If you’ve been relying on Google Sheets to fetch currency data for the Brazilian Real (BRL), you might have noticed a big problem recently. The Google Finance function that once gave you live currency conversion rates involving BRL has stopped working. Any formula like =GoogleFinance("CURRENCY:USDBRL") or =GoogleFinance("CURRENCY:BRLUSD") now just spits out an N/A error. It’s not a glitch — it seems Google has quietly removed BRL data, and users are left scrambling for alternatives.
The issue first came to light when users noticed conversion rates displayed by Google were significantly off. Reports suggest that the rates might have been influenced by data from crypto exchanges during market closures, causing discrepancies of up to 20 cents. This apparently led to political pressure in Brazil, with authorities investigating the matter and possibly restricting Google’s ability to provide these conversions. Now, Google Finance no longer includes BRL (at least at the time of this writing), and there’s no official word on whether it will return.
This sudden change has left users frustrated, especially those who relied on automated currency updates in Google Sheets. Thankfully, some savvy users have shared workarounds. One suggested workaround involves pulling exchange rate data directly from Brazil’s Central Bank. Here’s the formula you can use:
=IMPORTXML(CONCATENATE("https://www3.bcb.gov.br/bc_moeda/rest/cotacao/fechamento/ultima/1/220/";TEXT(TODAY();"yyyy-mm-dd"));"//cotacao/cotacoes/taxaCompra")
This formula fetches the most recent USD to BRL exchange rate from the Central Bank’s website. To use it, just paste it into a cell in your Google Sheet. It’s not as seamless as Google Finance, but it works. Credits go to a user named Leandrossouza90 for sharing this fix on X.
If you’re looking for another option, consider using websites like Investing.com, which provides up-to-date currency data. You can use the IMPORTHTML or IMPORTXML function in Google Sheets to scrape this data, though it may require some trial and error to get it right. For those who prefer manual updates, copying rates from reliable sources like XE.com is also a possibility.
Whether you’re a casual user or someone managing detailed financial sheets, this disruption is a good excuse to explore alternatives.
For now, the Central Bank formula seems to be the best fix for real-time BRL data in Google Sheets. It’s not perfect, but until Google sorts things out — or at least gives an update — it’s a lifesaver.
Dwayne Cubbins
541 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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