The best fashion and gift stores Rio De Janeiro

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" city centers of the big cities, Sundays are synonymous with desert - everything is closed and these are places to be avoided. Coastal and seaside areas are generally very lively at weekends, with shops 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 gripped by a frenzy of sales during the recently imported Black Friday, and at various times of the year (February, June...), either variable or organized by chain stores, giving rise to bewildering scenes of supermarkets being "invaded" by rampaging 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 cheap stuff, but also precious or semi-precious stones from Ouro Preto (with certificate of authenticity), authenticated local handicrafts guaranteed to be "fair trade", and cachaça. In short, just like the country's diversity, there are plenty of opportunities to suit all tastes and budgets. The hippy fairs of Ipanema and the markets of Rio, Ouro Preto, 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... Try, but don't insist if your offers don't hit the mark.

Tourist traps

Of course, certain goods are prohibited in Brazil. Legislation on plants and animals (or "by-products" such as certain protected bird feather ornaments) is also very strict. Classics" such as futebol shirts and music CDs are often counterfeit. So you need to be vigilant.