The ‘Surreal’
The prices of goods and services in Rio are undeniably high. It doesn’t matter whether you’re eating in a restaurant, buying clothes or looking to rent an apartment – the prices are often wince-inducing. And when prices are high enough to make rich holidaymakers and expats gasp, imagine how the locals must feel.
Last year’s protests were a graphic illustration of just how sensitive Brazilians are to these high prices – many people have been pushed to the limit of what they can afford, yet feel that the standards of these goods and services are not good enough. In short, they’re not getting value for money.
Factor in further issues such as inflation (currently around 6%), overspend on the ‘megaprojects’ (World Cup and Olympics) and gentrification of what were traditionally the cheaper parts of town and you get an idea of why there is a general feeling of frustration among many Rio residents.
Well, hard times drive change and it seems that all this dissatisfaction has given birth to an alternative currency. No, not the Bitcoin. Meet the $urreal!
