South America
Paraguay
Low-key, inexpensive and little-visited, with friendly people and an easy residency route. Asunción is laid-back rather than lively, summers are fiercely hot, and Spanish (plus some Guaraní) matters.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa68 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyPYGUS$1 ≈ ₲5,838.23Details
- Price level35%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English3/5Common in tourist areasDetails
- PlugsType C220 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency911Police 911 · Ambulance 141 · Fire 132
- Tap waterFilter or boilAsunción's mains water is treated and many locals drink it; use filtered or bottled water in older buildings and rural areas.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalOne of South America's most conservative countries on LGBTQ+ issues.Details
- Internet155 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 27 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightVisitors can drive on a foreign licence; carry the passport with its entry stamp. The alcohol limit is zero.
Where to go in Paraguay
2 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AsunciónCapital city | 3/5 | $1,370–2,230 | Apr–May, Sep–Oct | 45/100 |
| EncarnaciónCity | 4/5 | $1,200–1,880 | Dec–Mar | 63/100 |
When to visit Paraguay
April–May and August–October are mild. December–February is very hot and humid, often near 40°C; June–July can be chilly. The Chaco is extreme in summer.
Good to know
Entry
- Get the passport stamped at land borders, especially Ciudad del Este–Foz do Iguaçu; missing entry stamps mean fines.
- Bus drivers sometimes say immigration can be done in Asunción; it can't.
- A yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from a risk country.
- There is no nomad visa; long-stayers usually apply to Migraciones for two-year temporary residence.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Zero alcohol limit for drivers, with frequent breathalyser checkpoints
- Always carry ID: a passport copy with the entry stamp
- Drug possession can mean prison without bail
Etiquette
- Tereré (iced yerba mate) is shared from one straw; accept or decline politely
- Greet with a handshake, or one cheek kiss among friends
- Many shops in smaller towns close for siesta around midday
Tipping
About 10% in sit-down restaurants if service isn't included; round up for taxis and delivery riders.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Paraguay
- Speedtest Global Index: Paraguay
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.