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Street · Chuí, RS
Avenida Internacional
A boulevard with a central median that divides Chuí, Brazil, and Chuy, Uruguay: crossing the street already means changing countries, with shops on both sides.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Avenida Internacional
Avenida Internacional is the boulevard that separates and connects Chuí and the Uruguayan town of Chuy. The central median marks the border: on the Brazilian side the road is called Avenida Uruguai; on the Uruguayan side, Avenida Brasil. It is the only urban stretch of the border between the two countries without a river, bridge, or checkpoint in the middle of the way.
On the sidewalks you can hear Portuguese and Spanish, pay in reais or in pesos, and see the flags of both countries. On the Uruguayan side are the imported goods stores known as free shops; on the Brazilian side, everyday commerce.
The avenue is the center of town life and the starting point for Barra do Chuí and the road that continues along the Uruguayan coast. Border markers along the median remind you of the limit between the two countries.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours to walk and shop.
Best time
In the morning or mid-afternoon, when shops are open. On Sundays and holidays the flow changes; check in advance.
How to get there
The avenue is downtown, a few minutes on foot from the bus station. Those arriving by car on BR-471 enter town and go to the central median.
Tip
Purchases in imported-goods stores are subject to a duty-free allowance per person every 30 days, controlled by the Federal Revenue Service: check the rules before buying. Those planning to continue into Uruguay must go through customs.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Avenida Internacional
How does the border work on Avenida Internacional?
The central median separates the two countries. You can walk along the avenue and into Chuy’s shops without formalities; to continue traveling through Uruguay you must go through customs.
What is the avenue called on each side?
In Brazil, Avenida Uruguai; in Uruguay, Avenida Brasil. Together they are called Avenida Internacional.
What do people buy in Chuy?
Imported products at the stores known as free shops on the Uruguayan side, within the duty-free allowance defined by the Federal Revenue Service.