jobim International Airport (Galeão) has ATM24h machines in both terminals, including locations near international arrivals, Café Suplicy, domestic departures and the gates. Santos Dumont, in Downtown Rio, also has ATMs available. Airport fees may be slightly higher than those charged by machines elsewhere in the city.
