Hi,
I'm an American traveling to Brazil in a few weeks. Is it better to bring US dollars to convert in Brazil, convert to Brazilian currency before leaving the US, or, bring US traveler's checks? And, are debit cards widely accepted - to receive local currency and make purchases - in Brazil?
Many thanks.

Debit and credit cards work all over Brazil. Some people has mentioned that their debit cards were not compatible with Brazilian banking system. Mine is from Bank of America and has worked all over Brazil. Check yours and see if it has the INTERLINK or PLUS logo in the back of the card.
Be aware that super tellers are not available after banking hours, this is done for security reasons. Even though bank lobbies are open, machines are turned off.
You can always exchange some currency as soon as you exit customs, the American Express exchange counters are all over there. Also you could just walk into any bank and exchange.

In common cambios if you cash travellers checks you will get a bad return on the rate. If you have american express then the american express office only will give you the current rate. I always find that citibank atm machines are very easy to operate in Brazil and accept most american cards. Go to the citibank website and look to see where their atm machines are located in the cities you will visit. Also I hear that now since the dollar has been falling then you get a better rate with cash then with an atm card. Don't exchange in your hotel and on Sundays most cambios and banks are closed.

Glad to hear about the debit cards. Just got one for our trip to Brazil. Our travel agent (who is from Rio) said that our atm on the Cirrus network should work also.

Any cards with Visa simobls on it work fine in Brazil. Travellers cheques are safer, but if you want to get a better exchange rate for you dollars take cash. Some travel agencies actually buy dollars but be aware were you go.