I don’t share the usual expat complaints that everything in Brazil is expensive, bad, or impossible to find. In fact, the more Portuguese I learn, the less I feel that way. About 80% of our needs can be met through online shopping.
Here’s a list of the platforms I personally use and some others I know about.
As I discover more sites, I’ll keep adding them.
Where I Shop
When I need something, I check several platforms, because prices, delivery times, and stock can vary a lot. Sometimes it’s even cheaper to order from abroad, even with taxes included.
Mercado Livre. For me, it’s the most convenient platform in terms of delivery speed, service, and selection. We’ve bought everything there—from a pencil case for school to a washing machine. You just need to know how to search and choose delivery options carefully.
It’s best if the products are marked “Full” (you can filter by this). Then, above a certain order amount, delivery is free, and items are already in Mercado Livre warehouses—so they are picked and shipped very quickly. In Santos, São Paulo state, deliveries usually arrive the next day (sometimes even the same day after ordering; the estimated delivery date is shown during checkout). For example, one Friday Léo’s sneaker ripped, and by Monday he was already wearing new ones at school.
Sometimes it makes sense not to filter by Full, usually for items over 100 BRL—but make sure to check if they have the “frete grátis” tag. Often the price is lower than a Full item, though delivery may take longer. If a product says “Compra Internacional,” additional import fees apply. Delivery times are usually longer, so I often look for domestic alternatives.
Mercado Livre’s return system works very well. Support responds quickly and refunds money fast. If the item is marked “Devolução grátis,” you can return it within 30 days for any reason. You’ll need to pack the item (we use brown paper from previous orders or buy it at a stationery shop) and take it to the nearest pickup point, which can be a pet shop or office. The packing is the buyer’s responsibility.
This is useful when you’re unsure about the item. For instance, we needed a part for Léo’s skateboard but weren’t sure of the size. We ordered three, kept the correct one, and returned the rest.
There’s also a Supermercado option with free delivery above a certain amount. We use it for dog food, vitamins, household chemicals, long-lasting groceries, and decent black tea at a good price.
Aliexpress.Needs no introduction. Delivery to Brazil is often quick, usually 1–2 weeks, sometimes up to 3.
Drawbacks: import fees are added, and the price at checkout may differ from what’s listed. Occasionally, Brazilian customs mistakenly charge the fee twice, which can delay the item. In this case, you have 21 days to pay or request a return.
Another downside: if the item is wrong or defective, returns may be costly. For example, Léo once received pajamas in the wrong size. Returning them would have cost almost as much as the item itself. Once, a children’s cutlery set was missing a spoon—Aliexpress refunded us, no need to send anything back.
Even with taxes, sometimes it’s worth ordering from Aliexpress due to selection and availability.
Shein. Combines pros and cons of the previous platforms. Large selection, many items already in Brazil (“Nacional” delivery). For international delivery, discounts and coupons often compensate for customs fees.
Delivery times within Brazil are longer than Mercado Livre due to different logistics. Returns are similar: pack the item and take it to a post office. The online process is slightly slower and less convenient than Mercado Livre.
Once, our order got mixed up at the warehouse. The package listed the correct items, but inside were someone else’s. We had to report each item separately, but refunds were processed without sending items back. Now we have extra slippers at home, and Léo has a chain and bracelet set he loves but wouldn’t have picked himself.
Shopee. Convenient, but less than the others. Card payment often doesn’t work, so I use Pix. Delivery times can be inconsistent. Sometimes items located in São Paulo state take a week to arrive.
Sometimes cheaper than Mercado Livre, and certain items are only available here.
Other Stores
Marketplaces
- Amazon (works well, but may block new accounts)
- Magazine Luiza (once my order was canceled and refunded)
- Americanas (also has offline stores)
Pharmacies
Online prices are lower than in-store. Delivery to home or pickup location. Foreign cards often don’t work.
- Droga Raia
- Drogasil
- Drogaria São Paulo
- Pague Menos
- Ultrafarma
- Farmácia Nissei
- Farmácia Poupafarma
Cosmetics
- Beleza na Web
- Época Cosméticos (owned by Magazine Luiza)
- Sephora
- Florency
- Akai Cosmeticos
- + marketplaces
Home improvement
- Sodimac
- Leroy Merlin
- C&C Casa e Construção
- Obramax
- MadeiraMadeira
- Joli
- Telhanorte
- + marketplaces
Home goods
- Tok&Stok
- Mobly
- MadeiraMadeira
- Vestcasa
- + marketplaces
Overall, online shopping in Brazil makes life much easier. Most essentials, household items, and even school supplies can be ordered from the comfort of home, often faster and cheaper than going to a physical store.
It takes a little patience to compare platforms and delivery options, but once you get the hang of it, it’s hard to imagine living without it.
Tchau!