Ciudad del Este travel guide

Air

Full jet airport, Aeropuerto Guaraní. To Asunción, TAM daily en route from São Paulo. TAM, Curupayty 195 y Eusebio Alaya, T506030-35.

Bus

Terminal is on the southern outskirts, T510421 (No 4 bus from centre, US$0.50, taxi US$2.70, recommended). Many buses to and from Asunción, US$15 rápido, 4½ hrs, at night only; US$8-10 común, 5 hrs. Nuestra Señora recommended (they also have an office in Shopping Mirage, Pampliega y Adrián Jara), Rysa (T501201) and others. To Villarrica, 10 a day, last 1620, 4 hrs, US$3 (Guaireña). To Pedro Juan Caballero, 7 hrs, overnight US$8.50. To Concepción, García, 11 hrs, 2 per day. To Encarnación (for Posadas and Argentina), paved road, frequent, 4 hrs, US$5.50 (this is probably cheaper than via Foz do Iguaçu).

Banks

Local banks (open Mon-Fri 0730-1100). Citibank, Adrián Jara y Curupayty. ATM, changes TCs, 0830-1200. Amex, Curupayty casi Adrián Jara, T502259. Dollars and guaraníes can be changed into reais in town. Several casas de cambio: Cambio Guaraní, Av Monseñor Rodríguez, changes TCs for US$0.75, branch on Friendship Bridge has good rates for many currencies including dollars and reais, but there is a long wait. Cambios Alberdi, Adrián Jara by Hotel Puerta del Sol, good rates. Casa de cambio rates are better than street rates. Money changers (not recommended) operate at the bus terminal but not at the Brazilian end of the Friendship Bridge.

Internet

Setik Technology, Av Tte Morales y 29 de Setiembre, T509009. Cyber Café, Shopping Mirage, Pampliega y Adrián Jara.

Telephones

Copaco, Alejo García y Pai Pérez, near centre on road to bus terminal, for international calls.