In this guide
In Presidente Franco, change money at a licensed exchange house (casa de cambio) or a bank, either in Franco or in neighbouring Ciudad del Este's downtown, not with changers on the street. Before handing over cash, ask how much you will receive in total and compare it with the daily reference rate published by the Central Bank of Paraguay (opens in a new tab). If you are coming from Foz do Iguaçu, you often do not need to change at all: pay with Pix or card where accepted.
How do you know an exchange house is licensed?
Exchange houses need Central Bank (BCP) authorisation and are supervised by the Superintendency of Banks (La Nación, 2023 (opens in a new tab)). In 2023 the industry association counted only 25 authorised houses nationwide and urged the public to check that the BCP authorisation is displayed on the premises (La Nación, 2023 (opens in a new tab)).
- Look for the authorisation on the wall. If you cannot see it, ask. If they will not show it, walk on.
- Expect to be asked for ID. Banks and exchange houses must request an ID card or passport from the first dollar (ABC Color, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). Being asked is a good sign.
- An exchange house does not lend money. It may not grant loans or take deposits; if one offers you a loan, it is not operating properly. The BCP has a consumer office that takes complaints (La Nación, 2023 (opens in a new tab)).
What about street changers?
Changing on the pavement is faster, but you cannot tell who you are dealing with. In 2024 the BCP had only 11 registered exchange brokers, while the exchange-house association estimated about 1,000 working informally (ABC Color, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). Informal deals leave no invoice or record, which makes any complaint to Sedeco, the consumer agency, hard to pursue (Última Hora, 2023 (opens in a new tab)). If something goes wrong, there is nobody to go back to.
How do you compare two quotes?
- Check the day's reference rate on the BCP website before you leave, so you know whether an offer is reasonable.
- Ask for buy and sell rates. The house buys your currency at one price and sells the other at another; only your side matters.
- Ask for the total, not the rate. How many guaraníes will I get for these reais? avoids surprises from fees or rounding.
- Compare two places before changing a large sum, and change in stages rather than your whole budget at once.
Count the notes at the counter
Fake US$100 notes have circulated in the area, and police warned that reais, pesos and guaraníes are forged too (Última Hora, 2016 (opens in a new tab)). Count and check the notes in front of the cashier before putting them away, and ask for a receipt. Once you leave, it is your word against theirs.
Paying without changing: Pix, QR and cards
- Pix: since February 2024, merchants on the Bancard network can accept Pix from Brazilian customers if they have it enabled (InfoNegocios (opens in a new tab)). Ask for the total in reais before you scan.
- QR: in April 2026, 7 out of 10 electronic payments processed by Bancard were QR payments (ABC Color, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). At supermarkets and restaurants you often will not need cash.
- Foreign cards: the charge is in guaraníes and your bank applies its own rate and fees.
For entry to Salto Monday or the Moisés Bertoni Monument, carry some guaraníes in cash in case other methods are not accepted.
If you cross from Foz on the Integration Bridge
Since 14 September 2026 the Franco–Foz urban bus runs from 7:00 to 19:00, and private cars cross from 7:00 to 13:00, only for residents holding the cross-border neighbour permit (Joint Commission (opens in a new tab)). Change money early rather than late in the afternoon when you need to head back.
If you return to Brazil with purchases, the Receita Federal allows US$500 per person by land, individual and non-transferable (Receita Federal (opens in a new tab)). Keep your invoices together. If you are also shopping downtown, see our guide to currency exchange in Ciudad del Este.
FAQ
How do I know an exchange house is licensed in Paraguay?
It should display its Central Bank of Paraguay authorisation and ask for your ID or passport. If it offers loans, it is not a proper exchange house.
Should I use street money changers in Presidente Franco?
No. Very few brokers are registered with the BCP, and informal deals leave no invoice, so you have no way to complain.
Can I pay with Pix in Presidente Franco?
Yes, at Bancard-network merchants that have enabled it, since February 2024. Ask for the total in reais before scanning.
Where do I find the official daily exchange rate?
On the Central Bank of Paraguay website (bcp.gov.py). Use it as your benchmark before comparing two exchange houses.
