iPhone in Paraguay: Chinese vs American version, avoid mistakes

Direct answer: In Paraguay there are two iPhone versions. The Chinese (model A) is usually cheaper and has two physical SIMs (real dual-SIM). The American (LL) is more expensive and, on newer models, works only with eSIM. Apple’s 1-year warranty is honored in Brazil at authorized service centers, but the deciding factor is Anatel approval: the standard is for service to require that the device matches a model approved in Brazil, and that’s where the Chinese version may cause trouble.

The difference between the two versions is what most confuses buyers in Ciudad del Este, because the seller talks about “model A” and “model LL” as if it were a technical detail. It isn’t: it changes price, changes the SIM setup, and can change the warranty.

Chinese (A) × American (LL)

The suffix appears in the model number, on the box, and in Settings → General → About. Check before you pay, not after.

The warranty: what’s true and what’s exaggerated

Two extreme versions circulate, and both are mischaracterized.

“There is no warranty in Brazil”, Brazilian stores repeat this, but it’s false. Apple services devices bought abroad at authorized centers, and verification is done by the serial number: you usually don’t need to show the receipt.

“The warranty is the same, you can buy any model”, also false. In practice, service requires that the device correspond to a model approved by Anatel. A device outside that standard may have service denied, and the Chinese version is the one that most often falls into that situation.

Practical conclusion: if warranty is your priority, the American (LL) version is the safest bet. If price and two physical SIMs matter more, the Chinese version provides that, knowing the risk.

Other factors that decide the purchase

• Allowance: a phone and iPhone count toward the US$ 500 personal allowance, once every 30 days, when returning by land. Anything over that pays 50% on the excess, declared in the e-DBV. See how the allowance works.
• Invoice: always ask for one. Without it, customs officials determine the value.
• Unlocked: confirm it is not carrier-locked.
• Compare the final price, already adding the tax you would pay if you exceed the allowance. Sometimes the difference disappears.
• Established store: Shopping China, Del Este and similar have counters and responsibility; a sidewalk stall does not.

Before you go

Check what’s worth buying in Ciudad del Este, which documents to bring and the current bridge queue.

Source: Apple (1-year limited warranty) · Brazilian Federal Revenue (traveler allowance) · Anatel (approval) · verified on 10/09/2026