For many decades, Paraguay stands out as a true paradise for shopping and is an irresistible temptation to foreign visitors. Low prices and diversity of goods are few of the most excellent elements of the Paraguayan commerce.

In Asunción, Encarnación, Ciudad del Este, Pedro Juan Caballero and other cities, the tourist will find an incomparable supply of Paraguayan and imported products of sweets, liquors, textiles, perfumes, jewelry and a great variety of crafts that seduce by their beautiful design and functionality.

The Paraguayan money is called Guaraní and is divided in 100 Centimes. In circulation are bills of 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 50,000 and 100.000 Guaraníes, besides coins of 10, 50, 100 and 500 Guaraníes. In May 2004 the exchange rate was 6,100 Guaraníes to 1 US $.

Guaraníes and foreign money can be transferred without any limitation. In all the banks and in most of the shops, credit cards and traveller-checks are accepted.

Paraguay is a big "duty-free-shop". You can use the local currency, but the American Dollar is more and more accepted. Cigarettes, alcohol beverages, meat, gas oil, electronic stuff and trade mark clothing are worth the money. Arts and crafts items are quiet cheap, also.