Exchanging money at airport on arrival
It has been said already some time ago and a few posts back, but it is always good to stress it.
After you have gone through the duty free area and enter the baggage claim area, DON'T rush to the exchange kiosk: there rates are between 15% and 20% less favourable than at Banco de la Nacion, located on right side as soon as you exit in the main arrival hall (after sliding doors). This is reason there are always some customers queueing at Banco.
Also, while you wait for your luggage, just read the yellow signs in the middle of the conveyor belts which update you about US$ and EUR exchange rates at Banco de la Nacion, so you can immediately comprare how exchange kiosk and other exchange offices after customs control (DON'T be tempted by them either) are a real RIP OFF.
At that Banco you can also change Reais in case you don't have wasted all of them with "garotas de programa" in Brazil.
Buying FX in bank or brokerage acct.
Has anyone from the U. S. Tried to buy FX in their acct. I am planning a trip to South America in the new year. The USD has had a massive rally against almost all currencies but especially the Brazil Real and other S. A. Fx's. I think this is really short term. I want to buy some Reals now before I leave in Feb. So I don't miss this opportunity.
here is a chart. Number of Reals per $
[url]http://finance.yahoo.com/echarts?s=USDBRL=X#symbol=USDBRL=X;range=1y[/url]
Thanks