I have gathered and verified the 20 questions that appear most frequently in travel forums and guides about Paraguay, with concrete and up-to-date answers. If you cannot find your answer here, write to me: I add to this list regularly.
Formalities and Visas
Citizens of the European Union, Switzerland and Canada do not need a visa for a tourist stay of less than 90 days. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date. You can obtain an additional 90-day extension at the General Directorate of Migration in Asuncion (the application must be made before the first 90 days expire, and you need 2 passport photos and proof of accommodation). For other nationalities, check the nearest Paraguayan embassy website.
Language and Communication
Spanish and Guarani are the two official languages. English is very rarely spoken, even in tourist areas and in Asuncion. It is advisable to learn some basic Spanish before you go (greetings, numbers, ordering in a restaurant, asking for directions). Guarani is present in everyday life, but as a tourist you will not need it. A few words in Guarani ('mba'eichapa' = hello, 'aguyje' = thank you) are always well received by locals.
Safety
Paraguay is generally a safe country for travellers, especially in the centre and south. Standard precautions apply: do not flash valuables, avoid deserted streets at night, use official taxis or apps (Uber works in Asuncion). Ciudad del Este has a reputation as a smuggling hub but remains safe by day in commercial areas. Avoid the northeastern border areas (departments of Amambay and Canindeyu) at night. These recommendations follow the safety advice published by the foreign ministries of several countries.
Health and Vaccinations
Yellow fever is recommended (not mandatory) for rural areas and the Chaco. Hepatitis A, typhoid and tetanus vaccines are also advised. Dengue is present in the wet season (December-March): mosquito repellent and long clothing are recommended. Malaria is absent in Paraguay. Tap water is not drinkable everywhere: prefer bottled water. Healthcare is decent in Asuncion (Hospital de Clinicas, Sanatorio La Costa) but limited in rural areas. Take out travel insurance with medical repatriation.
Budget and Money
Paraguay is the cheapest country in South America (source: Budget Your Trip, 2024). Budget 30-50 EUR/day/person all included. The currency is the guarani (PYG). 1 EUR ~ 8000-8500 PYG (fluctuating rate). US dollars are accepted in hotels and for large purchases, but you will need guaranies for daily life. ATMs are available in cities but charge fees (3-5 USD per withdrawal). It is better to exchange dollars or euros at exchange offices in Asuncion (best rate). Bank cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in hotels, restaurants and supermarkets in cities, rarely in rural areas.
Transport
The intercity bus network is extensive and cheap (10-20 EUR for a 5-6 hour journey). Buses are usually comfortable (air conditioning, reclining seats) on main routes. For the Chaco and remote areas, renting a 4x4 is essential (50-80 EUR/day). The road network is decent in the eastern region, very limited in the Chaco. Domestic flights are almost non-existent, the country is travelled by bus or car. Uber works in Asuncion and Ciudad del Este. For short trips around town, taxis are plentiful and cheap (3-5 EUR per trip).
Accommodation
The range goes from hostels (5-15 EUR/night in a dorm) to 4-star hotels (50-80 EUR/night). Family-run inns (15-30 EUR) are an excellent option for experiencing authenticity. In the Chaco, estancias and lodges offer full-board packages (60-150 EUR). Online booking (Booking.com, Airbnb) works well for large cities. For rural areas, it is usually simpler to book by phone or directly with the hotel. Book 1-2 weeks in advance in high season (December-February, Easter).
Climate and Seasons
Subtropical climate. Summer (December-February): 30-38 C, humid, frequent storms. Autumn (March-May): 22-28 C, ideal for travel. Winter (June-August): 15-22 C, cool nights (5-10 C), dry weather. Spring (September-November): 25-30 C, flowers, active wildlife. The Chaco is extreme: 45 C in summer, 0 C at night in winter. The rainy season (October-April) makes some Chaco tracks impassable.
Food and Water
Paraguayan cuisine is based on corn, cassava, cheese and meat. Iconic dishes: chipa (cheese bread), sopa paraguaya (corn cake), asado, mbeju (cassava and cheese pancake), vori vori (broth). Terere (iced yerba mate) is the national drink. Tap water is not recommended in most regions, prefer bottled water. Tropical fruits (mango, papaya, guava, pineapple) are abundant, delicious and very cheap. Street food is generally safe, but prioritise stalls frequented by locals.
Phone and Internet
Mobile coverage covers cities and main routes but disappears quickly in the Chaco and rural areas. The three operators are Tigo, Personal and Claro. A prepaid SIM card costs 1-3 EUR and is easy to top up (top-ups at any shop). 4G is available in large cities. WiFi is decent in hotels and cafes in Asuncion, more uncertain elsewhere. Download your maps and apps offline before you go (Google Maps, Google Translate, Maps.me).
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