How to find safe, cheap international specialists to transfer money to Brazil.
When you need to get money to a loved one overseas, it can often mean navigating a potentially complicated and expensive process.
But sending money from the US to Brazil doesn’t have to be expensive. Compare the transfer fees and exchange rates of your many options to get the most Brazilian real for your dollar.
World First International Money Transfers
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- Enjoy competitive exchange rates.
- Take advantage of spot contracts, forward contracts and limit orders.
- Receive weekly updates on market exchange rates.
Compare providers that can help you set up payments
Save money on your personal or business international money transfer today. Fill in the form and you’ll be contacted by a foreign exchange expert to have an obligation-free discussion about your options.
With over 17 years of foreign exchange expertise and over $100 billion transferred, OFX can help with all your currency exchange needs, including:
- Buying property abroad
- Emigrating
- Regular overseas payments
- Risk management
- Forecasting
Save money on your personal or business international money transfer today. Fill in the form and you’ll be contacted by a foreign exchange expert to have an obligation-free discussion about your options.
With over 17 years of foreign exchange expertise and over $100 billion transferred, OFX can help with all your currency exchange needs, including:
- Buying property abroad
- Emigrating
- Regular overseas payments
- Risk management
- Forecasting
Sending money to Brazil
How do international money transfers work?
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.
Laws and legal documents when transferring large sums of money into Brazil
Why should I compare my options beyond my bank?
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.
A beginner’s guide to starting an import/export business with Brazil
Back to topRonaldo 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.
What’s the best way to send a business transfer to Brazil?
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.
Back to topHow should I compare money transfer services to Brazil?
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.
- Exchange rates. Nearly all providers skew exchange rates for a profit. Look for a company that’s close to the mid-market rate — or the rate banks and transfer services use when trading among themselves. Remember that companies with strong exchange rates may also require higher fees.
- Transfer fees. Find out whether the provider charges a flat fee or a percentage of your transfer. If you’re sending a large payment, ask whether you qualify for a fee-free transfer.
- “Hedging” options. Ask whether you can schedule payments ahead of time or protect your transfer against market fluctuations with a limit order or forward contract.
- Payment and delivery options. Some transfer companies allow you to pay with a credit card online, by phone or through an app. Others offer agent locations for cash payments and pickups. Also ask how your recipient can receive your funds: bank account, cash pickup, mobile wallet and more.
- Transfer speeds. If it needs to be there fast, companies like Western Union and MoneyGram allow for quick cash pickups, often in minutes. If you have more time, you’ll get better rates and fees with an independent provider.
- Transfer limits. Your best option might depend on how much you want to send. For large transfers, weigh the best exchange rate — especially since providers encourage large transfers by offering low fees. For smaller amounts, consider the fees you’ll pay on top of the exchange rate.
- Customer support. Most companies offer customer service by Internet chat, phone, in person or by email. Make sure help will be available if you need it.
How to send money to Brazil from the US
- Bank transfers. Many major US banks will allow you to wire money to a Brazilian bank account. However, a downside is the frustratingly high fees and weak exchange rates you’ll typically receive.
- Online money transfer services. Trusted providers make it simple and convenient to send money from your business or home to Brazil.
- Providers with cash pickup. Companies like Western Union, MoneyGram and Ria offer the option of cash pickups from thousands of agent locations across Brazil.
- Peer-to-peer apps. Venmo, Circle and PayPal are just a few of the apps you can use to send money to Brazil.
- Checks and money orders. Although not a quick option, you could send an international check overseas, obtained from your bank or US Postal Service.
Back to top
Emergency cash transfers in Brazil
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.
Find a money transfer location near you
Tips for picking up cash in Brazil
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.
- Call ahead. Learn the company’s business hours and choose a safe time to pick up your cash. Daylight hours are best.
- Bring a friend. Carrying money when alone can be dangerous. Ask a friend to come along.
- Deposit your money immediately. The likelihood of losing your money to theft or simple carelessness grows the longer you have it with you. Go straight to a bank and deposit your cash as soon as possible.
- Keep your cash hidden. Place your money in your purse or wallet before leaving the office. Carrying cash out in the open could make you a target.
Follow the money to Brazil
Whichever method you use, keep a record of the transaction reference number and other details so you can track the transfer and follow up if your recipient or vendor has any issues.
For a more comprehensive look at sending money overseas, see our guide to sending money overseas.
Cash pickup locations in Brazil
Sao Paolo
MoneyGram
LEVYCAM – SAO PAULO – MATRIZ
Address: RUA ANCHIETA 18 12 ANDAR SE Sao Paulo, Brazil 01016030
Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Phone: +55-11-32423999
LEVYCAM – OM DTVM – #46 – SAO PAULO
Address: RUA S. BENTO 288 São Paulo, Brazil 01011
Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Phone: +55-11-31061314
S. HAYATA CORRETORA DE CAMBIO SA – SAO P
Address: RUA BOA VISTA 230 3 E 4 ANDARES São Paulo, Brazil 01014000
Hours: 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Phone: +55-11-31887400
Western Union
BLUE BAY CENTER NORTE
Address: Tv. Casal Buono, 120, Loja Suc São Paulo, São Paulo Brazil 2089900
Hours: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Phone: +55-11-22522711
BLUE BAY MATRIZ
Address: Av. Paulista, 2001 – Loja 08 Bela Vista São Paulo, São Paulo Brazil 1311200
Hours: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Phone: +55-11-32530071
BRADESCO GATEWAY
Address: Rua Tabapua 1227 São Paulo, Sp Brazil 04533014
Hours: 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
Phone: +55-11-40977318
Rio de Janeiro
MoneyGram
ULTRAMAR VIAGENS
Address: AVENIDA RIO BRANCO 120 LOJAS 27 E 29 CENTRO Rio De Janeiro, 20040001
Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Phone: +55-21-25054705
DG CAMBIO TURISMO – RIO DE JANEIRO
Address: EDIFICIO RODOLPHO DE PAOLI AVENIDA NILO PECANHA 50 SALA 312 Rio De Janeiro, 20020906
Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Phone: +55-21-22278300
ALEX & THUR – RIO DE JANEIRO
Address: AVENIDA TREZE DE MAIO 45 SALA 1805 CENTRO Rio De Janeiro, 20031007
Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Phone: +55-21-22622358
Western Union
BANCO DO BRASIL
Address: Av. Presidente Antonio Carlos, 51 Loja E Castelo Presidente Antonio Carlos-rio De Rio De Janeiro, Rio De Janeiro 20020010
Hours: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Phone: +55-21-25245432
BRADESCO PRES A CAR URJ
Address: Av Presidente Antonio Carlos 615 641 Ag 6595 Rio De Janeiro, Rio De Janeiro 20020010
Hours: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Phone: +55-21-32996950
BRADESCO CASTELO URJ
Address: Av Graca Aranha 226 A Ag 445 Rio De Janeiro, Rj 20030-001
Hours: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Phone: +55-21-32990050
Salvador
MoneyGram
MULTIMONEY – SALVADOR – Salvador Shoppin
Address: ALAMEDA EUVALDO LUZ 1 LOJA 92 45 ANDAR HORTO BELA VISTA Salvador, 41098020
Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Phone: +55-71-34321263
COTACAO – SALVADOR
Address: AVENIDA ANTONIO CARLOS MAGALHAES 3244 SALAS 708 A 711 PITUBA Salvador, 41800700
Hours: 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Phone: +55-11-40021010
CONFIDENCE – SALVADOR – BA SH ITAIGARA
Address: AVENIDA ANTONIO CARLOS MAGALHAES 585 LJ 23 – ITAIGARA Salvador, 40280
Hours: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Phone: +55-11-40045700
Western Union
BANCO DO BRASIL
Address: Petrobras Salvador Avantonio Carlos Magalhaes 1113 Salvador, Ba 41825903
Hours: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Phone: +55-15-35220229
BANCO DO BRASIL
Address: Rua Da Polonia, 01 1.andar Comercio Instituto Nacional De Seguridad Salvador, Bahia 40010000
Hours: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Phone: +55-71-2415869
BANCO DO BRASIL
Address: Matatu Brotas Rbarros Falcao 378 Salvador, Ba 40255370
Hours: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Phone: +55-71-33277015
