The currency of Brazil is the Brazilian real. In the Portuguese language this currency is called real brasileiro (in plural reais). The real is represented by the symbol R$ and its ISO 4217 code is BRL.
The real is divided into 100 cents (¢).
As of the date of this update (Febreruary 2023) the real euro currency exchange is like this in Portugal.
- 1 euro = 5.61 Brazilian reais.
- 1 Brazilian real = 0.18 euros.
History of the Brazilian real
Brazil’s currency has always been the real (popularly known as “reis”), but it has been conditioned by the ups and downs of the economy and periods of high inflation in Brazil.
This was the case except for the period between the mid-17th century and until 1942, when a monetary reform eliminated the real in favor of the cruzeiro.
Subsequently, the cruzeiro, a currency that was divided into 100 cents, was in force between 1942 and 1986, when a new reform terminated it, to give way to the “cruzado” until 1989 at the rate of 1 cruzado = 1000 previous cruzeiros.
In 1993, the real cruzeiro returned (1 real cruzeiro = 1000 cruzeiros) for a year, before returning to the Brazilian real, after the Brazilian economy had suffered several years of inflation.
Since July 1994, the real (Series 1) has been the official currency of Brazil and has remained a stable currency. Between 1998 and 2010 there was a second issue of coins with designs that sought to improve security to prevent counterfeiting (Series 2).
Central Bank of Brazil
The Central Bank of Brazil (BCB) is the highest monetary authority in Brazil, in charge of finances and the economy in the country. It also deals with the issuance of currency (moedas do real) and banknotes (cedulas do real) in Brazil.
In addition to information on real banknotes and coins, it has an App for iOS and Android with practical information.
Let’s see below the Brazilian real banknotes of Series 2, currently in force.
Brazilian real banknotes in circulation
The circulating Brazilian real banknotes (second series) have denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 R$.
Real banknotes have been issued in the years 2010, 2011 and 2012 to increase its security measures and prevent fraud and counterfeiting.
In this image we show them all at the same scale but keep in mind that these banknotes have different sizes according to their face values to help people with visual disabilities.
2 reais banknote (2 reais)
The two-real banknote (nota de dois reais) is in dark blue tones and was launched on July 29, 2013. It measures 121 mm × 65 mm and shows the Effigy of the Republic on the obverse. On the reverse is a sea turtle.
Its equivalent value in euros would be around 40 euro cents today in currency suppliers in Portugal.
5 reais banknote (5 reais)
The five reales banknote (cinco reais certificate) is in purple tones and was launched on July 29, 2013. It measures 128 mm x 65 mm and shows the Effigy of the Republic on the obverse. On the reverse is a great heron from Brazil.
The equivalent value of the 5 real banknote today in currency suppliers in Portugal is one euro.
10 reais banknote (10 reais)
The ten reales banknote (Cedula de dez reais) is in reddish tones and was launched on July 23, 2012. It measures 135 mm × 65 mm and shows the Effigy of the Republic on the obverse. On the reverse appears a macaw or arara.
The equivalent value of the 10 real banknote today in currency suppliers in Portugal is two euros.
20 reais banknote (20 reais)
The twenty reais banknote (cedula de vinte) is in yellow tones and was launched on July 23, 2012. It measures 142 mm × 65 mm and shows the Effigy of the Republic on the obverse. The reverse features a golden lion tamarin monkey (Leontopithecus rosalia).
The equivalent value of the 20 real banknote today in currency suppliers in Portugal is four euros.
50 reais banknote (50 reais)
The fifty reais banknote (cédula de cinquenta reais) is brown in color and was launched on December 13, 2010. It measures 149 mm × 70 mm and shows the Effigy of the Republic on the obverse. On the reverse appears a jaguar.
The equivalent value of the 50 real banknote today in currency suppliers in Portugal is ten euros.
100 reais banknote (100 reais)
The one hundred reais banknote (cedula de cem reais) is in light blue tones and was launched on December 13, 2010. It measures 156 mm × 70 mm and shows the Effigy of the Republic on the obverse. On the reverse is a grouper (Epinephelus marginatus).
The equivalent value of the 100 real banknote today in currency suppliers in Portugal is twenty euros.
Brazilian real coins in circulation
There are currently 5, 10, 25 and 50 ¢ coins in circulation (cents) and another 1 R$ coin that have been issued in two series (series 1 and series 2).
Here you have an enlarged coin of one real (1 R$) with the effigy of the Republic of Brazil on its obverse. The equivalent value of this coin for a Brazilian real is about 20 euro cents.
Euro to brazilian real exchange rate
The exchange rate of the euro against the real oscillates at all times.
If you search Google for “Brazilian real euro exchange rate” you will find dozens of websites (“currency converters”) that offer a “price” of the day, even with Google Finance prices. Something like this (December 21, 2022):
As you can see, the change in the last 5 years has fluctuated between 5.4 and 5.6 reais per euro.
But keep in mind that this graph represents the value of the real “currency” against the euro, and not the lower real currency. In fact, in currency suppliers in Portugal you can buy Brazilian reais today at an exchange rate of between 3.97 and 4.91 BRL per euro. Nothing to do with the real euro currency exchange.
So, when you see these values in Google and other currency converters with your mobile, keep this in mind:
-This is an unreliable rate. In other words, if you click on the “Disclaimer” link, you will get this warning from Google Finance:
“Google cannot guarantee the accuracy of the exchange rates displayed. Please confirm current rates before making a transaction that may be affected by changes in exchange rates.”
-These rates you see are usually wholesale prices of the real currency against the euro currency (currency and paper money are not the same);
-This rate can only be obtained by the banks among themselves, that is, it is impossible to obtain it as an individual.
If you need reais in banknotes, you will have to go through the banknote retail market (bank or currency supplier). This market means that the reais have had to be “transported” by someone for you to enjoy them (or purchased from travelers from Brazil passing through Portugal previously).
In other words, moving notes from one place to another has logistical costs that will make their sale price more expensive (the exchange rate that will be applied by whoever sells them to you).
-The real is a currency that is very common or abundant in Portugal, so it is easy to find it available for sale. If you want to get the best euro to real rate, it is good to anticipate the purchase and order it online to obtain a better price.
Where to exchange Brazilian reals around me
The 2 most popular places to exchange BRL in Portugal are the banks and currency suppliers at street level and at the airport.
Of these, the least recommended place to buy are airports, since the airport manager charges very high rents to the “casa de cambio” that operates in them (Unicâmbio at the top Portuguese airports) simply for being there. With which, the bureau de change, if it wants to earn money, has to exchange the real ones at quite uninteresting exchange rates.
You are also not interested in changing euros to reais and vice versa in banks, since they charge you a commission in addition to an “exchange margin” (difference between the price for which they bought the currency and the price for which they sold it to you).
Best euro to real rate today
To know the Brazilian real euro exchange rate, in currency suppliers, banks and the airport, in Portugal, the best thing you can do is use our currency comparator.
- Buy reais with euros (EUR to BRL)
- Sell your Brazilian reais for euros (BRL to EUR)
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