case in point, it is not okay to walk inside buildings, stores or even hotels without a shirt on - furthermore, most buildings will require people to use the service elevator when wet, sandy, with a dog, skateboard, or bike.

footware is simple, on rio's sandy shores almost every single carioca will be found in havaianas, the world-famous brand of flip-flops - one will not find a woman wearing high-heels or a man wearing trainers, unless they are actually jogging or exercising - anything other than flip flops would lack pragmatism on the beach, a simple place for relaxed enjoyment.

the beach represents a place of liberty, free from conventional restraints and concerns, and most of all, free from judgment - cariocas will stride confidently along the sand and dive into the water with an impressive obliviousness and an endearing disregard for the opinions of others.