Guaraní (PYG). Notes are in denominations of PYG100,000, 50,000, 10,000, 5000, 1000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of PYG500, 100, 50, 10 and 5.

Paraguay maintains a free monetary exchange policy and the purchase and sale of foreign currencies is not subject to any controls or regulations. US Dollars, which are more easily negotiable than Sterling, are widely accepted throughout the country. Travellers are advised to use an official bureau de change and not deal with people offering services on the street as false banknotes are common.

American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted (though not in smaller hotels), while Diners Club has more limited use. ID is required, such as a passport, when making a purchase with a credit card. ATMs are widespread; many accept Cirrus, Maestro and Visa cards.

US Dollar traveller's cheques are not widely used in Paraguay.

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency.

Mon-Fri 0845-1500.