Money exchange in São Paulo: where to exchange money and withdraw Brazilian reais safely

Exchanging money in São Paulo is relatively simple, as Brazil’s largest city offers money exchange offices, banks, airport services and ATMs in different areas. For travelers arriving from abroad, understanding these alternatives before the trip helps avoid unnecessary travel and makes it easier to choose the most convenient way to obtain Brazilian reais.

Based on Brasil ATM’s experience guiding travelers arriving in the country, one of the main questions is exactly this: is it better to bring cash to exchange or withdraw Brazilian reais after arriving in Brazil? There is no single answer. Card fees, exchange rates, the amount needed and preference for cash all make a difference.

São Paulo is one of Brasil ATM’s priority destinations, especially for international tourists who need reliable information about safety, transportation, planning and financial services during their stay.

In this guide, Brasil ATM explains the main ways to exchange money, where to find ATM24h machines, how withdrawals with international cards work and what precautions to take before choosing the best option.

How to exchange money in São Paulo?

Yes. You can exchange money in São Paulo at specialized money exchange offices, banks and airports. However, many tourists prefer to withdraw Brazilian reais directly from ATM24h machines using an international card, avoiding carrying large amounts of cash during the trip.

Basically, travelers arriving in São Paulo with foreign currency or a card issued abroad have several alternatives for obtaining Brazilian reais:

• exchange money at a money exchange office;
• use financial institutions authorized to conduct foreign exchange transactions;
• carry out the transaction at the airport;
• withdraw Brazilian reais from an ATM compatible with international cards;
• pay most expenses by card and keep only a small amount of cash.

The choice mainly depends on how the traveler intends to spend money during the trip.

Travelers who arrive in Brazil with US dollars, euros or another foreign currency in cash can look for an authorized institution to exchange it. Before the transaction, it is worth comparing the exchange rate offered and the amount actually received in Brazilian reais.

Travelers with an international card or global account can consider withdrawing directly in Brazilian reais. This alternative reduces the need to travel carrying a large amount of cash and allows withdrawals as needed.

Regardless of the option chosen, it is advisable to keep more than one payment method available.

Is it better to exchange money or withdraw cash?

It depends on your card, the fees charged and how you intend to use the money during the trip. For many travelers, withdrawing Brazilian reais directly from ATM24h machines can be a practical and convenient alternative.

Do not compare only the advertised exchange rate. To find out which option really pays off, consider the final cost of the transaction.

Option	Main advantage	What to check
Money exchange office	Allows you to exchange foreign currency in cash	Exchange rate, fees and responsible institution
Bank	Transaction through a financial institution	Service availability and conditions
Airport money exchange	Convenience upon arrival	Exchange rate, fees and opening hours
Withdrawal at ATM24h	Direct access to Brazilian reais	Card fees and limits
International card	Reduces the need for physical cash	Conversion, IOF and issuer fees

When is it worth exchanging money?

Exchanging money can be worthwhile for travelers who already have foreign currency in cash or prefer to start the trip with a certain amount in Brazilian reais.

It can also make sense to buy Brazilian reais in advance when the traveler finds terms they consider suitable and prefers to know how much will be available before departure.

In this case, we recommend:

1. consult authorized institutions;
2. compare the effective conversion amount;
3. check for possible additional fees;
4. confirm which currencies are available;
5. avoid carrying more cash than necessary.

When is it worth withdrawing cash?

Withdrawing cash tends to be more practical for travelers with an international card enabled for use abroad, especially when the card is linked to a global account or offers competitive terms for international withdrawals.

The main advantage is not having to arrive in Brazil carrying a large amount of foreign currency.

Travelers can withdraw Brazilian reais as needed and continue using a card for other expenses.

Before traveling, however, contact the issuer to find out:

• whether the card allows international withdrawals;
• the withdrawal and daily limits;
• which fees are charged;
• how the conversion is calculated;
• which taxes may apply to the transaction.

Where to exchange money in São Paulo?

São Paulo has some of Brazil’s main money exchange offices, as well as authorized banks and services available at the airports.

As one of the country’s largest financial and tourism centers, the city offers alternatives in busy areas, commercial districts, shopping malls and airports.

Money exchange offices are especially useful for travelers arriving with foreign currency in cash. However, do not choose an establishment based only on its location.

Banco Central do Brasil provides information about institutions authorized to operate in the foreign exchange market. Before handing over money or documents, it is worth confirming the institution responsible for the transaction.

Also compare:

• the currency purchase exchange rate;
• any applicable fees;
• the net amount that will be provided in Brazilian reais;
• currency availability;
• opening hours;
• the establishment’s security and identification.

Airports may also offer money exchange services, although the convenience of completing the transaction immediately after arrival does not necessarily mean that it will offer the best available terms.

Where to withdraw cash in São Paulo?

Travelers who prefer to avoid money exchange offices can withdraw Brazilian reais directly using an international card at ATM24h machines located in hotels, shopping malls, airports and other establishments throughout the city.

The distribution of the machines is especially useful for tourists because there are locations close to some of the main accommodation areas and places frequented by visitors.

These include Avenida Paulista, Bela Vista, Cerqueira César, Berrini, Brooklin, Vila Olímpia, Morumbi and Ibirapuera.

There are also machines at Congonhas, Guarulhos and Viracopos, allowing travelers to obtain Brazilian reais upon arrival in the state of São Paulo. The list of locations provided to Brasil ATM also confirms machines in hotels, shopping malls and hostels in the capital.

ATM24h machines on Avenida Paulista and nearby

Avenida Paulista and its surroundings are among the areas most visited by tourists in São Paulo. In addition to cultural attractions and a wide range of hotels, restaurants and transportation options, there are several ATM24h locations in the area.

Location	Address
Rosewood São Paulo	Rua Itapeva, 435 – Bela Vista
Shopping Top Center	Avenida Paulista, 854 – Bela Vista
Tivoli Mofarrej São Paulo	Alameda Santos, 1.437 – Cerqueira César
Renaissance São Paulo Hotel	Alameda Santos, 2.233 – Cerqueira César
Hotel Ca’d’Oro São Paulo	Rua Augusta, 129 – Consolação

This distribution makes it easier for travelers staying on Avenida Paulista and in nearby neighborhoods to access cash without having to go to an airport solely to make a withdrawal.

ATM24h machines in the Berrini, Brooklin and Vila Olímpia area

The Berrini, Brooklin and Vila Olímpia area has hotels, offices, business centers and large shopping malls. It is especially relevant for business travelers visiting São Paulo.

Locations with ATM24h machines include:

Location	Area
Grand Hyatt São Paulo	Berrini/Brooklin
Grand Estanplaza Berrini	Brooklin
Sheraton WTC	Brooklin
Shopping Nações Unidas	Berrini
Shopping Parque da Cidade	Chácara Santo Antônio
Grand Mercure São Paulo Vila Olímpia	Vila Olímpia
Novotel Morumbi	Morumbi
Palácio Tangará	Panamby

Among the registered addresses are Four Seasons Hotel São Paulo, at Avenida das Nações Unidas, 14.401; Grand Mercure São Paulo Vila Olímpia, at Rua Olimpíadas, 205; Novotel Morumbi, at Rua Ministro Nelson Hungria, 577; and Palácio Tangará, at Rua Deputado Laércio Corte, 1.501.

ATM24h machines in the Ibirapuera area

Travelers staying near Parque Ibirapuera and neighboring areas also have alternatives.

Location	Area
Pullman São Paulo Ibirapuera	Ibirapuera
Grand Mercure São Paulo Ibirapuera	Ibirapuera
Marriott Executive Apartments São Paulo	Vila Nova Conceição
Pestana São Paulo	Vila Mariana

Marriott Executive Apartments São Paulo is located at Rua Professor Filadelfo Azevedo, 717, while Pestana São Paulo is at Rua Tutóia, 77.

ATM24h machines in shopping malls and attractions

Shopping malls can be convenient places to make withdrawals because they combine easy-to-access locations with indoor, busy environments.

Location	Area
Shopping Light	Centro
Shopping Villa-Lobos	Zona Oeste
Shopping Morumbi Town	Vila Andrade

Shopping Morumbi Town, for example, has a registered location at Avenida Giovanni Gronchi, 5.930.

For tourists, this distribution makes it possible to combine a withdrawal with other activities in the itinerary, without setting aside part of the day just to look for cash.

ATM24h machines in hostels

The network also has machines at accommodation establishments with a different profile from large hotels.

Location	Address
Lamparina Hostel	Rua Galeno de Almeida, 166
HBB Hostel Boutique	Rua Fidalga, 479 – Vila Madalena

HBB Hostel Boutique, for example, is in an area popular with visitors interested in bars, dining and nightlife. The address is listed among the registered ATM24h locations in São Paulo.

ATM24h machines at Congonhas Airport

Travelers arriving at Congonhas can withdraw cash as soon as they arrive.

The airport is located within the city of São Paulo and is one of the country’s main domestic terminals. The ATM24h network has machines in different areas of the airport.

Location	Address
Departures	Avenida Washington Luís, s/nº
Arrivals	Avenida Washington Luís, s/nº
Public area	Avenida Washington Luís, s/nº

All three locations — departures, arrivals and the public area — are included in the airport’s list of ATM24h machines.

This makes it possible to withdraw Brazilian reais both upon arrival and before a flight, depending on the area accessible to the passenger.

ATM24h machines at Guarulhos International Airport

Guarulhos International Airport has several ATM24h machines distributed among terminals, departure, arrival and check-in areas, allowing domestic and international tourists to withdraw Brazilian reais shortly after arriving in Brazil.

For international passengers, this is an important advantage: there is no need to reach central São Paulo to look for a compatible ATM.

Area	Availability
Terminal 1	2 machines
Terminal 2	Departures, arrivals, check-in and baggage claim
Terminal 3	Departures, arrivals, check-in, mezzanine and baggage claim
Connector between Terminals 2 and 3	Near Anvisa

There are therefore several machines throughout the airport complex, rather than a single central location.

The list of machines includes, for example, an ATM24h machine in the baggage claim area for international arrivals in Terminal 2 and another in the west domestic departures area, near gate 210.

For travelers arriving in Brazil through Guarulhos, withdrawing a small amount of Brazilian reais at the airport can be useful for initial travel expenses.

ATM24h machines at Viracopos International Airport

Viracopos International Airport, in Campinas, also has ATM24h machines and is an alternative for travelers arriving in the state of São Paulo through this city.

Location	Address
Common area	Rodovia Santos Dumont, km 66
Domestic departures – Pier C Corridor	Rodovia Santos Dumont, km 66
Domestic departures – Pier C	Rodovia Santos Dumont, km 66

The three locations are registered at Viracopos International Airport, including one machine in the common area and two related to domestic departures at Pier C.

This is especially useful for travelers who use Campinas as their gateway and then continue to São Paulo or other destinations in the state.

Which international cards work at ATM24h machines?

Many international cards can be used to make withdrawals from the ATM24h network, provided they are enabled for use abroad and compatible with the transaction.

International Visa and Mastercard cards can be used at ATM24h machines to withdraw Brazilian reais, provided the card and its issuer authorize the transaction.

This includes different situations, such as:

• international debit cards;
• cards linked to global accounts;
• cards enabled for withdrawals abroad;
• cards compatible with the networks accepted by the machine.

However, having an international card brand alone does not guarantee that the withdrawal will be authorized.

The issuing bank or institution may set limits, block international withdrawals or require prior authorization.

Therefore, before traveling to São Paulo, check your bank’s app or customer service and confirm the rules applicable to your card.

How much does it cost to withdraw cash in São Paulo?

The cost depends on the fees charged by the issuing bank, the transaction performed, the conversion applied and current legislation.

There is therefore no single universal amount for all tourists.

Cost	Who determines it
Issuing bank fee	Traveler’s bank or institution
IOF, when applicable	Brazilian government
Currency conversion	Depending on the card, issuer and transaction
Transaction fees	Depending on the card and transaction

The most important thing is to review the information displayed before confirming the withdrawal and to know the card’s terms in advance.

A traveler with a global account and competitive terms may pay a different amount from someone using a traditional card issued abroad.

It is also worth checking the limit allowed by the issuer. Making many small withdrawals can result in multiple charges when the institution applies a fee per transaction.

Tips to save money when obtaining Brazilian reais during your trip

Planning how to obtain Brazilian reais before arriving in São Paulo helps reduce costs, avoid unnecessary transactions and decrease the amount of cash carried during the trip.

A few simple precautions can make a difference:

1. Compare money exchange and withdrawals: consider the final amount received, not only the advertised exchange rate.
2. Check card fees: find out in advance how much your bank charges for international withdrawals.
3. Withdraw only what you need: cards are widely accepted in São Paulo, so it is not always necessary to keep a large amount of cash.
4. Have more than one payment method: combine a card with a small reserve in Brazilian reais.
5. Avoid carrying large amounts: distribute your payment methods and keep only what you need accessible.
6. Use identified machines: prefer ATMs located in airports, hotels, shopping malls and other suitable environments.
7. Check the machine before the transaction: do not use equipment with loose parts, overlaid readers or any sign of tampering.
8. Protect your PIN: cover the keypad while typing and never accept help from strangers during the transaction.

Keeping some cash remains useful even in a city where cards are widely accepted. Small expenses, unexpected situations or establishments with payment limitations are good reasons to keep a reserve.

Is it worth exchanging money in São Paulo?

Yes, São Paulo offers extensive infrastructure for travelers who need to exchange currency or obtain Brazilian reais during their trip. The best alternative, however, depends on the available fees, the card used and the amount of cash needed.

Travelers arriving with foreign currency in cash can use money exchange offices and authorized institutions. Many international travelers, however, prefer to withdraw Brazilian reais directly from ATM24h machines, especially when they have cards or global accounts with favorable conditions for withdrawals abroad.

The network’s distribution makes this choice easier. There are machines in hotels, shopping malls, hostels and important areas of the capital, as well as at Congonhas Airport, Guarulhos International Airport and Viracopos International Airport.

There is no solution that is automatically more economical for everyone. The best approach is to compare the total cost of the alternatives, check the card’s terms in advance and avoid carrying more cash than necessary.

São Paulo is one of the destinations where Brasil ATM seeks to bring together planning, currency and foreign exchange information in a content structure that helps tourists travel around the country with clear and reliable information.

Continue exploring São Paulo on Brasil ATM and discover attractions, accommodations, restaurants and everything you need to plan your trip with greater convenience and safety.

Where to withdraw cash from 24-hour ATMs in Brazil

To make the most of your experience in São Paulo, 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.

Check the table below for some 24-hour ATM machines in the areas mentioned in this article:

Where	Location
Shopping Top Center	See all locations here
Tivoli Mofarrej	See all locations here
Grand Hyatt São Paulo	See all locations here
Rosewood São Paulo	See all locations here
Renaissance São Paulo Hotel	See all locations here

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Read more about São Paulo:

• Sheraton São Paulo WTC Hotel Review – What it’s like to stay there
• Review Grand Hyatt São Paulo – What it’s like to stay at the hotel
• Review Tivoli Mofarrej – what it’s like to stay at the hotel
• Review Renaissance São Paulo Hotel: what it’s like to stay at the hotel

Frequently asked questions about money exchange in São Paulo