Some Brazilian ATMs add foreign exchange function

SAO PAULO - Banespa, part of the Banco Santander group, has will give its customers the ability to withdraw United States dollars from certain ATMs in São Paulo.

According to a report on Gringoes.com, the service will initially be available at ATMs at the Guarulhos and Congonhas airports and the USP and Unicamp universities.

The exchange rate will be the official rate on the date of withdrawal.The minimum withdrawal is $100 and the maximum is $1,000 per day.

Customers will choose the normal withdrawal option, type in their PIN and then opt for the item "saque em dólar," choosing the amount they wish to withdraw. They also must provide details about the date and destination of their trip abroad, to justify the withdrawal.

At the end of the transaction, the exchange rate and total amount in Brazilian reals is given, and the customer has the option to confirm or cancel the operation.

"This is a unique service, providing clients with ease and safety to withdraw dollars and saves them from having to go to a foreign exchange bureau," said Jose Paiva Ferreira, vice president of marketing at Santander Banespa.