If you are in search of cheap electronics and are not afraid to use your elbows, visit Rua Santa Efigênia.

Its stores stock sound equipment to please even the most demanding of DJs and digital cameras to delight the pickiest of photographers—as not to mention a melee of computers, car stereos, home theaters, lighting equipment, mobiles phones, kitchen appliances, cables and adapters of all kinds… You name it, Rua Santa Efigênia has it.

The one catch is the slightly sketchy nature of these establishments: some of the street vendors do not sell, ahem, strictly legal goods, so you might find yourself wrestling with your conscience before doling out the cash. If you don’t get a receipt, you won’t have a leg to stand on if that technological-dream-come-true goes kaput the first time you turn it on. And hang on to your wallet—yes, it’s that kind of place…