The Brazilian currency is Real (R$), plural is Reais. In Brazilian currency there are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 bills. Most bills have pictures of animals on one side and then the feminine character that is a representation of Brazil on the other. Coins are available in values of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos. There are also 1 Real coins. They vary in size and color.

The exchange rate fluctuates. For exact and accurate currency exchange rates, or if you want to print out a cheat sheet before your trip begins, visit www.oanda.com. As of February 2010, 1 USD = 1.80 Brazilian Reais, and 1 Brazilian Real = 0.55 USD. Normal banking hours are from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday except for holidays.

The city of Florianópolis has ATMs available throughout the downtown and around the Lagoa area. In order to withdraw money using an American debit card, be sure to look for ATMS that have a sign posted to accept other ATM networks. These are typically "Interlink," "Nyce," or "Plus." The ten largest banks in Brazil are: Banco do Brasil, Caixa Económico Federal, Bradesco, Itaú, Unibanco, Santander-Banespa, Banco Real, HSBC, Safra, and Nossa Caixa.

To avoid high exchange rates and commission charges, only exchange a minimal amount of cash at the airport upon your arrival. Exchange only what you will need until you find an ATM machine or bank. At ATM machines and banks you can withdraw Reais(R$) or Dollars ($). You will find the best rate extracting reais from an ATM and will only incur an small transaction fee.

More than just denoting value, banknotes and coins are also a means to preserve culture. National heroes, historical figures and distinguished personalities in the fields of arts and sciences, as well as typical fauna and natural landscapes, are used in the illustration of money, allowing for the colorful multiplication of these images and personalities in the popular imagination. Money also represents technology given the application of techniques to prevent forgery, the use of special types of paper and advanced printing procedures, and its production in Brazil itself. These facts demonstrate progress and development of the nation as well as relate the history of the construction of a national identity.