Holiday Money

[chrisuk013]

I'm going to Brazil(Rio & Recife) for three weeks. I have a holiday budget of £2,100 ie £100 per day whilst I am there. 
 

Now, Rather than exchange the whole amount into Brazilian R$, how much would you exchange and how much would you keep back put on a travel debit card? 
 

Also, which travel debit card is the best one to use for exchange rates? 
 

TIA x

[barry1010]

I take very little cash and use my credit card abroad - perfect exchange rate and no transaction fees.

Bob your card on to this calculator and see if it would work for you

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/travel-credit-cards/

[Hymie]

I would agree with barry1010; the web link below gives some good advice on currency/bank cards in Brazil (as well as other traveller advice).

 

I wouldn’t bother with a travel debit card (unless you don’t have a normal one) – I like to ensure I have at least two credit cards plus a debt card while travelling abroad, otherwise you could find yourself unable to pay if a card is declined for some reason.

 

Don’t forget when paying by card, when offered to pay in the local currency or home currency – always choose the local currency to get the best deal.

 

Despite what is said in the link below, The PO sell Brazilian Real at an exchange rate of circa 6.7 to the £ - all things being equal, I’d expect you to get at least this rate when paying by card.  If I was going to Brazil for 3 weeks, I’d probably take at least a few hundred pounds in local currency – but you are likely to be given large denomination notes in the UK.

 

https://www.thelatinamericatravelcompany.com/destinations/brazil/travel-advice/

[theshedman]

Tui offer a rate of 6.75 for the exchange rate into Brazilian real.  As others have said I would get a couple of hundred and then either get more while there or use your card if it gets good rate.  Brazil does tend to change their currency a bit so try not to bring any back.  When I went in the early 70s they were using the cruzeiro.  Still got a few but don't think they would be worth anything these days.

[davebro3]

Take more than one card - a friend's card wouldn't work in Brazil ATMs & his account got blocked. He had to borrow cash from the rest of his group.

[DDIL]

I use Starling when I travel, no fees and only access to the money in the account.  I normally take 30% of my budget in cash and leave the rest on the card.

Don't forget to get smaller bills if possible as it will be needed for cabs and tips.