It doesn't make any "cents"!

When I was here six years ago, coins were in shortage especially cents. They didn't have enough cents to go around. Quite often the cents had to be round off.

This year, I don't see any cents. But prices are still quoted in cents in supermarkets.

Prices quotes in goods and services are tax included. When I ask my friends here, they have no idea how much exactly are the taxes. Apparently there are different tax rates. I was told the tule of thumb is about 18%(I'm not sure if this is true since my friends haven't a clue.)

Here is a website explains about the hidden taxes http://www.brazil-help.com/taxes.htm.