South America
Is Paraguay safe?
L1Exercise normal precautions
Is Paraguay safe?
Generally calm for visitors; the main risks are bag and phone snatching, often by motorbike thieves, and robbery after dark downtown. Border areas with Brazil have serious organised crime.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2026-08-18.
- Homicide rate: 6.8 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 22.0 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 911 · Ambulance 141 · Fire 132.
- Solo women: Catcalling is common but violence against visitors is rare. Use app rides at night and avoid empty downtown streets after dark.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Phone and bag snatching, often by thieves on motorbikes
- Organised crime on the Brazil border (Pedro Juan Caballero, Ciudad del Este)
- Road accidents: reckless driving, unlit vehicles and few helmets
- Dengue and chikungunya outbreaks in the hot months
Common scams
- Counterfeit notes from street money changers at borders and airports
- Inflated fares from taxis hailed on the street
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
Safety by place in Paraguay
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Encarnación | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Asunción | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Paraguay safe for tourists?
Generally calm for visitors; the main risks are bag and phone snatching, often by motorbike thieves, and robbery after dark downtown. Border areas with Brazil have serious organised crime.
Is Paraguay safe for solo female travelers?
Catcalling is common but violence against visitors is rare. Use app rides at night and avoid empty downtown streets after dark.
What is the emergency number in Paraguay?
Police 911 · Ambulance 141 · Fire 132.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Paraguay
- Speedtest Global Index: Paraguay
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.