Practical information : Treat yourself (& others) Brazil
Timetable
Shopping hours vary, but in general, most establishments are open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm. Grocery stores and some supermarkets are generally open Monday to Sunday, 10am to 9pm. Street shops are generally open on Sundays from 9am to 6 or 8pm. In the "commercial" downtown areas of major cities, Sundays are synonymous with desert, with everything closed. Coastal and seaside areas are generally very lively at weekends, and shops are often open. There are 7 national holidays in Brazil: January 1, April 21, May1, September 7, November 2, December 15 and December 25. On these days, opening hours are modified, as well as on Carnival days, of course...
Budget & Tips
In Brazil, local products (clothing, Havaianas, food, alcohol...) are generally cheaper than in France and Europe. Electronics and other imported products are often more expensive than in Europe. Credit cards are now widely used. Even street vendors selling swimwear in Copacabana have card terminals. The banks charge a commission for the exchange and transaction, but it remains safe and efficient.
Sales
Brazil is caught up in the frenzy of the recently imported Black Friday sales, which take place at different times of the year (February, June...) or are organized by chain stores, giving rise to breathtaking scenes of supermarkets being "invaded" by frenzied shoppers.
What's very local
In Brazil, as in all countries, there are some great classics to pack for yourself, your family or your friends. The classic "Seleção" jersey, Havaianas flip-flops(chinelas), pareos (cangas), coatis and parrot cuddly toys for the low-cost products, but also precious or semi-precious stones from Ouro Preto, with a certificate of authenticity to back them up, authenticated local handicrafts with a "fair trade" guarantee? In short, just like the country's diversity, there are plenty of opportunities to suit all tastes and budgets. The fairs and markets of Rio, Ouro Preto, São Paulo, the SAARA market in Rio, the Mercado Modelo in Salvador for glassware - the places are as varied as the products to buy. Bargaining is done in a friendly and measured way... Give it a try, but don't insist if your proposals don't hit the mark.
Tourist traps
Obviously, certain goods are prohibited in Brazil. Drugs are no laughing matter, it goes without saying; legislation on plants and animals (or "by-products" such as certain protected bird feather ornaments) is also very strict. Classics" such as futebol shirts, music and film CDs and DVDs are often counterfeit. So you need to be vigilant.