economia ·
How much cash can I bring into Argentina and Paraguay?
Marco Três newsroom · edited by Annie Grellmann
US$10,000 is the limit — and why it isn't the US$500 allowance
You can cross the border at Foz do Iguaçu with up to US$10,000 in cash (or the equivalent in reais, guaraníes or pesos) without declaring — either direction, per person. Above that, declaring is mandatory: e-DBV in Brazil, Customs in Argentina and Paraguay. It's a different rule from the US$500 purchase allowance.
Quick answer: you can cross the border at Foz do Iguaçu carrying up to US$10,000 (or the equivalent in reais, guaraníes or pesos) in cash without declaring it. Above that, declaring is mandatory: in Brazil via the e-DBV, in Argentina on the customs form, in Paraguay at Customs. This is not the US$500 purchase allowance — they are different rules.
US$10,000 is the limit — either direction, per person
The limit applies to leaving and entering Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, and counts per person. All cash currencies are added together: if the total exceeds the equivalent of US$10,000, you must declare it. At today's exchange rate, US$10,000 is around R$51,000 — check the exact figure on the real's purchasing power.
Don't confuse it with the US$500 allowance
This is the most common mistake. They are two rules that don't mix:
| Cash | Purchase allowance | |
|---|---|---|
| Limit | US$10,000 (declare above) | US$500 by land (exempt up to) |
| What it covers | the money you carry | the goods you buy |
| When you exceed it | mandatory declaration | 50% tax on the excess |
Carrying US$3,000 in cash to shop in Paraguay pays no tax — money isn't merchandise. The 50% tax falls on purchases above US$500. See the allowance guide →
How to declare (when you exceed US$10,000)
- Brazil: fill out the e-DBV at edbv.receita.fazenda.gov.br before crossing and present it to the Federal Revenue Service.
- Argentina: declaration at Customs (form OM-2249A). For , the limit is US$5,000.
Frequently asked questions
- How much cash can I take to Paraguay or Argentina without declaring?
- Up to US$10,000 (or the equivalent in reais, guaraníes or pesos) per person, both ways. Above that, you must declare it.
- Does cash count toward the US$500 allowance?
- No. The US$500 allowance is for purchased goods. Cash you carry follows a different rule: the limit is US$10,000, and exceeding it requires a declaration, not tax.
- How do I declare more than US$10,000 when leaving Brazil?
- Through the e-DBV, at edbv.receita.fazenda.gov.br, presented to the Federal Revenue Service when crossing.
- What is the limit for children in Argentina?
- For under-16s, the limit in Argentina is US$5,000.
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Content verified by the newsroom based on an official source: Receita Federal · Aduanas (AR/PY). Last checked: 7/1/2026. Found something inaccurate? We fix it fast. How we work.
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