Currency Used in Paraguay: The Paraguayan Guaraní
The currency used in Paraguay is the Paraguayan guaraní, the official legal tender of the South American country. It is identified internationally by the ISO 4217 code PYG and is commonly written with the symbol ₲ or the abbreviation Gs. One guaraní is divided into 100 céntimos, although most everyday prices and transactions are expressed in whole guaraníes.
Easier said than done, but still worth knowing Simple, but easy to overlook..
Understanding the Paraguayan guaraní is particularly useful for travelers, international students, importers, and anyone sending money to Paraguay. Exchange rates can change considerably, prices may initially appear high because of the large denominations, and some businesses accept foreign currency while giving change in guaraníes.
Basic Facts About the Paraguayan Guaraní
The following table summarizes the most important information about the currency used in Paraguay Not complicated — just consistent..
| Official name | Paraguayan guaraní |
|---|---|
| Common name | Guaraní |
| International code | PYG |
| Currency symbol | ₲ |
| Commonly written as | Gs. |
| Subdivision | 100 céntimos per guaraní |
| Issuing authority | Banco Central del Paraguay |
| Typical usage | Cash purchases, card payments, bills, savings, and commercial transactions |
Some disagree here. Fair enough Simple, but easy to overlook..
The abbreviation “Gs.” is especially common on price displays, receipts, menus, bank statements, and exchange-rate listings. Practically speaking, for example, a product costing 30,000 guaraníes may be written as “Gs. Plus, 30,000. ” The symbol ₲ is also widely recognized, but some printed materials, websites, and international payment systems use PYG instead That's the whole idea..
Short version: it depends. Long version — keep reading.
Unlike currencies such as the euro or Japanese yen, the guaraní is not generally subdivided into units named in everyday conversation. A person might say that something costs “20,000 guaraníes,” while smaller amounts are usually written numerically as Gs. 20,000 The details matter here..
Common Banknotes and Coins
Paraguay uses both banknotes and coins. The main banknote denominations currently in circulation include:
- Gs. 5,000
- Gs. 10,000
- Gs. 20,000
- Gs. 50,000
- Gs. 100,000
- Gs. 200,000
The most frequently used coin denominations are:
- 1 guaraní
- 2 guaraníes
- 5 guaraníes
- 10 guaraníes
- 50 guaraníes
- 100 guaraníes
- 500 guaraníes
Because the currency features relatively large denominations, visitors may initially mistake the number on a banknote for its value in United States dollars. A 100,000-guaraní banknote is not worth 100,000 dollars; it has a much smaller value when converted into another currency.
Most guides skip this. Don't That's the part that actually makes a difference..
Paraguayan banknotes include prominent security features designed to make counterfeiting difficult. Worth adding: when handling unfamiliar notes, check the paper quality, printed details, holographic elements, serial numbers, and raised printing. Older notes may remain in circulation for some time, so they do not necessarily indicate that a banknote is counterfeit.
