Importing Your Furniture to Paraguay or Buying Locally: The Complete Guide to International Relocation in 2026
You've decided to move to Paraguay. Your residency is in progress, your US LLC is established, and you've found an apartment in Villa Morra. The last logistical question is: should you import your furniture from France, Belgium, or Switzerland, or buy everything new locally? The answer is almost always the same—and it might surprise you if you've already started requesting quotes for sea containers.
This guide covers everything: the true cost of an international move to Paraguay, customs duties, lead times, procedures, and most importantly, an honest comparison between importing and re-equipping locally. All with real 2026 prices for each option.
The Cost of an International Move to Paraguay
Sea Freight: The Numbers
Transporting furniture from Europe to Paraguay involves sea containers, typically via the port of Buenos Aires (Argentina), followed by terrestrial transport to Asunción (Paraguay is a landlocked country with no direct sea access):
| Container Type | Volume | Sea Freight Cost (Europe → Buenos Aires) | Land Freight Cost (Buenos Aires → Asunción) | Total Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-foot container (partial groupage) | ~15-20 m³ | €2,500-€4,000 | €800-€1,500 | €3,300-€5,500 |
| 20-foot container (full) | ~33 m³ | €3,500-€5,500 | €1,200-€2,000 | €4,700-€7,500 |
| 40-foot container (full) | ~67 m³ | €5,000-€8,000 | €1,800-€3,000 | €6,800-€11,000 |
Please note: these prices are for transport only. Significant additional costs must be added.
Ancillary Costs (Often Underestimated)
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Packing and container loading (Europe departure) | €500-€1,500 |
| Transit insurance (1-3% of declared value) | €200-€800 |
| European customs formalities (export) | €200-€400 |
| Paraguay customs agent (despachante) | €500-€1,200 |
| Paraguay customs duties (see section below) | Variable (0-20% of value) |
| Paraguay IVA (10% on value + duties) | Variable |
| Buenos Aires port fees (THC, handling) | €300-€600 |
| Temporary storage (if customs clearance delay) | €50-€150/week |
| Final delivery (warehouse → Asunción apartment) | €200-€500 |
| Assembly / installation | €100-€300 |
The Real Total Cost of an International Move
| Scenario | Estimated Total Cost (All-Inclusive) |
|---|---|
| Partial shipment (5-10 m³, some furniture + personal boxes) | €4,500-€8,000 |
| 20-foot container (full studio/1-bedroom apartment move) | €7,000-€12,000 |
| 40-foot container (full house/family move) | €10,000-€18,000 |
Lead Times
- Sea freight Europe → Buenos Aires: 25-40 days (depending on departure port, company, stopovers)
- Customs transit Buenos Aires: 3-10 days (variable depending on volume and paperwork)
- Land transport Buenos Aires → Asunción: 2-4 days
- Paraguay customs clearance: 5-15 days (variable depending on case complexity)
- Total time: 5-10 weeks between loading in Europe and delivery to your home in Asunción
During these 5-10 weeks, you will live without your furniture. If you arrive in Paraguay before your container (which is recommended), you will need to temporarily furnish your accommodation or live in a furnished Airbnb.
Paraguayan Customs Duties on Personal Effects
Import Regime for Residents
Paraguay offers a preferential regime for used personal effects of new residents:
-
Customs exemption: used personal effects (furniture, clothing, appliances, books, personal items) imported by a new resident are exempt from customs duties under certain conditions:
- You must have your Paraguayan cédula (permanent or temporary residency)
- The import must be declared as "mudanza" (relocation)
- Goods must be used (not new) and for personal use (not for resale)
- The import must be made within 12 months of obtaining residency
- IVA (VAT): personal effects as part of a relocation are generally exempt from IVA if the paperwork is properly filed
- Customs agent: mandatory. The despachante (Paraguayan customs agent) prepares the file, manages customs clearance, and ensures the preferential regime is applied. Cost: €500-€1,200 depending on complexity.
What is NOT exempt
- Vehicles: cars do NOT benefit from the mudanza regime. Standard customs duties (10-30% + 10% IVA).
- New goods: if you import new furniture (bought in Europe just before departure), it will be taxed as a commercial import (customs duties 10-20% + 10% IVA).
- Excessive quantities: if customs deems that the imported quantities exceed personal use (e.g., 10 televisions), it may reclassify them as commercial imports and tax them.
- Electronics in quantity: beware of multiple laptops, tablets, smartphones. Beyond reasonable personal use, customs may tax them.
- Clothes and personal effects: obviously. Checked luggage on the plane (23 kg × 2 per person generally). Sufficient for essentials. Send an additional box by air freight (DHL/FedEx) if needed (~€100-€200/20 kg box).
- Sentimental items: family photos, jewelry, rare books, inherited objects. Priceless value, low weight/volume.
- Work electronics: laptop, external monitor, hard drive, photo/video equipment. Carry-on luggage (not in sea container—risk of theft/breakage). Never put valuable electronics in a container.
- Specialized professional equipment: medical equipment, professional musical instruments, specialized tools not available in Paraguay.
- Important documents: originals of administrative documents, diplomas, notarized deeds. In hand luggage, not checked luggage.
- IKEA/basic furniture: your Billy bookcase and Klippan sofa are not worth €5,000 in transport. Resell in Europe and buy new in Paraguay.
- Appliances: refrigerator, washing machine, microwave = available in Paraguay at comparable or lower prices. And adapted to local voltage (220V, same as Europe—but beware of plugs, Paraguayan plugs are type C/N, a simple adapter is sufficient).
- Bedding: mattress and base = bulky, heavy, and affordable in Paraguay. Buy new locally.
- Dishes and utensils: widely available in Paraguay. No need to transport plates 12,000 km.
- Air conditioners: essential in Paraguay, but local models are adapted and installed by local technicians. Buy and install locally.
- Books (in bulk): 50 kg of books = significant transport cost. Keep your favorites, digitize the rest (Kindle), and resell. Asunción's bookstores have a limited French section, but Amazon Kindle solves the problem.
- LCL (Less than Container Load): your shipment shares a container with other shippers
- Cost: ~€100-€200/m³ (transport only) + customs fees
- Lead time: 6-12 weeks (longer than a full container as shipments are consolidated)
- Advantage: much cheaper than a full container for small volumes
- Disadvantage: longer lead time, more handling (increased risk of breakage), more complex customs clearance
- Tupi (tupi.com.py): the largest appliance and furniture chain in Paraguay. Good promotions, financing available, delivery included. Decent to good quality.
- Casas Nissei: large multi-product store (electronics, appliances, furniture). Competitive prices, Asian and South American products.
- Stock Home: furniture store in shopping malls (Shopping del Sol, Paseo La Galería). Modern furniture, international style.
- Chacomer: discount chain, very low prices for basic functional furniture.
- Custom-made furniture: Paraguay has a strong artisanal tradition in carpentry. Madereros (carpenters) make custom solid wood furniture (lapacho, cedro, incienso) at unbeatable prices.
- Prices: a custom solid wood bookcase: 200-500 USD. A 6-person solid wood dining table: 300-700 USD. In Europe, the same handcrafted furniture would cost €1,500-€3,000.
- Quality: variable depending on the artisan. Ask for references and visit the workshop before ordering. Good carpenters are known through word-of-mouth in the French-speaking community.
- Lead time: 2-4 weeks for a custom order. Plan for this in your installation schedule.
- Facebook Marketplace: very active in Paraguay for second-hand furniture. Expats leaving often sell their complete furniture at discounted prices.
- Clasipar.com: "Hogar y Muebles" (home and furniture) section.
- Expats WhatsApp/Facebook groups: French-speaking community groups often have resale ads for furniture from relocating expats.
- Prices: 30-50% of the new price for used furniture in good condition. A complete apartment can be re-equipped with second-hand items for 1,000-3,000 USD.
- Televisions, smartphones, laptops, small appliances: 10-30% cheaper than in Asunción
- Worth the trip if you need a lot of electronics (full home setup)
- Warning: products are often gray market imports (limited or no local warranty). Check warranty conditions.
- Alternative: order online from CDE websites (Asunción delivery possible)
Comparison: Importing vs. Re-equipping Locally
Cost of Complete Re-equipping in Paraguay
| Item | Price Paraguay (USD) | Price France (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Double bed (mattress + base, good quality) | 300-600 | 500-1,200 |
| 3-seater sofa | 300-800 | 500-1,500 |
| Dining table + 4 chairs | 200-500 | 300-800 |
| Desk (workstation) | 100-300 | 150-400 |
| Ergonomic office chair | 80-250 | 150-500 |
| Wardrobe / closet | 200-500 | 300-800 |
| Refrigerator (2-door) | 300-600 | 400-800 |
| Washing machine | 250-500 | 300-700 |
| Microwave | 50-120 | 60-150 |
| 50" Smart TV | 300-500 | 350-600 |
| Split air conditioner (9000 BTU, installation included) | 250-450 | 600-1,200 |
| Dishes + cutlery + pots (full set) | 80-200 | 100-300 |
| Bedding (sheets, pillows, duvet) | 60-150 | 100-250 |
| Bath towels (set) | 30-60 | 40-80 |
| Shelves / storage | 50-150 | 60-200 |
Total Re-equipping Budget
| Profile | Total Re-equipping Budget Paraguay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Studio / single (essential furniture) | 1,500-3,000 |
| 1-bedroom / couple (comfortable) | 2,500-5,000 |
| 2-3 bedrooms / family (complete) | 4,000-8,000 |
| Large apartment / premium equipment | 6,000-12,000 |
The Final Comparison
| Option | Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Import a 20-foot container (studio/1-bedroom) | €7,000-€12,000 |
| Re-equip locally (studio/1-bedroom) | 2,500-5,000 USD (~€2,300-€4,650) |
| Import a 40-foot container (house/family) | €10,000-€18,000 |
| Re-equip locally (house/family) | 4,000-8,000 USD (~€3,700-€7,400) |
Unambiguous verdict: Re-equipping locally costs 2-3x less than importing a container, takes 10x less time, and generates infinitely less stress. Except for specific cases (furniture of sentimental or heritage value, grand piano, works of art), importing furniture is financially irrational.
What to Import (and What NOT to Import)
To import: items with high personal value
NOT to import: everything else
Intermediate Solutions: Sending a Few Boxes
Air Freight (DHL, FedEx, UPS)
For expatriates who want to send a few boxes (additional clothes, books, personal items) without using a sea container:
| Service | Weight | Estimated Cost (Europe → Asunción) | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | 20 kg (1 box) | €150-€250 | 5-8 days |
| DHL Express | 50 kg (2-3 boxes) | €350-€550 | 5-8 days |
| FedEx Economy | 20 kg | €120-€200 | 8-15 days |
| UPS Standard | 30 kg | €200-€350 | 8-12 days |
| La Poste (Colissimo International) | 20 kg (max) | €80-€120 | 15-30 days |
For 3-5 boxes of 20 kg (total 60-100 kg), expect €400-€800 via postal service or economic carrier. This is the best option for sending seasonal clothing, books, and personal items, without the complexity of a sea container.
Groupage Sea Freight (LCL)
If you have 1-5 m³ of goods to send (a few boxes + 1-2 small pieces of furniture):
Where to Buy Furniture in Paraguay
Large Furniture Stores
Local Carpenters and Artisans
One of Paraguay's best-kept secrets for furnishing:
The Second-Hand Market
Ciudad del Este: The Free Zone
Ciudad del Este (Brazilian border, 4-5 hours drive from Asunción) is known for its reduced prices on electronics and appliances:
The specific case of work electronics
What you should bring with you
- Laptop: bring yours in your carry-on. Laptops in Paraguay are 10-20% more expensive than in France (importation). If you need to buy one there, prices are acceptable but not competitive.
- External monitor: if you have a good monitor (27"+, 4K), bring it (well-packed in checked luggage or air freight). Monitors in Paraguay are 15-25% more expensive than in France.
- Headphones/microphone: bring them. Small, light, and professional models are expensive or hard to find in Paraguay.
- External hard drives/SSDs: bring them. Small, light, valuable.
What you can buy locally
- Cables, adapters, chargers: available everywhere (Calle Palma shops, shopping malls, Amazon via forwarding). Reasonable prices.
- Printer: available locally (Casas Nissei, Tupi). Prices comparable to France.
- Outlets and voltage: Paraguay uses 220V/50Hz (identical to France). Outlets are type C (standard European) and N (Brazilian). Your European devices work directly—only a plug adapter may be needed if a type N outlet is used. Adapter cost: 1-3 USD.
The recommended action plan for your move
3 months before departure
- Inventory: list everything you own. Classify into 3 categories: "I'm taking" (personal items, sentimental value, work electronics), "I'm selling" (furniture, appliances, clothes you won't wear anymore), "I'm discarding/donating" (the rest).
- Sales: Le Bon Coin, Vinted, Facebook Marketplace, flea market. Goal: turn your furniture into cash. A typical furnished apartment = 2,000-5,000 € of resaleable furniture.
- Storage: if you keep belongings in France (family furniture, art objects, archives), plan for a storage unit (50-150 €/month depending on volume). Alternative: storage with family.
1 month before departure
- Pack your bags: essential clothes (adapted to the subtropical climate — lots of light, little warm clothing), personal items, original documents, work electronics.
- Send your boxes: if you have 3-5 extra boxes (clothes, books, personal items), send them via La Poste Colissimo International or DHL Economy (allow 15-30 days for transit).
- Book a furnished Airbnb: for the first 2-4 weeks in Asunción, to give you time to find your permanent apartment and furnish it.
The first few weeks in Paraguay
- Week 1-2: settle into Airbnb, search for a permanent apartment, visit furniture stores. Contact the French-speaking community for recommendations (carpenters, second-hand furniture from expats leaving).
- Week 2-3: sign lease, purchase furniture (mix of new from stores + second-hand from expats + custom-made from a carpenter).
- Week 3-4: delivery and installation. Move from Airbnb to your furnished apartment.
- Month 2+: receive your boxes sent by postal freight. Furnishing additions as needed (you never think of everything the first time).
Cases where importing is justified
In some specific cases, importing furniture makes sense:
- Grand piano / upright piano: a quality instrument is irreplaceable and impossible to find in Paraguay (or at a prohibitive price). Specialized piano transport costs 2,000-5,000 €, but the instrument often costs 10,000-50,000 €. Importation is justified.
- Antique / collector's furniture: inherited family furniture, antiques, valuable artisanal pieces. Sentimental or heritage value exceeds the cost of transport.
- Artworks: paintings, sculptures, collections. Specialized transport (custom crate, declared value insurance). Justified if the value is high.
- Extensive library: if you have 500+ books you cherish, LCL sea freight may be justified (books are heavy, but sentimental and intellectual value is irreplaceable by a Kindle).
- Specialized professional equipment: medical equipment, professional musical instruments, workshop tools — unavailable or very expensive in Paraguay.
International moving service providers to Paraguay
International movers from Europe
- AGS Déménagements: international network present in South America. Online quotes. Door-to-door service (Europe → Asunción). Premium service (packing, transport, customs clearance, delivery, assembly). Cost: premium but all-inclusive.
- MovingWaldo / Movinga: international moving quote comparison platforms. Convenient for getting 3-4 quotes quickly.
- Specialized freight forwarders: for consolidated sea freight (LCL), contact freight forwarders like Geodis, Bolloré Logistics, or freight brokers (FreightPop, Flexport) for competitive quotes.
Customs agents in Paraguay
- A despachante (Paraguayan customs agent) is mandatory for any import.
- Our team can recommend a trusted despachante specializing in expat removals.
- Cost: 500-1,200 € depending on the complexity of the case.
- Their role: prepare customs documentation, negotiate preferential treatment (exemption from duties on used personal effects), manage physical customs clearance, organize final delivery.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mistake 1 — Importing your IKEA furniture: your Kallax shelf is not worth 200 € in transport. Sell it for 30 € on Le Bon Coin and buy the equivalent for 50 USD in Paraguay.
- Mistake 2 — Underestimating customs costs: sea transport is the visible cost. Customs, agent, port, storage, and final delivery fees are hidden costs that often double the initial bill.
- Mistake 3 — Importing home appliances: your Samsung refrigerator is not worth the transport. Buy a new one in Paraguay for 400 USD with a local warranty and local after-sales service.
- Mistake 4 — Sending electronics in a shipping container: risk of theft (containers are sometimes plundered in ports), damage (vibrations, humidity), and customs taxation. Valuable electronics travel in airplane luggage or express air freight.
- Mistake 5 — Arriving without furnished accommodation: if you arrive without a reserved Airbnb and without furniture, you'll be sleeping on the floor. Always book temporary furnished accommodation for the first few weeks.
- Mistake 6 — Forgetting the climate: Paraguay is subtropical. Your wool sweaters, winter coats, snow boots = useless (except 2-3 light sweaters for the Paraguayan winter at 12-18°C). Bring light, cotton, linen clothing. Drastically reduce your wardrobe before leaving.
- Mistake 7 — Importing food: food products are subject to strict import health controls. Aunt Françoise's cheese will not pass customs. Find your local alternatives (Paraguayan cheese is delicious) and order your luxury French products through specialty grocery stores in Asunción (there are a few).
Decision summary
| Type of item | Import? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Essential clothing | Yes (airplane luggage) | Light, essential, free in checked baggage |
| Sentimental items | Yes (luggage or postal boxes) | Priceless, small volume |
| Work electronics | Yes (carry-on) | Expensive in Paraguay, critical for business |
| Original documents | Yes (carry-on) | Irreplaceable |
| Common furniture | No | 3x cheaper to buy locally |
| Home appliances | No | Available and affordable in Paraguay |
| Bedding | No | Bulky, heavy, affordable locally |
| Dishware / utensils | No | Available everywhere for almost nothing |
| Heavy winter clothing | No | Useless in Paraguay (subtropical) |
| Piano / musical instruments | Yes (specialized freight) | Irreplaceable, high value |
| Antique furniture / art | Yes (sea freight + insurance) | Heritage or sentimental value |
| Library 500+ books | Optional (LCL freight) | Depends on attachment to physical books |
Conclusion
Importing your furniture to Paraguay is almost always a bad financial idea: a 20-foot container costs 7,000-12,000 € (all-inclusive), compared to 2,500-5,000 USD to fully furnish a 2-3 room apartment locally. The cost/benefit ratio is unfavorable in 90% of cases. Add the stress of customs clearance (5-10 weeks waiting), the risk of breakage or theft in transit, and administrative complexity — the choice is clear.
The optimal strategy for an expatriate: sell your furniture in France (recover 2,000-5,000 €), travel light (suitcases + 3-5 boxes by postal freight), and refurnish in Paraguay by combining new from stores, second-hand from expats, and custom-made furniture from a local carpenter (artisanal solid wood for a fraction of the French price). Within 2-3 weeks, your apartment will be furnished, functional, and probably more beautiful than your old French home.
Paraguay is the country where your life simplifies — including moving. Travel light, start fresh, and enjoy the sun while your carpenter builds your solid lapacho wood bookshelf for 300 dollars.
Are you preparing your move to Paraguay? Contact our team for comprehensive support: Paraguayan residency, search for furnished or unfurnished apartments, recommendations for carpenters and furniture stores, coordination with a despachante if importation is necessary. Your new life begins light — as it should be.