Where do you get your Brazilian?

[Keith009]

...and Argentinian currencies?

I am visiting Brazil and Argentina at the end of this year and am looking for a money changer in Melbourne with competitive rates for Brazilian and Argentinian currencies. It just seems a v obscure currency or maybe because South America is a continent I've yet to set foot on and hence seems 'exotic.'

Advice appreciated.

 

[ejb]

But now I understand.

But can offer no help just laughs

ejb

 

[kpc]

When I went to Brazil 3 years ago, I was unable to get Brazilian Reals in Oz. I took a stack of US$ instead but need not have worried....could just use an ATM although not all accepted international cards.

PS: If you are going to Rio, consider staying at the hotel pictured in my Avatar...the Copacabana Palace!

 

[futaris]

fx4you will let you order these online and pick them up at an Amex outlet or post office.

Rates are listed here.

 

[ColinP]

US$ is widely accepted in Sth America although the exchange rate offered might not be too flash, so just take a bit of US currency with you and use ATMs to withdraw reals/pesos. Be aware though that the daily withdrawal limits in Sth Am are much lower than we're used to. About US$300 iirc.

 

[QF WP]

When I went in 2001, I remember Reals were difficult to find, so I ended up getting them in LHR before I flew out.

Of course, the currency is worthless to bring home - so I gave my remaining notes to my Belo Horizonte friend and told him to take his girlfriend out for dinner...and I gave change that I found in my pocket and carry-on to AA in their collection envelopes...

 

[Keith009]

Thanks for that, most helpful.
Will give that fx4you one a spin.

If they're that worthless I'd prolly donate any unused currency onboard to the unicef fundraiser thingy.

 

[StevePER]

I found the ATMs in Brazil were a major pain when I was there last year, most just would not accept my ANZ Visa. In Argentina, nearly all of the ATMs worked but the daily limit is really low, ARS300 from memory.

 

[dajop]

Like most others when I went to Brazil and Argentina in '06, used a combination of USD & ATM withdrawals (in fact I even vaguely recollect changing over AUD once at a reasonable rate, but not something to planon doing...). I do remember that ATM's in Brazil were a bit painful and no so easy to come by though.

 

[pyffii]

Just returned from BA and the ATM's work OK but dispense a miserly amount around $200Us...When you arrive go the the bank located in the terminal ( landside only ) and change money there...The rate is great and no limits applied...Dont think it is necessary to buy before hand and you can pay the Airport exit tax with US dollars on departure

 

[Mal]

fx4you will let you order these online and pick them up at an Amex outlet or post office.

Rates are listed here.

Try using the Westpac site instead https://www.fx4you.com/westpac/ . Uses the Amex backend, but (normally) gives much better rates and a promo of zero commision for both cash/TC's at the moment.

-- edit.

Realised it doesn't support Brazilian / Argentinian currencies, but it's still something to keep in mind for the future.

The Amex site is rebranded for many different organisations like Virgin Blue, Westpac, Australia Post etc. Each has their various benefits, exchange margins etc.

 

[Tiki]

I had no problem using Brazilian ATMs with my NAB ATM card. For the day trip to the Argentinian side of Iguassu Falls, I just changed some reals at a forex where the bus drops you off. We didn't need that much and the bus takes either Brazilian or Argentinian currency.