Buying a phone or iPhone in Paraguay: is it worth it?

Quick answer: Yes, phones and iPhones are usually cheaper in Ciudad del Este, but they count toward the US$500 per-person allowance for land crossings, usable once every 30 days. Anything above that is taxed 50% on the excess, declared through Brazil's e-DBV. Two versions circulate there: the Chinese (model A), cheaper with two physical SIM slots, and the American (LL), pricier and eSIM-only on newer models. Apple honours the one-year warranty in Brazil at authorised service providers, but the model normally has to match one certified by Anatel.

Does it count toward the allowance?

Yes. Electronics, phones and iPhones included, count toward the US$500 per-person land allowance, usable once every 30 days across all land borders combined — not per country.

The excess is taxed 50%, declared through the e-DBV on the Receita Federal site before you reach inspection. Declaring yourself is very different from being caught: the second case brings fines and the risk of losing the device. See how the allowance works.

Chinese (A) versus American (LL)

The suffix shows in the model number, on the box and under Settings → General → About. Check it before you pay.

The warranty question

Two extreme claims circulate, and both are wrong.

"There is no warranty in Brazil" — Brazilian retailers say this, and it is not true. Apple services devices bought abroad at authorised providers, and the check is done by serial number: you usually do not need the original receipt.

"The warranty works exactly the same" — also not true. In practice, service normally requires the model to match one certified by Anatel, Brazil's telecoms regulator. A device outside that standard can be refused, and the Chinese version is the one that most often falls into that situation.

In practice: if warranty matters most to you, the American (LL) version is the safer bet. If price and two physical SIM slots matter more, the Chinese one delivers that — with the risk attached.

Buying safely

• Choose established stores (Shopping China, Del Este and similar), not street stalls
• Ask for a receipt — without it, customs decides the value
• Confirm the phone is genuine, unlocked and under warranty
• Compare the final price including any tax you would owe above the allowance

Before you go

See what is worth buying in Ciudad del Este, which documents you need and the bridge queue now.

Sources: Apple (one-year limited warranty) · Receita Federal (traveller allowance) · Anatel (certification) · checked 10 September 2026