Brazilian 1-real bills not welcome here

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A plan to replace worn-out 1-real bills in Brazil has hit an accelerated schedule in the northern state of Amapa, to the chagrin of bill holders. O Globo reports that businesses there apparently are no longer accepting the bills, worth about 57 U.S. cents each. Merchants are said to be taking only 1-real coins. A rumor that the bills were now void swept through the state, resulting in their virtual banishment. In fact, 1-real bills are being replaced by coins throughout Brazil, but tens of millions remain in circulation, and the notes are still legal tender -- at least in the other 26 Brazilian states.

-- Marcelo Soares in Sao Paulo and Patrick J. McDonnell in Buenos Aires.