just some observations since finding a cooperative Brazilian ATM for withdrawals from foreign accounts can be challenging (based on my experience.)

On my last two late night arrivals at GRU, the Banco24Horas ATM has been the only machine accepting foreign cards. That's unfortunate, because they seem to give lousy exchange rates (at all their ATMs), and charge a transaction fee to boot. The effective conversion rate was R$2.44. While this reflects their transaction fee, I do recall that their rate was still considerable lower than the interbank rates (which was R$2.64 on that date.)

I've had decent luck with finding Bradesco ATMs that work, but their rate still isn't spectacular-- on my recent trip, my transaction was processed at R$2.57 = 1 USD. (The interbank rate on that date was R$2.63.)

My best luck has been with Banco do Brasil -- my withdrawals through their ATMs were processed at R$2.64 and R$2.63 per USD -- the interbank rates were R$2.66 and R$2.65 on those dates.

As a last note -- I've never found a Banco Ita� ATM that has accepted my card.

My card has Cirrus, Plus, and Visa ATM access.

Thanks for sharing this info. I usually ended up using the Citibank ATM (sort of) near the then Sheraton Mofarrej.

The only other country that I have had ATM issues is Japan.

snorkmaster:
Thanks for posting this.

I looked at my Quicken bookings.
I used "TECBANK BRAZIL GUARULHOS" and "BANCO DO BRAZIL".
Both gave me an exchange rate near interbank rates.
Those were the only banks I tried ...

I use "NETBANK" for ATM withdrawals. I can't see that they ever charged me, but I could be wrong....

Sure, no problem.

You're information is interesting, as I used TECBANK BRAZIL GUARULHOS (which is Banco24Horas' ATM), and got the lousy rate.

The other transactions were in the "hinterland" though -- I wonder if the rates are a little crappier in the major cities?

I use BANKONE.

My info pertains to Rio and is limited as once I find ATMs that work and are in a safe location I tend not to be adventurous.

For my Visa card I have used Banco Bradesco many times without any problems. I haven't studied rates too closely but they seem okay. AFAIK, there isn't any local % cash advance charge. Lots of branches.

IIRC I successfully used both my Visa and my MCard in HSBC branches. I've also used my regular UK HSBC card in HSBC branches thru the Cirrus/Maestro link. Rates are fine but the foreign withdrawal was subject to a 1.75% fee. Again I don't think it is levied locally.

Citibank have branches in Ipanema (Visonde de Pirij� and Vinicius de Mor�es) and Copacabana (Ave. N.S. de Copacabana and Figuereido de Magalah�es, beside Blockbuster). I try to avoid these as they are used by lots of US tourists and represent a logical spot to select a potential robbery victim. IIRC rates similar to HSBC and accept Visa and MCard.

I think I have used Banco 24 horas and Banco de Brasil once or twice. I too have had no joy with Banco Ita�.

Usual safety considerations apply, best to go during the day when they're busy. Also be aware that there are sporadic instances of thieves with counterfeiting sleeves trying to get you to insert in their machine saying the one you want to use isn't working. I had 3 guys attempt to do this in 2002 but once they invaded my space my guard and I left immediately. Note ATMs close from 10pm to 6am even if they say 24 hours.

Slightly off-topic, the radio taxis at GIG accept CCs at their desk which eliminates the immediate need to obtain Reais on arrival.

A few more notes:

The ATMs at GRU seem to be 24 hours, but limit your withdraws to 1of no greater than R$100 during the late evening and early morning hours.

Also -- the Guarucoop taxi at GRU stand accepts credit cards as well.

Citi Bank on Paulista avenue or in front of Intercotinental hotel on alemeda Santos are a safe bet to withdraw money in Sao Paulo and never had a problem. As well as any HSBC Banks. I've had some trouble with Banco do Brasil a few times as well as Bradesco.

Never mind

I alsways use the ATMs of Banco do Brasil and/or Banco Real (ABN Amro) and never had any problem; rates were always decent. ATMs are widespread in Brazil, very user-friendly, and much better than exchange money.

Rgs,

I always use Banco do Brasil ATMs when I can find them - the rate is consistently decent.

Citibank ATMs in Rio have usually offered decent rates as well.

Thanks.
I've found that the only two banks that accepted my ATM card in Salvador, Bahia were HSBC (Av. Sete) and I believe CitiBank (Ciadade Baixa). I only used the other bank once as HSBC was more convenient.

in rio
my atm card would only work at HSBC

but in sp and salvador
it also worked at Citibank
which i hate because they charge and INSTANT extra fee

but i had an incident in either Belo Horizonte or Juiz da Fora
i made a withdrawal
but when my statement came it said that i had made 2, one after another
i called my bank and after 3 days, my cash was returned to my account

I have been unable to use my Barclays card to withdraw money at any ATM machine. I always get a message �error in communications� and the transaction is stopped. I thought it was a problem with my credit card and I had it changed but the problem still exist with the new card.
In fact I met few Britishman in holidays here and they had the same problem with their cards.

At this stage I suspect it is a problem with Barclays and with its connect banks here in Salvador.
Please let me know if you had a similar problem

I, too, had a hard time using my Bank of America/Visa card in Brazil. The only place I was able get cash was at the Banco 24 Horas but, as someone already mentioned, you can get only R$100 after 9 pm. This was created as a security measure since many people were taken at gunpoint to the nearest ATM and had to withdraw all their money just to give it to the robbers. It can also be that someone watches you to get your cash, then follows you to steal it. I love Brazil, but that unfortunately is true.
That being said, it is still a good idea to use only indoor ATMs, such as in shopping malls and airports. And be discrete at all times when dealing with cash.