perhaps unique to rio de janeiro, on carioca beaches women can tan lying on a kanga, but men rarely do so - male beachgoers tend to stand up, swim, or sit on a portable chair rather than lying flat on the sand.

another important aspect of beach etiquette includes politeness to the vendors, who walk up and down the shore under the heat to bring many useful items to visitors and cariocas alike - negotiating the price is never ok, and when not interested in something a big smile and a 'obrigado' (thank you) will let the vendor feel appreciated for his or her service.

in 2012 the prefecture of rio de janeiro declared beach vendors as part of the cultural heritage of the city, further highlighting the importance and the contribution they make to carioca beach life.