In this guide
Import stores in Pedro Juan Caballero are concentrated in two places: the big malls that live off Brazilian shopping tourism, such as Shopping China and Shopping Dubai, and the microcentro, which specialises in electronics, phones and computers (Infonegocios, 2024 (opens in a new tab)). Before you cross from Ponta Porã, compare prices with Brazil, decide how you will pay and, if you are heading back to Brazil, keep the Receita Federal allowance in mind.
Where are the import stores?
Pedro Juan and Ponta Porã are joined at the hip: Avenida Internacional Doctor Francia is the border, and together the two cities have more than 200,000 people (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). The import trade faces that border.
- Shopping China. Wikipedia calls it the country's largest import centre (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)); it has long been a fixed stop for Brazilian shoppers (Última Hora (opens in a new tab)), and Infonegocios lists it among the city's most emblematic stores (Infonegocios, 2024 (opens in a new tab)).
- Shopping Dubai. Opened on 4 September 2025 on the border with Ponta Porã, with luxury brands, restaurants and entertainment (Campo Grande News (opens in a new tab)). According to La Nación (opens in a new tab), it has 145 stores and in September 2025 opened every day from 8:00 to 22:00, later than most of the area.
- Cellshop, inside Shopping Dubai. It opened a 4,500 m² megastore there with the same departments as its Ciudad del Este store, plus its own outlet (ABC Color (opens in a new tab); Infonegocios (opens in a new tab)).
- Microcentro. For electronics, phones and computers (Infonegocios, 2024 (opens in a new tab)). Out in the neighbourhoods, supermarkets and budget clothing dominate instead.
Is it still worth buying imports here?
It depends on the exchange rate that day. In late 2024, with the dollar at about R$ 6, Brazilian buying power had dropped, and brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Levi's or Ray-Ban were already being made in Brazil (Infonegocios, 2024 (opens in a new tab)). By late 2025, with the real near 5 to the dollar, re-exports were competitive again and November closed with almost 30% higher sales (Infonegocios, 2025 (opens in a new tab)).
In practice: look up the same model in a Brazilian store before crossing, screenshot the price and compare in reais, dollars and guaraníes on the same day.
When are the border sales?
- Crazy Week: in 2026 it ran from 25 to 28 June, with 80 participating stores and discounts from 10% to more than 50% (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
- Black Friday Frontera: the 13th edition ran from 18 to 20 September 2026, with more than 100 stores in Pedro Juan and more than 40 in Ponta Porã (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
- Navidad Sin Fronteras: a year-end campaign run by merchants in both cities (Infonegocios, 2024 (opens in a new tab)).
Tens of thousands of visitors come for these dates; if you want to compare calmly, avoid the Saturday of the campaign.
How do you pay?
- Cash: Shopping China says it accepts dollars, reais or guaraníes (Campo Grande News, sponsored content (opens in a new tab)).
- International cards: at the same mall they are charged in guaraníes, and your bank applies IOF and its own rate.
- Pix: more and more Pedro Juan shops accept it through machines that generate a QR code; you pay in reais from your app, with IOF and the current rate applied (Campo Grande News, 2025 (opens in a new tab)).
Ask at the till which rate applies to each currency before paying; on big purchases the difference adds up.
What should you ask for so the purchase is done right?
- Receipt (factura): SEDECO, the consumer agency, reminds shoppers that every sale must have one, and that sale tags must show the previous price, the discount percentage and the current price in guaraníes (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
- Warranty: ask whether it is the store's or the manufacturer's, and whether it can be claimed in Brazil or only at the store.
- Compatibility: for electronics, check voltage, plug type and the model for your country before paying.
- Test the device in the store and keep the box and the receipt together.
Heading back to Brazil? Mind the allowance
For travellers entering Brazil by land, the duty-free allowance is US$ 500 per person, individual and non-transferable, so family members cannot pool it (Receita Federal (opens in a new tab)). It can be used once every 30 days, and goods worth more than US$ 5 are limited to 10 units, with no more than 3 identical. Keep the receipts handy and do not plan on using someone else's allowance.
FAQ
What is the biggest import mall in Pedro Juan Caballero?
Wikipedia describes Shopping China as the country's largest import centre. Shopping Dubai, opened in September 2025, has 145 stores.
What are Shopping Dubai's opening hours?
According to La Nación, in September 2025 it opened every day from 8:00 to 22:00. Check its social media before you go.
Can you pay with Pix in Pedro Juan Caballero?
More and more shops accept it through machines that generate a QR code; you pay in reais, with IOF and the current rate applied.
How much can you bring into Brazil by land tax-free?
US$ 500 per person, individual and non-transferable, once every 30 days, with per-item quantity limits set by the Receita Federal.
