economia · · Updated on
Real up in Argentina, down in Paraguay: what it means for shoppers
Marco Três newsroom · edited by Annie GrellmannUpdated on
The real appreciated 3.1% in Argentina and depreciated 1.5% in Paraguay between June 15 and July 16, 2026.
Between June 15 and July 16, 2026, the purchasing power of the real increased 3.1% against the Argentine peso, while it fell 1.5% against the Paraguayan guaraní. In simple terms, real is the Brazilian currency; Argentine peso and guaraní are the currencies of Argentina and Paraguay, respectively. This variation indicates that, for those crossing the border, Brazilian money buys more in Argentina and less in Paraguay.
The dollar exchange rate (R$ 5,08) stayed in the mid-range of the 60-day series, meaning it was neither at a peak nor at a trough. The dollar serves as a reference to compare local currencies, but the change in the real-peso and real-guaraní pairs reflects the dynamics of each economy.
For anyone planning to shop in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, or Puerto Iguazú, Argentina, the real’s appreciation in Argentina may allow you to carry less cash or use fewer cards to purchase the same amount of goods. In Paraguay, the depreciation suggests it’s worth bringing a bit more in reais or considering the use of dollars, which tend to be accepted more consistently.
What this means for you: if your goal is to buy electronics or crafts in Ciudad del Este, plan to bring about 5% more reais than you normally would; if you intend to purchase wines or art in Argentina, you can reduce the cash amount by up to 3% because the real is stronger.
Read also: How much cash can I bring to Argentina and Paraguay?
Frequently asked questions
- How does the real’s appreciation in Argentina affect the amount of money I should bring?
- With the real 3.1% stronger, you can bring fewer reais to buy the same amount in pesos, reducing the cash you carry by roughly 3%.
- Should I bring more money to Paraguay because the real is depreciating?
- Yes, the 1.5% drop means the real buys fewer guaranís, so it’s prudent to bring about 5% more cash or use dollars to compensate.
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