Ciudad del Este is a Paraguayan shopping city facing Foz do Iguaçu across the Friendship Bridge. People cross mainly for electronics, perfume and drinks. Whether it is worth your morning depends on what you want, the exchange rate that day and what your own customs rules let you take home.
Is it worth going
For shoppers from Brazil and Argentina the trip is routine. For a visitor from further away the answer is less clear. A warranty may not apply in your country, plugs and voltage may differ, and you still have to carry the goods through one or two more borders and onto a flight. Many travellers go once, out of curiosity, and buy something small. If you have little time at the falls, you lose nothing by skipping it.
What people buy
- Phones, laptops, cameras, game consoles and headphones.
- Perfume and cosmetics.
- Imported drinks.
- Clothing and sports shoes.
- Fishing and camping gear.
- Toys.
Where to buy
The shops near the bridge are of three kinds. Large department stores and shopping centres show fixed prices, give a receipt and usually offer a warranty. Galleries hold many small shops, with more choice and more bargaining. Street stalls carry the highest risk of counterfeit goods. For electronics and perfume, use an established store.
Before you pay
- Know the exact model you want and what it costs at home.
- Ask for a receipt that describes the item, and keep it.
- Check that the box is sealed and test the device in the shop.
- Ask whether the warranty is valid in your country.
- Check voltage, plug type and whether a phone works on your network.
- Be wary of a price far below the others.
Many shops show prices in US dollars and take other currencies at their own rate. Ask about any card surcharge first. For cash, see where to exchange guaraníes and reais.
Customs on the way back
Every country you enter afterwards has its own allowance for goods in your luggage, and so does your home country. The figures change, so we do not print them. Our guide to customs allowances explains how the rules work and who sets them.
Getting there
Go early. Trade starts in the morning and winds down in the afternoon. The bridge is often congested, and many people walk across. From Puerto Iguazú the usual road goes through Brazil, which means two border crossings and the entry rules of two more countries. Check those rules for your nationality with each country’s migration authority.
Buses, taxis, guided tours and private transfers with waiting time all make the trip. With us, whether the route is available and on what conditions is confirmed when you book.