In this guide
Pedro Juan Caballero's two big shopping centres are Shopping China, on Ruta 5 almost at the corner of Avenida Internacional, and the newer Shopping Dubai, with a cinema, food court and more than 100 outlets. For electronics head to the microcentro; for everyday clothes and groceries, the outer barrios. If you can pick your dates, go during a sale campaign but skip the Saturday, and know how you will pay.
Shopping China: the border classic
Wikipedia calls it the country's biggest imported-goods store (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)), and back in 2016 it already drew thousands of visitors a day, mostly Brazilian, peaking on Brazilian holidays (Última Hora, 2016 (opens in a new tab)). Its own promotion places it on Ruta 5 almost at the corner of Avenida Internacional, with free parking and a fashion and accessories section (Campo Grande News (opens in a new tab)).
Tip: driving from Brazil on a sale day, arrive early, as tens of thousands of visitors are expected.
Shopping Dubai: shops, cinema and food court
Shopping Dubai was billed as a "complete centre, similar to the big malls in Asunción", with shops, restaurants, a cinema and parking for more than 1,600 cars, according to the local chamber of commerce president (InfoNegocios, 2024 (opens in a new tab)). Inside is Cellshop's 4,500 m² megastore, with the same departments as its Ciudad del Este flagship plus an outlet (ABC Color, 2025 (opens in a new tab); InfoNegocios, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). In 2026 the mall advertised more than 100 outlets, including bowling, cafés and exchange houses (Campo Grande News, 2026 (opens in a new tab)).
Tip: the best pick with kids, or if you want to eat and catch a film on the same trip.
Microcentro and barrios: what the malls don't cover
The microcentro leans towards electronics, phones and computers, while the outer barrios are dominated by supermarkets and cheap clothing and accessories (InfoNegocios, 2024 (opens in a new tab)). For a phone or laptop, compare two microcentro shops with the exact model written down; for everyday clothes, start in the barrios.
When are the sales?
Shops in Pedro Juan and Ponta Porã run joint campaigns:
- Crazy Week: in 2026 it ran 25-28 June, with 80 shops and discounts from 10% to over 50% (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
- Black Friday Frontera: the 13th edition ran 18-20 September 2026, with more than 100 shops in Pedro Juan and over 40 in Ponta Porã (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
- Navidad Sin Fronteras: the year-end campaign of the chamber of commerce and Ponta Porã's business association (InfoNegocios (opens in a new tab)).
More than 50,000 tourists were expected for the 2026 Crazy Week, so if you want to try things on and compare calmly, aim for a weekday.
How to pay
Shopping China says it takes cash in US dollars, reais or guaraníes, and that international cards are charged in guaraníes, with your bank's IOF tax if you are Brazilian (Campo Grande News (opens in a new tab)). More and more shops take Pix via QR machines at their own exchange rate (Campo Grande News, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). Always ask for an invoice: consumer agency SEDECO says every sale must have one (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
Between shops, and getting there
- Laguna Punta Porá: the lagoon in the centre where ox-carts used to rest and troops passed on their way to Cerro Corá in 1870 (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab); Última Hora (opens in a new tab)). A good place for a break.
- Casa Museo de la Historia de la Frontera: at Mariscal López and José de Jesús Martínez, 100 m from the border line; entry was free in 2016 (Última Hora, 2016 (opens in a new tab)).
- Ponta Porã, across the avenue: it is a dry border, and on the Brazilian side you'll find the Museu da Erva-Mate (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab); Campo Grande News (opens in a new tab)).
Pedro Juan is 452 km from Asunción via Ruta PY05 (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Heading back into Brazil, the Receita Federal land allowance is US$ 500 per person every 30 days, personal and non-transferable (Receita Federal (opens in a new tab)).
FAQ
What are the shopping centers in Pedro Juan Caballero?
The big ones are Shopping China, on Ruta 5 near Avenida Internacional, and Shopping Dubai, with a cinema, food court and a Cellshop megastore. Electronics shops cluster in the microcentro.
When are the sales in Pedro Juan Caballero?
During Crazy Week (June in 2026), Black Friday Frontera (September in 2026) and Navidad Sin Fronteras at year end.
Can I pay in reais or with Pix?
Yes: the big malls take cash in reais, dollars and guaraníes, and more shops accept Pix via QR at their own exchange rate.
How much can I take into Brazil tax-free?
US$ 500 per person every 30 days by land, not combinable between family members.
