Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SHOPPING IN BRAZIL
The most exciting aspect of
(workshops) showcase the unique,
attractive products manufactured
by the local people. Colorful street
markets and
camelódromos
offer a
truly exhilarating Brazilian shopping
experience. The prices are, by and
large, reasonable, and large items can
be shipped home. In most state capitals
and tourist areas the opening hours
are extended for convenience.
shopping in Brazil is that it
never fails to surprise visitors with
its amazing variety. Major cities, such
as Rio
(see pp90-91)
and São Paulo
(pp150-51)
, boast expansive, world-
class shopping centers that
have everything from sophisticated
boutiques to high-tech items. Craft
centers, artisans' houses, and
ateliers
OPENING HOURS
often located on main roads
and the outskirts of towns.
Apart from the ubiquitous
local chain, Extra, foreign
names such as Wal-Mart
and Carrefour also have a
formidable presence in Brazil.
In resorts, smaller shopping
centers sell souvenirs and
fashionable items. Department
stores such as C&A and Casas
Pernambucanas have found
their way into shopping
centers, although they exist
more prominently as street
shops in the large city centers.
Business hours are normally
from 8am until 6pm on week-
days and from 8am to 1pm on
Saturdays. In large cities, tour-
ist areas, and resorts, opening
hours are more flexible.
Stores in central areas extend
their opening hours until 7
or 8pm on weekdays and
4pm on Saturdays. Shopping
centers are open from 10am
to 10pm from Monday to
Saturday. In resorts and tour-
ist areas, even small stores
are open daily until midnight
during the high season.
Interior of an upmarket clothing
store in Jardins, São Paulo
SHOPPING CENTERS &
HYPERMARKETS
MARKETS &
CAMELÓDROMOS
More convenient than street
stores and offering much
more than shopping alone,
shopping centers have multi-
plied in the last few years.
Fast-food chains and restau-
rants, department stores and
boutiques, clothes repair,
cobblers, and other services
can all now be found within
one complex. A combination
of supermarket and depart-
ment store, hypermarkets are
HOW TO PAY
Almost every medium-size
city in Brazil has its own
special market, some located
in beautiful historical build-
ings. Lively and picturesque,
these markets sell an array
of fresh products from meat
and fish to fruit and cheese.
Authentic regional food,
typical sweets, and crafts
Major credit cards are accepted
in most stores in large cities
and resorts, though there may
be a minimum spend value
(about R$50). US dollars are
sometimes accepted in tourist
areas, but in small towns it is
best to pay in cash using the
real (see p431)
.
Ver o Peso, Belém's picturesque waterfront
mercado
(market)
