Banks

Major domestic and international banks in Brazil. There are many other domestic options, but only the two largest *banks are noted here.  There are other international banks but are located only in Rio or Sao Paulo and primarily commercial.

Central Bank of Brazil (port/eng)

Bank Boston  (port) 

Bank Boston was bought by Fleet Bank, which in turn was purchased by Bank of America in March 2004.  Located in major cities.

Bradesco*
nationwide

(port)

(eng)

Citibank
only major cities areas.

(port)

(eng)

HSBC
nationwide

(port)

(worldwide)

Itau*
nationwide, strong online banking.

(port)

Traveler's Checks

Not widely accepted at stores.  Should be changed at one of the major banks listed above - preferably an international one.