No matter if you find yourself here to visit the dramatic Iguazu Falls, explore the untouched Paraguay, a country often left off travellers South America itinerary, or perhaps merely in it for the passport stamp. Crossing the Paraguay Brazil border couldn’t be easier. There are three different ways the border can be crossed: by foot, bus, or taxi. Trying to figure out what to expect from immigration, useful tips, and the easiest way for crossing the border?
Duration: from 30-minutes
Cost: from R$ 4/ PYG 5,200/ USD 1
THE DIFFERENT WAYS OF CROSSING THE BORDER FROM PARAGUAY TO BRAZIL
Before we discuss the different ways of crossing the Paraguay Brazil border it is important to note that petty theft is commonly reported on both sides of the frontier. Be mindful with your belongings when travelling on foot or bus, and do not leave your bags unattended at the immigration offices.
Ciudad del Este and Foz do Iguaçu are connected by the Friendship Bridge. On weekends the traffic on this said bridge can reportedly be at a standstill for longer than an hour.
There is an ATM next door to the immigration office. Although it is known to be out of order. But do not worry Real and Guarani are accepted for public transport in both Ciudad del Este and Foz do Iguaçu.
I crossed the border from Ciudad del Este in Paraguay to Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil. Your route? Then follow the below guide. Anyone travelling from Brazil can follow the below in reverse.
Crossing The Border On Foot.
Ever wanted to cross a border on foot? Now is your chance! The sweltering heat and unwanted weight of your backpack is the hardest part of crossing the Paraguay Brazil border on foot.
This option is the cheapest if your hostel in Ciudad del Este is in walking distance to the Friendship Bridge. Otherwise, take a taxi or local bus unless you are in incredible shape. If you are, good on you!
We were in luck. The hostel owner of Teko Arte Hostel & Bar dropped us off nearby. The 10-minute walk across the bridge will not only be accompanied by the sound of motorbikes and honking taxis but also a stunning view of the river and endlessly stretching canopies. Check which side of the bridge offers more shade before crossing. Once you are on the bridge there is no possibility to switch to the less sun-exposed side. We learned this the hard way.
After your passport has been stamped the journey continues by taxi or local bus. All busses from immigration stop at the bus terminal Rodoviária Internacional de Foz do Iguaçu for around R$ 4/ PYG 5,200/ USD 1. Although, the busses continue along ## road and you could jump off near your hostel.
Crossing The Border On Bus.
Terminal de Omnibus Ciudad del Este and bus terminal Rodoviária Internacional de Foz do Iguaçu are connected by local bus. Although, I suggest checking for closer bus stops near your accommodation. The name of either city will be written on the windshield. A single ticket costs R$ 4/ PYG 5,200/ USD 1.
It is important to note that this bus route is not only a busy commuter route but Ciudad del Este is also popular among Brazilians for cheap electronics shopping. Busses do not stop at immigration unless the driver has been asked to do so.
There is no guarantee the already paid for bus can be reboarded. To be frank, unless the traffic is at a standstill (which it occasionally is) the bus fee will have to be paid twice. Are you starting to understand why I chose to walk the Friendship Bridge?
Crossing The Border By Taxi.
This is the easiest, most expensive and least adventurous way to cross the border but you will avoid arriving at immigration in sweat-soaked clothing.
Take a taxi or motor-taxi to the border. The latter being much faster in high traffic. Once immigration has been completed the journey continues in another taxi or local bus. Anyone willing to pay a little extra can ask the taxi driver to wait at immigration to continue their journey.
Taxis can be arranged by hostels, flagged down on main roads, or taken from the bus terminals. Unless regulations have changed Ubers are not allowed to cross the border (2020).
IMMIGRATION
Once you have crossed the Friendship Bridge you will see the Paraguayan immigration to your right and Brazilian immigration to your left. Without having to queue when arriving at 3 pm our passports were stamped in under a minute. After making the most of the air-conditioned immigration room and marvelling at the unusual priority sign we crossed the road to the bus stop. Exit stamps are not required upon leaving Ciudad del Este, Paraguay or Brazil for under 24-hours and Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil accept Real and Guarani.
While you are here you might want to check out my Paraguay guides linked below.
Now go ahead and explore! Try not to lose your towel.
Hi, we have an question. We want to visit Foz do Iguacu, Brazil for just under 24h, do we have to stamp out in Py and stamp in Brazil and redo the same on the same day or next day again? We ll just stay over night and head back again to Py. Any stamps needed? Thank you.