Ciudad del Este is the Paraguayan city next to Foz do Iguaçu, on the opposite bank of the Paraná River. The microcentro, near the end of the Friendship Bridge (Ponte da Amizade), is where most of the shopping visitors come for is concentrated.
How to plan the day
- Go early and decide beforehand what you want to buy and how much you can spend within the allowance.
- Leave time for the return: the line on the bridge varies a lot throughout the day.
- Combine it with Itaipu in another part of the same day, if your group’s pace allows.
Money and payments
The currency is the guaraní; prices in US dollars are also common. Ask about the currency, the exchange rate and whether there is a card fee before you pay. Ask for a receipt and keep your proof of purchase for the customs declaration, if needed.
Safety
Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, be wary of deals far below market price and arrange your return transport in advance.
With kids
You can go with children, but the environment can be tiring. Documents and authorization for minors follow the rules for leaving Brazil — see traveling with minors.