Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — Shopping
Shopping in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Brazilian style is taking over the world by surprise. Thanks to key fashion events like the São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro Fashion Weeks and world-famous Brazilian supermodels, local trends are now traveling out of Brazil's borders. Havaianas (colorful rubber flip flops) are all the rage in London, skimpy Brazilian flag bikinis are a hit in Capri, and Naomi Campbell and Madonna swear by Gilson Martins's trendy bags. Where to shop in Rio? Cariocas (Rio's residents) prefer the comfort and the practicality of modern malls but the city offers plenty of shopping options for all tastes and budgets.
Markets
Rio is not famous for its markets, but two are worth a visit. Fiera Hippie, Praça General Osório, Ipanema, gathers the best of Brazil's handicrafts and artwork every Sunday, while Fiera Rio Antigo, Rua Lavradio, close to Lapa, offers a wonderful mix of antiques, art and music every first Saturday of the month.
Shopping centers
Rio offers a wide choice of shopping malls. The best ones are located in the southern part of the city. Shopping Leblon, Avendia Afrânio de Melo Franco 290, is one of the city's biggest, perfect for clothes and beachwear. Just a couple of blocks away is Rio Design Leblon, Avenida Ataulfo de Paiva 270, a sophisticated and less mainstream option. A favorite with Cariocas is Shopping da Gávea, Rua Marques de São Vicente 52, an older and lively meeting point, with a great selection of home décor as well as theaters and cinemas. Stretching out of São Conrado, Fashion Mall, Estrada da Gávea 899, is a trendy mall for the super rich and includes Clube Chocolate, the ultimate destination for fashion adepts.
Key areas
The key areas to shop until you drop in Rio de Janeiro are Rua Visconde de Piraja, Ipanema, and Avenida Ataulfo de Paiva, Leblon. Rio also has plenty of good bookstores, many with pleasant cafés. One of the best is Livraria da Travessa, with branches at Travessa do Ouvidor 11A, Centro, Avenida Rio Branco 44, Centro, and Rua Visconde de Pirajá 462A, Ipanema. Jewelry shops H Stern and Amsterdam Sauer have branches throughout the city, as well as outlets in most of the upmarket hotels, selling intricate and elegant silver, pearl and gemstone designs.
Shopping hours
Shops in Rio are usually open Monday to Friday 0900-1900 and Saturday 0900-1300, although hours vary according to the location and type of business. Shopping centers are generally open daily 1000-2200, although some have more limited opening hours on Sundays.
Tax information
ICMS (sales tax) in Rio's shops is 18%. There is no tax refund scheme in Brazil.
