If you are planning to travel to Foz do Iguaçu, you have probably already asked yourself which shopping option is best: Duty Free Argentina or Paraguay?
O Hotel Tarobá You want your stay in Foz to be as comfortable as possible for you in every way!
So, with that in mind, in this post we have gathered the information you need to choose your shopping destination in the triple border!
Remembering that, for now, due to the pandemic, Duty Free is closed. But don't be discouraged, compare the pros and cons of each border and, who knows, return to Foz do Iguaçu when all this is over!
What is it like to cross the border with Argentina and Paraguay?
First of all, it is important to know how you and your family will cross into the neighboring country. Argentina and Paraguay have different requirements when crossing the border, so be careful!
Argentina
Argentina is more rigorous in its processes than Paraguay, but, to avoid inconvenience during the tour, it is important to strictly follow the laws of the neighboring country.
Remember to carry the following with you documents when crossing the border with Argentina:
- Current ID or driver's license (preferably the RG);
- Green Card if you choose to cross by your own or rented car;
- Minors must be accompanied by both legal guardians; in the case of only one guardian or none, a notarized authorization must be presented.
What is the green card?
It is mandatory insurance for all vehicles that want to travel internationally between Mercosur countries.
The purpose of this insurance is to cover damages caused to third parties.
Coverage includes material and bodily damage, legal costs and up to 50% of the insured's lawyer's fee. However, the insurance is not activated if the driver:
- Be under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- Not qualified;
- Vehicle driven by third parties (theft or theft);
- Participating in a race.
If you have your own/rented car in Argentine territory without a Green Card, you may receive a fine and have to return to Brazil at the same time due to irregular documentation.
And how much does it cost to get a Green Card?
- 3 days – approximately R$90,00
- 5 days – approximately R$130,00
- 7 days – approximately R150,00
- It is necessary to consult the values for more days.
Can you cross with just your driver's license?
Yes, but your tour will be limited.
The Brazilian driver's license is accepted, however, only for 72 hours and within a 50km radius of customs
The inspection at Argentine customs is thorough, so make a list of the necessary documents before heading to Puerto Iguazú because, if you forget them, you and your family will be denied entry due to document irregularities and will have to return. hotel in Foz.
Paraguay
The Paraguayan border is a little more flexible when compared to Argentina and even Brazil, but even so, it is necessary to respect the country's rules to avoid complications.
The documents required to cross the bridge between Brazil and Paraguay are:
- Current ID or driver's license;
- Green Card if you go beyond Ciudad del Leste with your own or rented car;
- Minors must be accompanied by at least one legal guardian.
Now you know what documents to take when crossing Brazilian borders. Continue reading for more relevant information to make the best choice for family purchases: Duty Free Argentina or Paraguay?
What are the forms of payment?
If you are going to one of the neighboring countries to make purchases, you will want to know the accepted payment methods so you don't end up being surprised at the checkout.
See, in an uncomplicated way, which payment methods are accepted in Duty Free and in Paraguay!
Duty Free Argentina
- International credit cards: VISA / MASTERCARD / DINERS / AMEX
- Debit cards: VISA ELECTRON / MAESTRO
- Money: United States Dollar (USD), Argentine Peso (ARS), Real (BRL).
Duty Free Paraguay
In Paraguay, the accepted currencies are the Real (BRL), the United States Dollar (USD) or the Guarani (PYG). It is also possible to pay with international debit cards or credit cards, but not all stores accept them.
Will I spend more paying with my debit/credit card?
For both purchases in Paraguay and Argentina, if paid on cards, both credit and debit, the Brazilian government charges the IOF (tax on financial operations) of 6,38%.
To clarify, the big difference between buying with a card in Duty Free Argentina or in Paraguay is that in Paraguay stores normally charge an 8% fee.
It is also important to check the exchange rate of the dollar in relation to the guarani or the Argentine peso, since the invoice is closed in the currency corresponding to the country of purchase.
In short, whether or not you save money by paying cash is relative. It is necessary to analyze the variants presented above.
What is worth buying?
In reality, it's difficult to say which of the two is more worthwhile, after all, it depends on what you intend to buy.
In Paraguay, tourists often look for electronic products such as cell phones, notebooks, cameras, and video games.
Now at Duty Free Argentina, as the price of electronics is not that much lower than in Brazil, the greatest demand is for perfumes, makeup, alcoholic drinks and chocolates.
WHAT IS THE PURCHASE LIMIT ON DUTY FREE AND IN PARAGUAY?
Currently the limit for those returning by land, most cases of those who come to Foz and go shopping in neighboring countries, is US$500 (five hundred dollars) per person.
It is important to remember that the quota is granted once every 30 days and it does not matter in which of the two countries it was used.
Therefore, if you go to Paraguay and spend US$500 and then go to Argentina, everything purchased may be taxed.
If the value is exceeded, a tax will be applied. 50% on top of the quota.
For example, if your purchase totaled US$650, the tax applied will be 50% of US$150, that is, US$75.
Can I divide the value of the product between more than one person to obtain the tax exemption quota?
NO! The right to this quota is non-transferable.
In other words, if you bought a cell phone costing US$900, for example, and you are accompanied by someone who did not buy anything, it is prohibited to add the shares (US$500 + US$500) to exempt yourself from the tax.
In this case, you will pay 50% of US$400 (the amount that exceeded the quota).
There is also a limit on the quantity of certain products you can bring so that it is not characterized as commerce. Stay tuned:
- 12 liters of alcoholic beverage;
- 10 cigarette packs with 20 cigarettes each;
- 25 cigar units;
- 250g of tobacco.
CONCLUSION | DUTY FREE ARGENTINA OR PARAGUAY
In short, buy from Duty Free Argentina or Paraguay They are different experiences!
In fact, the ideal is to travel to Foz with enough time to check out Duty Free and still be able to take a stroll around Paraguay.
This way, you make the most of the best that each one can offer!
To make your visit even more comfortable, with Combo Iguassu you have transport packages for both your purchases in Paraguay and for Duty Free!
Have you ever shopped in the triple border? If so, comment your experience!
