Cross-border route

Brazil Paraguay

Driving across the border

Yes — you can drive from Brazil into Paraguay: carry a certified IDP translation of your licence alongside the original so border officials and rental desks can read your credentials. Paraguay expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, prepared in the 1968 Vienna Convention format. Both countries drive on the right, so there is no change of driving side at the border. The Friendship Bridge links Foz do Iguaçu with Ciudad del Este.

Get my permit for Paraguay Paraguay requirements

Last reviewed July 2026

Route at a glance

FromBrazil

ToParaguay

IDP in ParaguayStrongly recommended

Accepted format1968 Vienna

Driving sideright (no change)

Currency in ParaguayPYG

Emergency number911

Top speed limit110 km/h rural highways

Brazil → Paraguay

Crossing the border

The Friendship Bridge links Foz do Iguaçu with Ciudad del Este.

Driving rules in Paraguay

Drive on the right.
Headlights on highways during the day.
0.0% alcohol tolerance.
Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

What to see when you arrive in Paraguay

the Jesuit ruins of Trinidad
the colonial centre of Asunción
the Itaipú Dam
the Gran Chaco wilderness
the riverside town of Encarnación

Once you're driving in Paraguay

Destination-specific detail sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that catch cross-border drivers out.

Driving on a foreign licence

A tourist may drive on a valid home licence during a lawful stay; an IDP is recommended and frequently required by rental agencies and police, especially if the licence lacks a photo or is not in Spanish.

Tolls & road charges

National routes have toll plazas (peajes) run by the MOPC, including Ypacarai between Asuncion and Caacupe and the Remanso and Ybyrarobana booths around the capital; pay the modest fee in Guaranies cash.

Parking in the cities

Central Asuncion uses paid on-street parking and attended lots; illegally parked cars in the microcentro can be towed, so prefer guarded estacionamientos.

Fines & camera enforcement

Transit police (Policia Caminera) fine speeding, no seatbelt and phone use, sometimes expecting payment on the spot; rental firms charge any unpaid or camera fines back to the driver.

If you have an accident

Call 911 for police and the SEME ambulance service on 141; leave the vehicles in place for a serious crash until the Policia Nacional/Caminera files a report, which is required for insurance and rental claims.

Driving in the capital

Asuncion's road network is congested and many junctions lack working signals, so right-of-way is negotiated; the metropolitan toll booths (Remanso/Ybyrarobana) back up at peak times.

Sources: petropar.gov.py · globalpetrolprices.com · internationaldriversassociation.com · internationaltravelpermits.com

Common questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from Brazil to Paraguay?

Yes — Paraguay commonly asks foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Paraguay recognises the 1968 Vienna Convention format, which is the format your certified IDP translation is prepared in.

Does the driving side change between Brazil and Paraguay?

No. Both Brazil and Paraguay drive on the right.

What is the emergency number and speed limit in Paraguay?

In Paraguay, dial 911 for emergencies; 112 also works from most GSM phones. The maximum for cars on the fastest road class is 110 km/h rural highways, but posted limits in towns and on secondary roads are lower and always take precedence.

How do tolls and road charges work in Paraguay?

How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?

International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you set off.