economia · · Updated on
Buying a phone or iPhone in Paraguay: is it worth it?
Marco Três newsroom · edited by Annie GrellmannUpdated on
Price, customs allowance and tips to avoid traps in Ciudad del Este
Phones in Ciudad del Este are often cheaper, but they count toward the allowance and have rules. Here's how to buy safely.
Quick answer: Yes, you can buy a phone or iPhone in Ciudad del Este cheaper than in Brazil, but it counts toward the US$ 500 per-person allowance (by land, the Friendship Bridge, once every 30 days). Above that, the excess is taxed 50%, declared via Brazil's e-DBV (Receita Federal). Buy at a trusted store, ask for a receipt and check it's genuine and unlocked.
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. The excess is taxed 50%, declared via the e-DBV.
Where to buy safely
Choose established stores (Shopping China and others). Ask for a receipt, confirm it's genuine, unlocked and under warranty. Compare the final price with Brazil's, including any tax.
Live data: check the current exchange rate at the real's purchasing power.
Source: Receita Federal. Check current rules before traveling.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the iPhone in Paraguay genuine?
- At trusted stores, yes. Demand a receipt, check the seal and test that it's unlocked before paying.
- Does a phone count toward the allowance?
- Yes. Electronics count toward the US$ 500 per-person land allowance, once every 30 days.
- Do I need to declare it?
- If you exceed the allowance, yes: via e-DBV, with 50% tax on the excess.
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Content verified by the newsroom based on an official source: Receita Federal. Last checked: 6/20/2026. Found something inaccurate? We fix it fast. How we work.
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