Many people who come from abroad have no idea what the Friendship Bridge border is like, or the interior of Ciudad Del Este in Paraguay.
If you are one of these people and are worried about what you will face at the border, don't worry! You will come to the Ciudad Del Este shopping center better prepared after reading our review!
But after all, is Paraguay so different from Brazil when it comes to traffic?
Asking this question, and to give you an idea of what traffic is like in Paraguay, we are going to list some topics for you to better understand this topic!
Documentation and traffic rules:
First of all, an essential factor for you to be able to enter the country is adequate documentation!
And remember: this doesn't just apply to drivers, but also to other passengers and people who go with you to Ciudad Del Este, as not carrying documents can cause serious problems for you and your company, even if no one from the inspection stop at customs or ask for documentation, at the exchange area, having documents with you is essential!
Documents (ORIGINAL) required for Brazilians to enter the country:
• Identity Card (RG), updated after at least 10 years of issuance.
• Or passport
• If you are with children, bring all identification documentation and signed authorization from both legal guardians.
Do I need a passport to enter Paraguay?
No, but as it is an identification document, the passport can be very useful if you prefer to present it instead of your ID, and if you want to sign your entry stamp into Paraguay (this is optional and not mandatory) you will need it. Just like the visa, this is not a mandatory document.
If you want to enter the country with your own vehicle, you must have:
• Mercosul registration: Green Card
• National Driving License (updated CNH)
• The car must comply with common safety standards, such as having a fire extinguisher, two warning triangles, a reflective vest, etc.
• If the car belongs to someone else: authorization must be signed at a notary's office with complete information about the owner, the car and the driver.
Respect all traffic regulations in the country, if necessary consult local laws in advance.
Just like in Brazil, these are the most basic laws to respect:
• Wear seat belts.
• Drivers: Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
• Drive with appropriate footwear.
• Be careful with advances in curves, bridges and continuous fringes.
• Do not exceed the permitted speed.
• Be careful when reversing, double lanes, oncoming traffic.
Just as we take care not to be punished for imprudence in Brazil, the same care must be taken in Paraguay, fines are a common consequence for those who commit infractions both in Ciudad Del Este and in our country.
However, the methods of paying fines are different, in the case of Paraguay for foreigners it is resolved with the National Secretary of Tourism of Asunción through presentation at the Caminera Police Station (Road Police), for more details on these procedures you must consult a official website of Eco Iguassu or the country itself!
In reality, what is the traffic like in Paraguay?
For those of us who live not far from the border, we know what it feels like to go through Ciudad Del Este.
To get an idea of what the traffic is like in Paraguay, when walking or driving there you must be very careful, as in that shopping center you don't have much control over the traffic flow chart, there you will see cars, motorbikes and vans running all the time in various directions through the streets, this often gives the city a messy personality, with great visual and noise pollution from traffic, and actually on busy days this is quite common.
Be careful when crossing the streets, especially if you are with children, even in stores, be very careful not to lose each other, or suffer an accident due to inattention.
What is the inspection like at Ponte da Amizade?
Despite being simple, the country's inspection can catch those who break the rules of traffic in Paraguay.
To enter Ciudad Del Este you can use a car, motorbike, public transport, tourist transport or on foot.
There are not many stops at the customs police, that is, due to the high flow of people passing through there, it is unlikely that you will be stopped by a Federal Revenue officer.
But if so, presenting your updated documents is the only solution to avoid problems at the border, in addition to monitoring what you transport into or out of the country is also important, in addition to monitoring the maximum quota or exemption limit (referring to to taxes charged) that you may have.
Currently (July 2019) the maximum quota value is US$300,00 maximum.
To better understand the quota, access this post where we explain everything about shopping in Paraguay and the quota allowed per person.
It is also important to remember that you must have a note of everything you buy in Paraguay, as mentioned above, if you are stopped you will be required to provide the purchase notes and fill out the Accompanied Baggage Declaration or DBA.
Today at Ponte da Amizade there is a stronger system of facial identification cameras and license plate cameras, to find various irregularities that may try to enter the country.
Are there any risks when traveling by car to Ciudad Del Este?
As usual, many people do not feel safe traveling by car into Ciudad Del Este, the reason for this is the reports of thefts and vehicle thefts in the city, not least, a lot of care must be taken if you are going to cross the border.
Or if you want to go beyond Ciudad Del Este and actually enter the country, you need to know what the traffic is like in Paraguay, in addition to being extra careful, unfortunately cases of extortion and corruption in the country make many people give up traveling by car in the center of Paraguay. country and opt for Paraguayan transport even to Asunción.
Should I rent a car across the border?
Knowing the risks and what the traffic is like in Paraguay; We rarely, or don't even see, car rental companies in Foz that authorize the entry of rented vehicles into Paraguay, perhaps in other ways you can get a car to cross the Bridge, but you will have to consult the regulations and prices charged extra for this route .
An alternative way to cross the Bridge:
One of the viable options that many Brazilians have to avoid crossing the Bridge with their own vehicle is to go to the entrance to the Bridge, in Foz do Iguaçu, and find a safe parking lot to leave the car.
Paying by the day or by the hour, some parking lots ensure that you can leave the vehicle to walk to the Friendship Bridge, after crossing it on foot or by hiring a short transport service, you can get to Ciudad Del Este, the process This is repeated on the way back, where from the parking lot you can pick up your vehicle and leave.
Fueling up in Paraguay, is it worth it?
Knowing Paraguayan fuel, we know that the price is cheaper than in Brazil, as well as being “purer” or “stronger” than Brazilian fuel, without any added alcohol. But remember, a sudden change of fuel can reduce performance and strength depending on the vehicle.
If it's convenient for you, look for stations within Ciudad Del Este and test a supply, but it's only worth it when the supply there is cheaper than in Brazil, due to the cost and benefit.
Combo Iguassu transport:
Needing to go to the border without experiencing stress? Hire our transport services Combo Iguassu Agency And don't limit the places you and your family can go, with our travel destinations you will have many more options!
Once you understand a little about traffic in Paraguay, you can consider us as a very viable option for getting around the city!
Or visit the website, where we already explained because Combo Iguassu is the best tourist transport!
Check the website to see prices for transport to Ponte da Amizade and more!
Accommodation is at Hotel Tarobá!
Come to Foz do Iguaçu, discover the thousands of tourist attractions in the city and region! Staying in the best hotel in the center of Foz, in Hotel Tarobá In the best location, your stay in Foz do Iguaçu will be memorable and incredible!
