Visiting Paraguay

Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Paraguay page at Yoogo.

Paraguay uses the guarani (PYG) as its national currency. Card payments are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and shopping centres in Asuncion and Ciudad del Este, but cash is essential in smaller towns, markets, and rural areas.

Paraguay is generally considered safe for tourists who take standard precautions, though petty theft and opportunistic crime occur in urban centres, particularly around markets and bus terminals. The eastern border region near Ciudad del Este and certain rural departments warrant additional awareness of local conditions.

Long-distance buses are the main form of transport between cities and are affordable and reasonably comfortable, with regular services connecting Asuncion, Encarnacion, and Ciudad del Este. Within cities, taxis and ride-hailing apps are the most practical options, while car hire gives flexibility for reaching the Jesuit missions and national parks.

The most comfortable time to visit is during the cooler, drier months from May to September, when temperatures are mild and humidity is lower. Summer (December to February) brings intense heat, heavy rainfall, and flooding in low-lying areas, though Encarnacion's carnival in January and February draws visitors specifically during this period.

Paraguay has two official languages: Spanish and Guarani. Guarani is widely spoken in everyday life, particularly outside major cities, and many Paraguayans switch fluidly between the two languages. A basic knowledge of Spanish is very helpful for getting around, as English is not widely spoken outside tourist facilities.

Travellers to Paraguay are generally advised to be up to date on routine vaccinations, and yellow fever vaccination is recommended, particularly if visiting jungle or rural areas. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are also commonly advised for those eating outside of established restaurants; consult a travel health clinic before departure.

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in Paraguay, and a gratuity of around 10 per cent is appropriate in restaurants where service is not already included in the bill. Taxi drivers do not generally expect tips, though rounding up the fare is a common courtesy.

Paraguay has 4G coverage in urban areas through providers including Tigo and Personal, with coverage becoming patchy in the Chaco and more remote regions. International travellers can pick up a local SIM on arrival at major bus terminals and shopping centres, and eSIM options for Paraguay are available through providers such as Airalo for those with compatible devices.