Ciudad del Este, in Paraguay, is a shopping city that draws buyers from Brazil and Argentina all year. During its sale campaigns, above all its own Black Friday towards the end of November, the crowds grow and so do the queues on the bridge. Visitors staying near Iguazú Falls often ask whether the side trip is worth it on those days.
What the sales are
The city’s shops run their own Black Friday and other clearance campaigns during the year. Dates, participating shops and conditions change with every edition. Confirm them on the organisers’ official channels.
Shops open early and close in the afternoon. Prices are usually shown in US dollars and several currencies are accepted, at a rate each shop sets.
The crossing on a busy day
The city stands opposite Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil, across the Friendship Bridge. From Puerto Iguazú in Argentina the usual road route goes through Brazil, which means two border crossings each way.
- On sale days the bridge is congested in both directions, and many people walk across.
- Nobody can promise a crossing time.
- Every passenger carries their own valid travel document. Which one is accepted depends on nationality, so check with each country’s migration authority.
How the bridge works is explained in our guide to the Friendship Bridge.
Customs on the way back
Each country lets you bring in purchases up to a duty-free limit and taxes anything above it. The limits change, so look them up before you shop and keep your receipts. See customs allowances and purchase limits.
For electronics, also check that the warranty and the specifications suit the country where you will use them.
Ways to go
- Local bus or motorcycle taxi. Low cost. Awkward with boxes.
- Taxi. Agree beforehand whether waiting is included.
- Shopping tour. Fixed times, in a group.
- Private transfer. One vehicle for your party, with room for what you buy. Whether the crossing is available, and on what conditions, is confirmed at booking. See Puerto Iguazú to Ciudad del Este and the shopping tour to Ciudad del Este.
Tips for the day
- Leave very early. Shops close in the afternoon and the return is slow.
- Take a list. Buy electronics in established shops and ask for a receipt.
- Estimate the volume of your boxes before choosing the vehicle.
- Do not combine the trip with a flight on the same day.