Source: https://rivet.global/blog/paraguay-exporters-paid-by-brazil-and-argentina-buyers
Published: 2026-10-03 · Updated: 2026-10-03 · By Rashidatou K.

# Paraguayan exporters selling to Brazil and Argentina: dollars, reais and guaraníes

Paraguay's exporters sell heavily to Brazil and Argentina. How buyers there pay, why dollars dominate contracts, and how to manage guaraní costs against foreign revenue.

## Key takeaways

- Paraguayan exporters usually contract with Brazilian and Argentine buyers in US dollars.
- Brazilian buyers pay through exchange operations at Brazilian institutions; Argentine buyers through rules set by the BCRA.
- Paraguay has a liberal exchange regime; companies can hold dollars freely.
- Converting dollars to guaraníes on a schedule ahead of payroll steadies the local budget.

A Ciudad del Este manufacturer sells textiles to retailers in Paraná, Brazil, and in Buenos Aires. It invoices both in dollars. The Brazilian buyer's payments arrive steadily once its bank processes the exchange operation. The Argentine buyer's arrive when the BCRA's rules allow, which has become faster since 2025 but still varies. Wages, rent and local suppliers in Paraguay are paid in guaraníes.

## Dollars as the common ground

Paraguay sits between two large economies with volatile currencies. Contracting in reais or Argentine pesos would put those swings into every margin. Dollars give exporters a stable reference, and buyers in both countries are used to paying in them.

## How Brazilian buyers pay

A Brazilian importer pays a Paraguayan supplier through a foreign exchange operation at a Brazilian bank or exchange institution. It converts reais to dollars, pays IOF on the exchange and provides documents such as the import declaration. The payment usually arrives within days once the documents are in order.

## How Argentine buyers pay

Argentine importers access foreign currency under BCRA rules. Those rules eased significantly from 2025, removing many staggered payment timelines, but documentation requirements and some conditions remain. Agree deposits and terms with Argentine buyers that reflect how quickly they can actually pay.

## Guaraní costs

Paraguay has a liberal exchange regime, and companies hold dollars freely. Converting dollars to guaraníes on a schedule ahead of payroll, rather than on each receipt, steadies the local budget and lets you choose the rate.

## Where Rivet fits

A Rivet business account accepts registered companies after verification, including Paraguayan companies. Approved companies get US account details in their own name on every plan, euro and sterling details from the Growth plan, and on Scale balances in 30 currencies. Dollars can be held, used to pay suppliers in 120+ countries or paid out to a Paraguayan bank, at a rate shown before you confirm. Rivet is not a bank; regulated partner institutions hold the funds.

## Questions

### Why do Paraguayan exporters invoice in dollars?

Dollars avoid exposure to the real and the Argentine peso, both of which have moved sharply, and are accepted by buyers on both sides.

### How do Brazilian buyers pay Paraguayan suppliers?

Through a foreign exchange operation at a Brazilian institution, which converts reais to dollars, applies IOF and requires documents.

### Do Argentine buyers still face restrictions?

Argentina eased many controls from 2025, but importers still follow BCRA rules on payments, which can affect timing.

### Can Paraguayan companies hold dollars?

Yes. Paraguay does not restrict foreign currency holdings, and dollar accounts are common.