In this guide
In Pedro Juan Caballero, the right hardware store depends on what you are buying and on the exchange rate: for a spare part or a tool, a hardware shop near home or in the centre will do; for building materials, get written quotes with delivery from two suppliers and, if it is convenient, compare with Ponta Porã too. It is a dry border, split only by an avenue, and depending on the rate one side or the other comes out cheaper.
Where are the hardware stores and building suppliers?
A UEMS study carried out in both cities in 2018 found most building-supply stores clustered in the central area, close to the border line (UEMS, 2019 (opens in a new tab)). That line is Avenida Internacional Dr. Francia, which separates Pedro Juan from Ponta Porã (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). For heavy materials choose a store that delivers: the same study found Paraguayan-side suppliers with their own trucks delivering to Ponta Porã, Horqueta and rural areas.
- Neighbourhood hardware store: screws, locks, plumbing fittings, cable, small tins of paint. Bring the old part or a photo with the measurement.
- Large building supplier: cement, bricks, roofing sheets, flooring, doors and windows. Ask for a written quote, whether freight is included and how far they deliver.
Buy in Pedro Juan or in Ponta Porã?
On this border, the exchange rate decides. The UEMS study compared prices for cement, bricks, roofing, flooring and doors on both sides and concluded that the exchange rate is the gauge of which side is worth buying on; in 2018, with a weak real, Ponta Porã came out cheaper and Brazilian stores were selling and delivering into Paraguay (UEMS (opens in a new tab)). In late 2025, with the real near 5.03 to the dollar, Pedro Juan's chamber of commerce said re-export goods were competitive again (Infonegocios (opens in a new tab)).
Rule of thumb: get the same quote, same brands and sizes, from one store on each side, convert everything to one currency and add freight. In Pedro Juan prices are shown in guaraníes, and larger stores can quote in guaraníes, reais and dollars (UEMS (opens in a new tab)). Staff usually speak Spanish, Guaraní and Portuguese.
What to check on tools and electrical supplies
- Voltage: Paraguay runs on 220 V, 50 Hz; Brazil on 60 Hz, at 127 V or 220 V depending on the region (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Read the tool's rating plate before paying.
- Plugs and sockets: INTN, Paraguay's standards institute, warns that cheap plastic or ferrous ones can overheat, melt and start fires; it recommends copper and adopted standard PNA IEC 60906-1 for plugs up to 16 A and 250 V with earth (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
- New build or extension: for a new connection or a load increase, ANDE, the state power utility, requires the request to be signed by a registered electrician, and above 10,000 W the connection must be three-phase (ABC Color, 2024 (opens in a new tab)). Check this before buying the panel and cable.
- Warranty: if a warranty is offered, it must be in writing, with its duration and coverage (Law 1334, art. 11 (opens in a new tab)). Ask where the service centre is.
How to get a quote and pay
- Ask for a written quote with the price including taxes, payment method and validity (Law 1334, art. 15 (opens in a new tab)).
- Ask for a legal invoice (factura): it is required for every sale (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)) and you will need it for warranty claims.
- Ask about payment methods. In 2018, sales at border building suppliers were mostly upfront, in cash or debit, and some took international credit cards (UEMS (opens in a new tab)).
Taking tools into Brazil?
If you live in Brazil or are heading back, Receita Federal's duty-free allowance for land arrivals is US$ 500 per person every 30 days, and it cannot be pooled among family members. For goods over US$ 5 the limit is 10 units, with no more than 3 identical, and commercial quantities do not count as luggage (Receita Federal (opens in a new tab)). Keep the invoice and check the rules before crossing.
FAQ
Is it cheaper to buy building materials in Pedro Juan or Ponta Porã?
It depends on the day's exchange rate. Get the same quote from one store on each side, convert to one currency and add freight before deciding.
Do hardware stores in Pedro Juan deliver to Ponta Porã?
A UEMS study found Paraguayan-side suppliers with their own trucks delivering to Ponta Porã and rural areas. Ask about freight when you request the quote.
Will a tool bought in Paraguay work in Brazil?
Check the rating plate: Paraguay uses 220 V, 50 Hz and Brazil 60 Hz, at 127 V or 220 V by region. If the tool accepts 50/60 Hz and your voltage, it works.
How much can I take into Brazil duty-free?
Receita Federal's land allowance is US$ 500 per person every 30 days, with unit limits. Commercial quantities do not count as luggage.
