Brazil offers excellent shopping opportunities, particularly for leather goods such as shoes, belts, purses, and wallets. Clothing is also very affordable and often of good quality. Styles follow the opposite seasonal calendar so those visiting Brazil in the Northern Hemisphere winter can stock up on an excellent summer wardrobe. Sizes follow the European numbering (36, 38, 40, and so on) or are marked P (pequeno = small), M (medio = medium), and G (grande = large); U stands for tamanho único (one size).
Everywhere in Brazil there are H. Stern and Amsterdam Sauer stores selling gemstones and jewelry. Brazil has a phenomenal variety of stones, and these stores are worth a visit as they offer the largest selection of top-quality stones and jewelry. Both have their flagship stores in Rio de Janeiro. CDs of Brazilian artists are best purchased in the large cities where prices are more competitive, ranging from R$12 (US$5) for certain promotional series to R$35 (US$15) for a full-priced CD. Illegal bootleg recordings of the same artists are widely sold at markets and street fairs. Regional crafts vary from woodcarvings to textiles to jewelry and leather products. Buying locally will guarantee the best selection and prices. Though it's not like Egypt or Southeast Asia, a little bit of haggling is acceptable, particularly with street vendors. Even in stores one can ask for a discount when buying more than one item or when paying cash. Shops will often advertise prices "a vista" -- this means cash purchases only, which can be 10% to 20% cheaper than when paying by credit card.
