💰 Quick Context: The Paraguayan Guaraní
Paraguay uses the Paraguayan Guaraní (PYG / ₲), one of the lowest-valued currencies in the Americas. A street food empanada costs 5,000–15,000 PYG ($0.70–2), a restaurant meal 50,000–150,000 PYG ($7–20), and a budget hotel 150,000–350,000 PYG ($20–48) per night. Quick math: divide by 7,300 to get USD (e.g., 100,000 PYG ≈ $14). Don't be alarmed by all the zeros. The guaraní is relatively stable against the dollar with no parallel market. Paraguay is one of the most cash-dependent economies in South America.
🎧 Order Paraguayan Guaraní Before You Fly
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Order PYG → CEI Currency ExchangeCiudad del Este & USD in Paraguay
Ciudad del Este is Paraguay's second city and one of the world's largest free-trade zones. Brazilians and Argentines cross the Friendship Bridge daily to buy electronics, clothing, and perfumes at duty-free prices. Many electronics shops and larger stores accept USD directly, though change will come back in guaraníes at whatever rate the vendor chooses. Paying in cash (either USD or guaraníes) often gets you a better price than using a card. Bring crisp USD bills from home for the best negotiating position on big purchases.
Some hotels across Paraguay quote prices in USD. Always check which currency gives you the better deal before paying. Everywhere else (local shops, restaurants, markets, transport operators), guaraníes are required. Casas de cambio (exchange houses) in Asunción and Ciudad del Este offer competitive rates for converting USD cash. Compare a few before exchanging, as spreads can vary by 1–2%.
Cash vs. Card: What to Expect in Paraguay
Paraguay is extremely cash-dependent. Card acceptance is limited even in Asunción. In the capital's city centre, Villa Morra district, and shopping malls (Shopping del Sol, Paseo La Galeria), Visa and Mastercard are accepted at larger restaurants, hotels, and chain stores. Many smaller establishments, including popular local restaurants, remain cash-only.
Ciudad del Este has mixed acceptance. Larger electronics shops take cards (often with a 3–5% surcharge), but street-level vendors and smaller shops are cash-only. Encarnación has some tourist-facing businesses accepting cards, but most local spots require cash. Rural areas, the Chaco, and the Jesuit ruins are almost entirely cash-based. Do not expect any card acceptance outside major cities.
Carry small bills. Break large notes (100,000 and 50,000 PYG) at supermarkets (Stock, Super 6) or gas stations. Street vendors and local shops often cannot make change for large denominations. Budget $30–50 USD equivalent per day for budget travel including accommodation and meals.
How to Get Guaraníes for Your Paraguay Trip
Paraguay is among the most cash-dependent countries in South America. Cards work at Asunción's Villa Morra restaurants, Shopping del Sol and Paseo La Galeria malls, and the larger international hotels (Sheraton, Bourbon Asunción, Crowne Plaza). Cash owns nearly everything else: the Mercado 4 in Asunción, local restaurants, terere stalls, intercity buses, the entire Ciudad del Este street-shopping scene (the famous tri-border duty-free strip), Encarnación's Jesuit-ruins-region tourism, and the Chaco. Guaraní notes are also low-value (a 100,000 PYG note is roughly $14), so even modest cash needs mean thick stacks of bills. Bring USD as backup: licensed Asunción exchange offices offer competitive rates, and Ciudad del Este merchants take USD readily on duty-free electronics.
Bring USD or order guaraníes before you fly
For pre-arrival PYG, two paths. A currency-exchange service like CEI Currency Exchange may stock guaraníes on request, with insured 2–5 day delivery. Most US home banks generally do not stock PYG. Backup that works in Paraguay: pack USD $200–400 in clean post-2009 bills. Asunción's licensed casas de cambio along Calle Palma offer some of the country's tightest USD-to-PYG spreads, often beating the airport rate by 5–8%. Paraguay does not have a Bank of America Global ATM Alliance partner. The cleanest setup for most Paraguay trips: pack USD as exchange backup, use a Wise card at the few card-accepting Asunción malls and hotels, and pull guaraníes from Banco Continental or Banco Itaú ATMs for daily cash and Mercado 4 runs.
Withdraw from a Paraguayan bank ATM
On the ground, the cheapest source of guaraníes is a major Paraguayan bank ATM. Banco Continental, Banco Itaú Paraguay, Sudameris Bank, Banco Familiar, and Banco Nacional de Fomento (BNF) all give the actual interbank rate with no markup. Most charge a per-transaction operator fee for foreign cards (typically PYG 25,000–40,000, posted on the screen before you confirm). Withdrawal limits run roughly PYG 1,500,000–3,000,000 per transaction. ATMs cluster around Asunción (Villa Morra, downtown around Plaza Uruguaya, Shopping del Sol) and Ciudad del Este. Coverage thins fast in the Chaco and along the rural tri-border roads. Decline DCC every time the screen offers "charge in USD". See the Best ATMs section below for the bank-by-bank lineup. Want to know what a Banco Continental withdrawal will actually cost on your card after fees? Drop it into our ATM fee calculator.
Airport counters & "casa de cambio" booths
Three traps to walk past in Paraguay, and one important exception. The currency-exchange counters in arrivals at ASU (Asunción Silvio Pettirossi) advertise rates that look reasonable but routinely run 5–10% off the interbank rate. Honest exception worth knowing: licensed casas de cambio along Calle Palma in Asunción's Centro and around the Mercado 4 area often offer the country's best USD-to-PYG spreads, often 1–3% off the interbank rate. The unlicensed touts in Ciudad del Este near the Friendship Bridge use the "sin comisión" framing while baking the markup in or running fake-bill scams. Third, the standalone independent ATMs at smaller hotel arcades layer DCC pitches and operator fees. Stick to bank-branded ATMs at Banco Continental, Banco Itaú, Sudameris, Banco Familiar, or BNF; decline DCC; and licensed Calle Palma casas de cambio are the one acceptable cash-to-cash route. Paraguay does not yet have a city-specific guide on this site, but the Best ATMs section below covers the bank lineup.
For a side-by-side comparison of every method (bank wire, travel card, pre-order, ATM, exchange counter) including USD-to-PYG timing tips, see our complete Getting Currency guide →.
Best ATMs to Use in Paraguay
Paraguay's ATM network is concentrated in Asunción and Ciudad del Este, with limited coverage in smaller cities. Foreign card withdrawal limits typically range from 1,500,000–3,000,000 PYG per transaction (roughly $200–410). Paraguayan banks charge 25,000–50,000 PYG ($3.50–7) per foreign withdrawal, plus your home bank's fees. Most ATMs dispense only guaraníes.
Banco Continental
Paraguay's largest private bank with the most extensive ATM network. Strong presence across Asunción, Ciudad del Este, Encarnación, and other major cities. ATMs reliably accept Visa and Mastercard. English-language option available at most machines.
Top Pick
Itaú Paraguay
Part of the Brazilian banking giant Itaú Unibanco. Modern ATMs with multilingual interfaces and reliable foreign card processing. Good coverage in Asunción's commercial districts and shopping centres like Shopping del Sol.
Recommended
Sudameris Bank
A well-established Paraguayan bank with solid ATM presence in Asunción and major cities. Known for relatively smooth foreign card transactions and reasonable withdrawal limits.
Recommended
Banco Familiar
One of Paraguay's most widely distributed banks, with branches and ATMs in smaller cities where other banks have limited presence. Particularly useful outside Asunción. Accepts international Visa and Mastercard.
Recommended
Banco Nacional de Fomento (BNF)
Paraguay's state-owned development bank and the most likely bank to have ATMs in smaller towns across the country. Essential for travelers heading to the Chaco region, Jesuit ruins, or rural areas. Withdrawal limits may be lower, but sometimes BNF is the only option available.
Recommended⚠ Watch Out for Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)
Some ATMs and card terminals in Paraguay will offer to convert your transaction to USD, EUR, or GBP. Always decline and choose Paraguayan Guaraníes (PYG). DCC adds a 3–8% markup on top of a poor exchange rate. The prompt usually mentions "conversion," "guaranteed rate," or shows your home currency as an option. Select the local currency to avoid the fee. This is most common at ATMs in Ciudad del Este's shopping zones and at upscale hotels in Asunción.
ATMs to Avoid in Paraguay
Independent and poorly maintained ATMs charge extra fees and may pose security risks. Stick to ATMs inside bank branches whenever possible.
Standalone ATMs in Ciudad del Este
Unbranded or unfamiliar ATMs in Ciudad del Este's shopping zones and border areas. These machines often charge higher fees, offer poor exchange rates, and carry greater skimming risk in the crowded market district. Walk to a Banco Continental or Itaú branch instead.
AvoidBorder Crossing Money Changers
Informal money changers at the Friendship Bridge (Ciudad del Este to Foz do Iguaçu) and other border crossings often offer terrible rates and may pass counterfeit bills. Use an official casa de cambio or bank ATM once you are across the border.
AvoidPaying by Card in Paraguay
Card Networks
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at larger businesses in Asunción: hotels, shopping malls (Shopping del Sol, Paseo La Galeria), chain restaurants, and some upscale restaurants in the Villa Morra district. In Ciudad del Este, larger electronics shops take cards but often add a 3–5% surcharge. American Express has very limited acceptance, mostly restricted to international hotel chains. Discover is not accepted in Paraguay.
Contactless & Mobile Payments
Contactless payments are slowly emerging in Asunción at newer terminals in shopping malls and chain stores, but they are still uncommon. Apple Pay and Google Pay have very limited support. Do not count on tapping to pay in Paraguay. Bring a physical card with a working chip. Local mobile payment apps exist but require Paraguayan bank accounts and are not practical for tourists.
Where Cards May Not Work
Local restaurants and street food across all cities are cash-only. Local buses in Asunción cost 3,800–5,000 PYG and require cash. Taxis are cash-only (negotiate the fare before getting in; a ride across Asunción costs 30,000–80,000 PYG). Markets and neighborhood tiendas require cash everywhere. The Chaco region, Jesuit ruins (Trinidad and Jesús de Tavarangue), and all rural areas are entirely cash-based.
Tipping in Paraguay
Tipping Guide
Restaurants: 10% is customary at sit-down restaurants in Asunción. Some upscale spots add a service charge, so check the bill first. At local restaurants and fondas, rounding up or leaving 5,000–10,000 PYG is sufficient. Taxis: not expected, but rounding up is appreciated. Hotels: 5,000–10,000 PYG per bag for bellhops, 10,000–20,000 PYG per night for housekeeping at upscale hotels. Tour guides at the Jesuit ruins or Chaco excursions receive 30,000–50,000 PYG ($4–7) per person for a half-day tour. Gas station attendants: 2,000–5,000 PYG is customary since full-service is standard in Paraguay.
Asunción, Ciudad del Este & Beyond: Practical Money Tips
Things to Know
Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) in Asunción has bank ATMs in the arrivals area. Skip the exchange counters (5–10% worse rates than city casas de cambio). Withdraw a small amount from a bank ATM on arrival and exchange the rest in the city.
Stock up before rural travel. If heading to the Chaco, the Jesuit missions near Encarnación, or the Pantanal wetlands, withdraw enough cash in Asunción or the nearest large city. ATMs in rural areas are rare, and they frequently run out of cash over weekends and holidays. Plan ahead and withdraw before Friday afternoon.
The Jesuit ruins at Trinidad and Jesús de Tavarangue (UNESCO World Heritage Sites near Encarnación) charge entry fees payable in guaraníes only. Stock up on cash in Encarnación before visiting. The ruins are in small towns with no ATMs. Guides at the ruins accept tips of 20,000–50,000 PYG.
Ciudad del Este shopping tips: negotiate prices, especially for electronics. Watch for counterfeit products and counterfeit bills in your change. Buy from established shops rather than street vendors. The Friendship Bridge crossing to Foz do Iguaçu gets extremely crowded on weekends.
The Infonet and Bancard networks connect most Paraguayan ATMs to international Visa and Mastercard/Cirrus networks. If one ATM rejects your card, try a different bank before assuming your card is blocked.
Money Safety in Paraguay
Staying Safe
Use ATMs inside bank branches during business hours. Avoid street-facing ATMs at night, particularly in Ciudad del Este's market district and Asunción's downtown area after dark.
Watch for counterfeit bills when receiving change, especially in Ciudad del Este's shopping zones and from informal border money changers. Genuine guaraní notes have a clear watermark and security thread. When in doubt, exchange USD at a Banco Continental branch or reputable casa de cambio.
Bring two cards on different networks. Paraguay is uncommon enough on fraud detection systems that some card issuers may flag transactions. Register your travel plans with your bank before departure. If your Visa gets blocked at a Banco Continental machine, a Mastercard backup at Itaú keeps you going.
Keep emergency USD. Carry $100–200 in crisp US dollar bills as a reserve. USD can be exchanged at casas de cambio in any major city and is accepted directly at Ciudad del Este electronics shops and some hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are prices in Paraguay so many zeros?
The Paraguayan Guaraní (PYG) is one of the lowest-valued currencies in the Americas. A restaurant meal costs 50,000–150,000 PYG and ATMs dispense stacks of 100,000 PYG notes. Quick math: divide by 7,300 to get USD (e.g., 100,000 PYG ≈ $14). The guaraní is relatively stable against the dollar with no parallel market, so don't be alarmed by the large numbers.
Can I use USD in Paraguay?
In Ciudad del Este, many electronics shops and larger stores accept USD directly, though change comes back in guaraníes at the vendor's rate. Some hotels quote prices in USD. Everywhere else, guaraníes are required. Casas de cambio (exchange houses) in Asunción and Ciudad del Este offer competitive rates for converting USD cash.
Are there ATMs outside Asunción?
ATMs exist in Ciudad del Este, Encarnación, and other major cities, but coverage is limited in smaller towns. Banco Nacional de Fomento (BNF) has the best reach in rural areas. If heading to the Chaco, Jesuit ruins, or the Pantanal wetlands, withdraw enough cash in Asunción or the nearest large city. Rural ATMs frequently run out of cash over weekends.
Is tipping expected in Paraguay?
At sit-down restaurants, 10% is customary (some upscale spots add a service charge, so check the bill). Taxi drivers don't expect tips but rounding up is appreciated. Hotel bellhops receive 5,000–10,000 PYG per bag. Tour guides at the Jesuit ruins receive 30,000–50,000 PYG per person. Gas station attendants appreciate 2,000–5,000 PYG since full-service is standard in Paraguay.
Is Ciudad del Este safe for shopping?
Ciudad del Este is one of the world's largest free-trade zones, and millions of Brazilians and Argentines cross the border to shop. Stick to established electronics shops rather than street vendors. Watch for counterfeit products and counterfeit bills in your change. Paying in cash (USD or guaraníes) often gets better prices than cards. Avoid the Friendship Bridge area after dark.
What is the ATM withdrawal limit in Paraguay?
Most banks allow 1,500,000–3,000,000 PYG per transaction for foreign cards (roughly $200–410). You can usually make 2–3 withdrawals per day. Paraguayan banks charge 25,000–50,000 PYG ($3.50–7) per foreign withdrawal on top of your home bank's fees. Banco Continental and Itaú tend to have the highest limits.
Skip the Foreign Transaction Fees
The Wise card converts your money at the real mid-market exchange rate. No markups, no surprises. Spend guaraníes like a local.
Get the Wise Card →Quick Comparison
| Method | Cost | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-FX-fee card at bank ATM | Good (small local fee only) | ★★★★☆ | Primary method in cities |
| Casa de cambio (USD cash) | Good (competitive rates) | ★★★☆☆ | Supplementing ATMs |
| No-FX-fee credit card | Best (zero fees) | ★★☆☆☆ | Upscale hotels and chain stores |
| Airport or hotel exchange | Poor (5–10% worse) | ★★☆☆☆ | Absolute emergency only |
Paraguay Quick Facts
| Currency | Paraguayan Guaraní (PYG / ₲). ~7,300 per USD |
| Cash vs. Card | Very cash-dependent. Cards only at larger businesses in Asunción |
| Best ATMs | Banco Continental, Itaú, Sudameris, Banco Familiar, BNF |
| ATM Limits | 1,500,000–3,000,000 PYG per transaction (~$200–410) |
| Card Acceptance | Limited. Larger businesses in Asunción only. Cash-dependent everywhere else |
| Tipping | 10% at restaurants. 2,000–5,000 PYG for gas station attendants |
| DCC Risk | Present at Ciudad del Este ATMs and hotel terminals. Always choose PYG |
| Best Strategy | Bank ATM cash + USD backup for casas de cambio. Stock up before rural travel |