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Sending money to family and friends in another country can be a a worrisome process. Getting the funds to your recipient quickly and reliably without spending too much on fees is crucial.
Sending money from the US to Brazil doesn’t have to be expensive and stressful. Compare the transfer fees and exchange rates of your many options to get the most Brazilian real for your dollar.
An international money transfer allows you to send money to businesses, friends and family overseas. Generally, it involves you sending cash or money from your bank account to an intermediary transfer service or bank, which then exchanges and sends the money to your recipient in another country — in this case, Brazil.
Depending on the provider, you can initiate a money transfer in person, online or by phone. Your cash or bank account transfer is then either deposited into your recipient’s bank account or mobile wallet. With some providers, it can be made available as cash for pickup at a location in their country.
Making a large transfer? Here’s what to know about the laws and tax implications.
ou may think that because it handles your other finances, your local bank is the simplest option when sending money overseas. In truth, international money transfers are no longer a game for big financial institutions. Newer companies promise to undercut the competition to earn your business.
Because banks offer a diverse range of financial products and services, their exchange rates can be among the weakest around. Poor exchange rates and high fees of up to $64 per international transfer can eat up a sizable chunk of the amount you’re sending.
A reputable money transfer specialist can offer better exchange rates and also charge lower fees — typically offering more flexible options for repeat payments — resulting in savings for you and more Brazilian real for your recipient.
Ronaldo has lived in the US since he was 12, but he keeps in contact with his big family back in his home country. About twice a year, at least one of his siblings, cousins, tias or tios is getting married or having a baby, allowing Ronaldo to spread some of the wealth he’s accumulated in the States.
Ronaldo typically uses an account at his local bank to transfer money to celebrate with loved ones. But he’s slowly becoming aware of money transfer companies available that might offer a cheaper alternative. He compares two well-known money transfer providers when sending $1,000 to find the best deal.
Money Transfer Company A | Money Transfer Company B | |
---|---|---|
Exchange rate | 1 USD = 3.57 BRL | 1 USD = 3.44 BRL |
Transfer fee | $3.99 | $9.99 |
Transfer method | Bank account deposit | Bank account deposit |
Transfer speed | 1 business day | 3 business days |
Total real received | 3,570 BRL | 3,440 BRL |
Ronaldo learns that can pay lower fees and send an extra 130 BRL — stretching his generosity and goodwill — by using Money Transfer Company A.
Buying supplies, fulfilling orders, paying global employees — a modern business finds many reasons to regularly exchange money the world over. If you aren’t sure how to get the best value for your money, these transactions can weigh heavily on your bottom line. Learn more about cost-effective ways to send international business transfers.
While exchange rates and transfer fees affect how much you’ll pay, you’ll also need to consider how quickly your money needs to get to where it’s going, among other factors.
The exchange rate determines how much Brazil’s real is worth in another currency. When the real is strong, it yields more money when exchanging it in a country with a weak currency. Brazil’s exchange rate is flexible, which means it can change from moment to moment. Factors that influence the exchange rate include interest rates, economic stability and inflation.
You might need to send an emergency cash transfer to Brazil. When you need to transfer funds urgently, your fastest possible transfer will often be your most expensive option. Carefully review the exchange rate and transfer fee against your needs so that you understand exactly how much it will cost you.
Whether picking up funds in Rio or anywhere else around the world, take a few simple safety precautions to prevent yourself becoming a target for thieves.
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