Real loses 1.5% purchasing power in Paraguay: what travelers need to know

Between July 10 and August 10, 2026, the real yielded -1.5% less in guarani, meaning you need 1.5% more reais to buy the same amount of products as before. In the same period, the real rose +1.0% in Argentina, while the dollar was at R$ 5,09, an intermediate position in our 85-day series.

Purchasing power is the amount of goods or services your currency can acquire; when it falls, the currency loses value against the local currency. The dollar mentioned here is the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar in reais, used as a price reference at the border.

For those planning to shop in Ciudad del Este or other commercial areas in Paraguay, the real's depreciation means Brazilian money buys less. Since the real is still not accepted in all stores, the recommendation is to exchange part of the amount to guarani before crossing or use credit/debit cards that perform automatic conversion. The dollar, although at an intermediate level, is usually accepted in establishments that serve tourists, but the exchange rate may be less favorable than the guarani rate.

What this means for you:

• Bring a little more reais or exchange in advance to guarani, as you will need about 1.5% more to maintain the same purchasing power.
• Check where the real is accepted; most shops prefer guarani or dollars.
• Consult the guide "onde-trocar-dinheiro-real-aceito-fronteira" from Marco Três to find the best exchange points and the stores that accept the real before traveling.

Source: Marco Três

Read also: Where to exchange money at the border and where the real is accepted