Currencies
The rate here is the Central Bank's PTAX closing rate — Brazil's reference exchange rate, computed from the quotes banks themselves report. It's an official number, with a date; not necessarily the price you pay when buying currency.
US dollar
R$5.2236
sell · buy R$5.2230
Central Bank of Brazil · PTAX closing rate · 14/08/2026
Euro
R$6.0500
sell · buy R$6.0482
Central Bank of Brazil · PTAX closing rate · 14/08/2026
Pound sterling
R$7.0811
sell · buy R$7.0787
Central Bank of Brazil · PTAX closing rate · 14/08/2026
Understand
The dollar in the news, the dollar for your trip and the dollar of an importer are usually different numbers. Each serves a use and is computed differently.
“Commercial” is the usual name for FX operations that aren't tourism — exports, imports, investment and financial transfers. It is the “market” dollar that moves through the day; most news about “the dollar” means this one.
A market name for travel exchange rates — buying cash, prepaid cards and similar uses. It is usually higher than the commercial rate, as it embeds the cost of handling currency for retail; the operation is also usually taxed (IOF), at rates that vary by case.
The reference rate computed by the Central Bank from four daily consultations with banks, dropping the extreme values. The closing bulletin consolidates the day and is the one most used as a parameter for contracts, derivatives and conversions. It is not a rate you buy — it is a reference. It is the one Lume shows here.
To compute import taxes, the goods' value is converted using an exchange conversion rate published in Siscomex, based on the previous business day's closing sell quote. This tax rate differs from the FX rate the importer actually contracts.
The timeline
Told in a traditional, simplified way, the history of money is that of a technology that changes shape to make exchanging value between people easier — reducing, but never removing, the need for trust. Forms of money coexisted and appeared in different orders across eras and societies.
Direct exchange of goods, no currency. It worked best when both sides wanted what the other had — the so-called double coincidence of wants, a classic limitation of the system.
Salt, cattle, shells, cocoa: widely accepted goods came to serve as a common medium of exchange and measure of value, independent of the wish of the moment.
Standardized pieces minted in metal. The value was generally in the metal itself — gold and silver were scarce, durable and divisible — though some coins were worth more than the metal they held.
First as certificates redeemable for stored metal; later, notes issued by banks and the state. Paper was worth what it represented.
Money stopped being backed by metal and came to be worth a mix of acceptance, law, monetary policy and trust in institutions. It is today's model.
Brazil's current currency, which ended decades of very high inflation. It is the reference currency of Lume's money time machine.
Educational content, no recommendation. PTAX is the Central Bank's official reference rate; the rates actually charged by banks and exchange houses may differ.
Instant, digital payments launched by the Central Bank in November 2020, running 24/7. For individuals it is usually free in most situations — one of the newest forms of an old technology.