The Central Bank of Paraguay (BCP) began circulating the redesigned 100,000 guaraní banknote on Friday, 6 November 2026. The new banknote is the first denomination released as part of the country’s new series of currency designs. The legal tender features prominent Paraguayan cultural figures, native wildlife, and additional security features to help prevent counterfeiting.
According to the Central Bank of Paraguay, the introduction was brought forward to meet increasing demand for cash. The decision responds to the financial system’s requirements and the circulation needs of businesses and the general public.
A new design celebrating Paraguay’s heritage
The redesigned 100,000 guaraní banknote highlights Paraguay’s cultural and natural heritage through illustrations of notable figures and native species. The front features Agustín Pío Barrios, the internationally recognised Paraguayan guitarist and composer, alongside the Paraguayan harp. It also includes José Asunción Flores, the composer credited with creating the guarania, one of Paraguay’s most distinctive musical genres.
The reverse depicts the Alto Paraná ecoregion, highlighting the country’s biodiversity. It features the Panambi Morotĩ (white butterfly), the Guyra Campana (bare-throated bellbird) and the Tajy Hũ (purple lapacho tree). The banknote measures 160 millimetres in width and 67 millimetres in height. It also carries the inscription “República del Paraguay”.
How to identify the new banknote
The BCP recommends three simple actions to verify the authenticity of the redesigned banknote: touch, look and tilt.
Touch: Run your fingers over the banknote to identify raised printing on the denomination, portraits and edges. These textured elements help distinguish genuine currency from counterfeits.
Look: Hold the banknote against the light to identify its watermark and see-through registration feature. Both elements should become visible when examined under appropriate lighting.
Tilt: Move the banknote to observe the security thread’s movement effect and the colour-changing ink. These features are designed to make counterfeiting more difficult.
The Central Bank encourages the public to become familiar with these characteristics when receiving or handling the new currency.
Will the old 100,000 guaraní banknotes remain valid?
The BCP confirmed that existing 100,000 guaraní banknotes will remain legal tender alongside the redesigned version. Both designs can continue to be used for everyday purchases, payments and other transactions. The institution also clarified that there is no need to exchange existing banknotes for the new design.
