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The real is weaker, but still offers good value for purchases in Paraguay

Marco Três newsroom · edited by Annie GrellmannPortuguêsEspañol

With the real yielding less, the exchange rate of R$ 5.20 per US$ 1 makes Paraguay still a good shopping option for those crossing the border.

The real is weaker, but still offers good value for purchases in Paraguay
Foto: Cmasi / Wikimedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

The official dollar exchange rate is R$ 5.20, the highest in our 137-day series, indicating a moment of weakness for the real. 1 R$ buys 1.126 guaraníes, while 1 R$ buys 292 Argentine pesos. So, if you take R$ 100 to Ciudad del Este, you will have 112.60 guaraníes or 29.20 Argentine pesos, but if you exchange to dollars, each dollar is worth 5.20 reais.

For those planning to shop in Paraguay, the real still offers good purchasing power: US$ 1.00 equals 5.20 reais, allowing you to buy more per dollar than in periods of a stronger exchange rate. US$ 1.00 buys 1.126 guaraníes, so US$ 100 purchases 112.60 guaraníes.

What this means for you: If you intend to take advantage of the stores in Ciudad del Este, you can exchange your real to dollars before crossing or use the official rate on site. R$ 100 gives 112.60 guaraníes, but exchanging R$ 100 for dollars (≈US$ 19.23) and then buying guaraníes yields 216.66 guaraníes, almost double. Therefore, it’s worth evaluating the best way to exchange before you leave.

What this means for you: If you intend to take advantage of the stores in Ciudad del Este, you can exchange your real to dollars before crossing or use the official rate on site. R$ 100 gives 112.60 guaraníes, but exchanging R$ 100 for dollars (≈US$ 19.23) and then buying guaraníes yields 216.66 guaraníes, almost double. Therefore, it’s worth evaluating the best way to exchange before you leave.

Read also: Paraguay shopping allowance: US$ 500 and Receita rules

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to exchange money before crossing the border?
You can exchange reais for dollars at a bank or exchange house before crossing, or use the official rate on site. Exchanging to dollars and then buying guaraníes usually provides more value.
Does the real still have strong buying power in Paraguay?
Yes, with the rate of R$ 5.20 per US$ 1, the real still offers good purchasing power, especially if you exchange to dollars before arriving.

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