In this guide
In Santa Rita the easiest way to pay is a mix: guaraníes in small notes for small shops, QR or card at bigger stores and, if you have a Brazilian account, Pix wherever it is accepted. Banks, credit cooperatives and the exchange house are all in the centre along Route PY06, so you can sort out most money matters within a few blocks.
Where are the banks and ATMs?
The centre, along PY06, has branches of public and private banks, credit cooperatives and insurers (Wikipedia PT (opens in a new tab)). They include Banco Familiar, GNB and ueno bank, plus the Santa Rita exchange house (ABC Color (opens in a new tab); Hoy (opens in a new tab)).
All four were hit by an explosives robbery in the early hours of 16 June 2026, and the vaults at Familiar and GNB were damaged (same sources). Before heading to a specific branch or ATM, call or check the bank's social media to make sure it is open.
- Withdraw cash in daylight, from an ATM inside a branch or a busy shop.
- Pin a second ATM on your phone map in case the first one is out of cash.
- Keep cards and cash in different pockets.
How much cash should you carry?
Cash is still needed for snack bars, parking, markets and park entry. The Ñacunday National Park, the nearest big nature outing, charged cash: G. 20,000 for adults and G. 5,000 for ages 11 to 17 in December 2023 (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). Carry G. 2,000 to G. 50,000 notes; a G. 100,000 note can leave a kiosk without change.
QR, cards and Pix: what is accepted?
- QR: the fastest-growing method. In April 2026, 68.1% of electronic payments on the Bancard network were made by QR (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). If you have a Paraguayan bank account or wallet, it is the most convenient option.
- Cards: fine at supermarkets, fuel stations and larger shops. Ask first at small ones.
- Pix: since February 2024, Bancard merchants can take Pix payments from Brazilian accounts, as long as they have signed up and hold a US-dollar account (InfoNegocios (opens in a new tab)). Not all of them do, so ask at the till before you order and check the exchange rate applied.
Spanish, Guaraní and plenty of Portuguese are spoken in the streets (Wikipedia PT (opens in a new tab)), so asking for a price in reais or about Pix is nothing unusual.
Where to change reais or dollars?
Use a bank or an exchange house. Exchange houses are regulated by the banking superintendency of Paraguay's Central Bank (BCP) and are not allowed to lend money or take deposits (La Nación (opens in a new tab)); if someone offers you credit or offers to "hold" your money, walk away. Always ask for a receipt and compare rates at two places before changing a large sum.
Bank or cooperative for everyday banking?
If you are moving here, the credit cooperatives in the centre are another option. Before opening an account, look the cooperative up with the national cooperative institute, INCOOP, which publishes the register, balance sheets and a complaints channel (INCOOP (opens in a new tab)). To compare loans, rates and monthly costs, see budgeting and financial services in Santa Rita.
Receipts and complaints
Every sale of goods or services must come with a factura, Paraguay's tax invoice (Sedeco via ABC Color (opens in a new tab)); ask for one even when paying cash. If you have a problem with a bank or exchange house, the BCP has a consumer protection office that takes complaints (La Nación (opens in a new tab)). For the rest of the city's logistics, see our practical guide to Santa Rita.
FAQ
Where are the banks in Santa Rita?
In the centre along Route PY06, with bank branches, cooperatives and the exchange house. They include Banco Familiar, GNB and ueno bank.
Can I pay with Pix in Santa Rita?
At some shops, yes: since 2024 Bancard merchants that sign up can accept Pix from Brazilian accounts. Ask at the till first, as not all of them offer it.
Do I need cash in Santa Rita?
Yes, for small shops, parking and park entry such as Ñacunday. Carry guaraníes in small notes as well as your card or QR app.
Where can I change reais into guaraníes?
At a bank or a BCP-regulated exchange house. Get a receipt and compare rates before changing a large amount.
