economia · · Updated on
How much cash can I bring into Argentina and Paraguay?
Marco Três newsroom · edited by Annie GrellmannUpdated on
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 under-16s, the limit is US$5,000.
- Paraguay: declaration to Customs (DNA) on entry and exit (Mercosur standard).
What if you don't declare?
Carrying more than US$10,000 is not a crime, declaring it is mandatory. Failing to declare can mean seizure of the excess, a fine, and, if concealment is attempted, charges of smuggling or money laundering. Declaring is simple and free.
Tip
For large amounts, prefer card or transfer and carry only what you need in cash. To see today's limit in reais, guaraníes or pesos, use Marco Três's live exchange rate.
Sources: Federal Revenue Service (Brazil), cash on entry/exit (e-DBV); AFIP/Argentine Customs, entry and exit of values; National Customs Directorate (Paraguay).
Live data: check bridge traffic now before crossing.
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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