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Salvador Insider
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Research in progress

Money & payments

How payments generally work for visitors in Salvador, and why carrying some cash still matters.

A clay pot of Bahian moqueca with rice and farofa on a wooden table.
Moqueca baiana, cooked with dendê palm oil and coconut milk. · Editorial placeholder image — replace with licensed photography.

Brazil's currency is the real (BRL). Card payment is widespread in hotels, restaurants and shops, but small stands, market stalls and beach barracas may prefer cash. Carry small notes for street food and tips, and keep your cash split between places rather than all in one pocket.

This page is deliberately conservative. We only publish practical details we can support, and we will expand it as we verify more on the ground.

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