In this guide
To choose a bookstore in Pedro Juan Caballero, start with what you need: school supplies, a specific book, or same-day copies and printing. In February, before classes begin, shops get busy, so buy early and bring the exact list. If your child attends a public school, check what the Ministry of Education (MEC) kit includes first so you do not buy things twice.
Supplies, books or copies?
In Paraguay a librería is mainly a stationery shop: school supplies, paper goods and photocopies, with reading books a smaller part of the stock. Message ahead before going:
- School supplies: send a photo of the school list and ask whether they have all of it or only part.
- A specific book: give the exact title and ISBN if you have it. If it is not in stock, ask whether they can order it and how long it takes; if it has to come from Asunción, about 452 km away, it can take a while.
- Copies and printing: ask the price per page, whether they print in colour, which file formats they accept and when it will be ready.
When should you buy school supplies?
The school calendar sets the peaks. In 2026, public schools opened on 10 February for administrative work and classes began on Monday 23 February (Hoy, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). Some private schools start earlier: that year several began on 2 February (La Nación, 2026 (opens in a new tab)).
Shop in January or the first week of February, when there is more choice and less queueing. In the last week before classes, shops are packed and some notebooks or covers sell out.
Public school? Check the MEC kit first
The MEC hands out school supply kits to pupils at public and state-subsidised private schools, and Amambay was among the departments covered in the first 2026 deliveries. Each bag includes a note listing its contents, plus a QR code and the numbers (0972) 980-715 and (0972) 969-508 to report missing or damaged items (La Nación, 2026 (opens in a new tab)).
Compare that list with the school's list and take only what is missing to the shop. If the kit has not arrived yet, ask the school before buying everything.
Shopping on the Ponta Porã border
Pedro Juan Caballero sits right against Ponta Porã in Brazil, separated only by Avenida Internacional Doctor Francia. Spanish, Guaraní and Portuguese are all spoken in the twin cities (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). In practice:
- If your child studies in Paraguay, textbooks must match the Paraguayan school's list; a similar Brazilian book will not do.
- Check which currency a price is in and ask how they charge before you reach the till.
- The city is the university hub of the north, with branches of the National University of Asunción and private universities, so copy shops near campuses are busier around exams. Send your files early.
Paying
QR codes already account for 68.1% of electronic payments in Paraguay, according to Bancard (ABC Color, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). For a big supplies order ask whether they take QR or cards; for a few copies keep small cash handy.
Before you go
- A photo of the school list, or the exact title and ISBN.
- PDF files on your phone, a USB stick or a link if you need printing.
- Ask for the total before they put the whole order together.
- A second shop in mind in case the first does not have what you need.
FAQ
Where can I buy school supplies in Pedro Juan Caballero?
At the town's librerías, which in Paraguay mainly sell school supplies, stationery and copies. Message your list ahead and shop in January or early February, before the rush.
What does the MEC school kit include?
Each bag includes a note listing its contents. Compare it with the school's list and buy only what is missing. Missing items can be reported on (0972) 980-715 and (0972) 969-508.
When does the school year start in Paraguay?
In 2026, public school classes began on Monday 23 February; some private schools started on 2 February. Confirm the date with your school.
Can I get same-day copies near me?
Many librerías do copies and printing. Message ahead with the number of pages and the file format, and ask when it will be ready.
