[QUOTE=Exec Talent]..The day before you arrive check the current exchange rate at [url]http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/[/url]
Although [url]http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert.cgi?Amount=1&From=USD&To=BRL&image.x=44&image.y=10[/url]
is often cited here, Oanda actually will give you a rate closer to what is offered at the cambios. If you don’t speak Portuguese, write down the rate you hope to get on a piece of paper. Have the money you want to exchange ready and when you are approached show the guy the paper. He will pull you over to the side and count out the money in front of you all the while trying not to be too obvious.
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You can get a better negotiating position for the airport if you use the Dólar Paralelo rate, previously called the "mercado negro." The rate is quoted daily at: [url]http://economia.uol.com.br/cotacoes/cambio/dolar-paralelo-estados-unidos-principal.jhtm[/url] Even the money changers use a market index.
I would not recommend exchanging large sums of money at the airport. Most of these guys are honest but there is also the risk of someone passing counterfeit notas.