Shopping in Orlando: how much it is (or isn’t) worth it

In times of dollars at R$5, tips for finding the best prices in supermarkets, outlets and electronics stores

Even though the dollar is still at a high level (on the day this article was published, 1 US dollar was equivalent to R$4.95), it is still worth shopping in Orlando .

The lower incidence of taxes and attractive promotions in outlets and shopping centers, as well as the combination with theme parks, continue to attract many Brazilians to the city every year.

Even so, when it comes to saving money you need to know how to separate the wheat from the chaff. Some products have values ​​similar to those of Brazil, while others have a drastic difference ( spoilers : mainly electronic). It’s also worth keeping an eye out for products and brands that you can only find in the United States.

Next, I’ll tell you what was worth buying Orlando when I was there in January 2024:

Supermarkets

In supermarket chains Target AND Walmart, much more is sold than just food and drinks. There are shelves and more shelves of cosmetics, decorative items and stationery, as well as an entire clothing and footwear section divided into men’s, women’s and children’s.

The fun is in the products that don’t exist in Brazil. The chocolate shelves display a variety that would drive anyone crazy: it’s worth buying the packages with assorted miniature labels, which make a nice souvenir and cost between $8 and $14.

It is also in supermarkets that you will find cosmetics with the best quality-price ratio. Brands like Maybelline, L’Oreal and Elf have products at good prices compared to prices in Brazil. My discovery was Maybelline’s Tattoo Studio eyeliner, which cost US$8.99 (around R$45). In Brazil it costs around R$70.

Take advantage of your time at the supermarket to buy snacks, fruit and other snacks to take to the parks, where food tends to be expensive.

Stores

The two main outlets Orlando they are the Vineland Premium Outlets and the International Drive Premium Outlets , which are about twenty minutes drive from each other. The two malls are quite similar to each other, with several recurring stores, such as Gap, Polo Ralph Lauren and The North Face.

The main difference is that the International guide it’s a little bigger than Vigneland and there are some other shops. Only the International guidefor example, has a Vittoria’s secrets, where I found other great souvenir options. There are a multitude of creams, lotions and perfumes sold at good prices when purchased in quantity. Five body moisturizers cost 40 dollars (which is equivalent to about R$200). In Brazil, each unit costs no less than R$90.

Before you go shopping, an important tip is to download the app SIMON: Shopping centers, shopping centers and outlets (available for iOS and Android), valid for both sockets. Through it it is possible to register for free in the VIP Club to have access to some exclusive discount coupons, as well as see the store map, a useful tool when you want to be more objective in shopping, instead of wandering aimlessly admiring the shop windows.

Even when it comes to outlets, not everything is worth it. You need to have a little patience to find the shops and products with the best promotions. The ideal is to dedicate at least half a day to each of them. If you opt for just one, keep an eye on the outlet’s app or website: stores publish current promotions and the duration of each one. This way you will already have an idea of ​​which outlet is worth more.

I visited both outlets, but the promotions a Vigneland they were significantly better on the day of my visit. At Kate Spade, for example, I was able to purchase a bag with a 90% discount (yes, 90%!). At The Cosmetics Store I spent 8 dollars (about 40 dollars) for a Clinique cream which in Brazil would cost about 125 R$.

Electronics stores

It’s no use: Even with the high dollar, electronic devices (especially Apple ones) are still worth buying. WE. An iPhone 15, for example, costs 799 dollars (the equivalent of approximately R$ 4,200). In official Apple Stores in Brazil, the same model costs R$7,100.

Orlando’s two main shopping malls, the Mall at Millenia and the Florida Mall , have official Apple stores. But there are usually queues to enter both units.

If you want faster, more personalized service, one option is to buy electronics at Best Buy, which sells all kinds of equipment, from cell phone chargers and accessories to giant TVs. Out of pure curiosity I spent a lot of time admiring household appliances, such as latest generation blenders, blenders and vacuum cleaners.

Best Buy prices are similar to those charged in official Apple stores. When I was there, in the Orange Blossom Street unit (near the Florida Mall), several attendants could speak Portuguese and spent a lot of time with us to help us make the best purchasing choice.

I wasn’t so thrilled, but my father took the opportunity to change computers: the Macbook Air cost only $749.99 (about R$3,700). In Brazil you pay at least R$6,000 for the same model. And bonus: the store was very empty!

Disney Stores

Stores with official Disney products are everywhere Orlando. Those located inside the parks are the most expensive, but also those with the greatest offer and variety.

In the shopping and restaurant complex Disney Springs, World of Disney is gigantic and, despite this, I was disappointed: I wanted to buy a refrigerator magnet and, strangely, the store didn’t have any. The unit is more designed for kids, with toys, costumes, and ear bands (which, by the way, don’t cost less than $25).

Another option is that The Disney character warehouseto the Drive Premium international sales points. As it is an outlet, prices tend to be lower than those of the shops within the complex and some products come from old collections. The problem is that there is a very long queue to enter the shop: I didn’t have the courage to face it, but all the customers left with full bags.

It is worth mentioning that soft toys, toys, costumes, T-shirts and even refrigerator magnets with the characters can be found in abundance in supermarkets such as Walmart and Target. Even though most of these products are not officially from Disney, they are licensed and of good quality, as well as being much more affordable.

Bonus Tip: Tax Free Period in Florida

At certain times of the year, some states of the WE determine a tax exemption period for specific product categories. Generally this happens in the period of the year before returning to school, which in the northern hemisphere corresponds to the months of August and September.

For the first time, the Florida has established a second tax exemption period between 1 and 14 January 2024, a very convenient date for Brazilians, since it corresponds to the school holidays in Brazil. The articles covered were:

• Clothing, footwear and certain accessories valued at up to US$100 per item;

• Some school supplies valued up to $50 per item;

• Educational equipment and games valued at up to $30 per item;

• Personal computers and certain electronic accessories valued up to $1,500 per item (if purchased for personal or household use).

Unlike Brazil, we WE The value you see on a product label is not the price you will pay at the end of the purchase. This is because the tax, called sales taxis added at checkout, which can lead to unpleasant surprises.

The tax paid varies from city to city. In case of Orlando, the value is equal to 6.5% of the value of the product. This makes shopping there more worthwhile than in other cities in the world. WE AS New York AND You love mewhich charge 8.87% and 7% respectively.

Therefore, pay attention to the periods tax free TO Florida and planning your trip accordingly is great advice for anyone setting out with the goal of buying.

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Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.