Shopping in Paraguay is a guaranteed commitment for any tourist visiting the border. But before crossing the Friendship Bridge, it's worth paying attention to some tips.
The first one is about the quota; tourists can buy up to 300 dollars and before leaving Paraguay they need to complete the DBA (Accompanied Baggage Declaration) to continue their journey smoothly.
When walking through the streets of Ciudad Del Este, it's a good idea to keep an eye out for street vendors. Although attractive for their prices, they often sell counterfeit products; different from big stores, which charge a little more, but work with original merchandise.
Another tip is to always bring dollars, as product prices are set based on the North American currency. Another precaution to be observed is to test the chosen product before closing a deal. After all, an eventual exchange is practically impossible for those who live far from Foz.
The operation of stores in Paraguay is also different: Most open at 7 am (Brazilian time) and close at 16 or 17 pm. Only one shopping mall is open daily until 22 pm. On Sundays some stores are open normally.
