Things you need to know before traveling to Paraguay

After spending a month in Paraguay, there are definitely a few things I wish I had known before traveling to Paraguay.

In this article, I will cover my own impressions and experiences, as well as the language, currency, entry requirements, and other important things you should know before traveling to Paraguay.

Let's dive into it!

Entry into Paraguay

It is fairly easy to enter Paraguay. Most nationalities can enter Paraguay as tourists and stay there for 90 days. Like in most South American countries, you can be asked a proof of exit, so a flight back or to another country.

There are no vaccine requirements to enter Paraguay. While not mandatory, some recommend yellow fever and typhoid vaccines, especially if you plan to visit rural or jungle areas. Ensure routine vaccines are up-to-date.

Not too much tourism around

I always wondered why no one talks about Paraguay, well now I know! Tourism is very low on the country's priority list. Compared to other South American countries, the infrastructure for tourists is just not there.

Of course, you do get buses going between cities but let's say if you find a waterfall in a rural area and wish to visit it, there are no public transport there or tour options. Tour options in general are very limited. So if you wish to see the country you are on your own. Paraguay is the first country in South America where I rented a car. And not because I wanted to but I had no other option. Driving in the countryside was lovely but in the city was so stressful. Everyone is cutting in left and right.

Paraguay is a great destination if you already have some experience in South America and are looking for more undiscovered travel destinations but you will face a lot of hurdles and obstacles in your way. Also, the only internal flight I booked, got canceled. So even if you have the best intentions to explore Paraguay be ready for some pushback.

Safety

I hope my previous comments did not put you off because Paraguay does have some other great things about it. like safety. In general, Paraguay is known to be one of the safest countries in South America and after spending a month there, I can confirm it!

There are of course some areas that are not as safe, like a few spots in the Captial, but which city doesn't have it, right? In the capital where I stayed, I could walk alone at 10 pm with my phone without worries. The moment we left the city I never felt unsafe. The countryside is lovely and peaceful.

If you are planning to stay in the capital Asuncion, make sure to check out my guide 'Safest Areas to Stay in Asuncion'.

If you want to be on the safe side and have peace of mind when traveling, consider getting travel insurance.

How expensive is Paraguay

Another fantastic thing about Paraguay is the value for money. Of all the countries I have been to in South America, Paraguay is the cheapest. I could enjoy so many wonderful restaurants without calculating too much. A meal for 2 with starters, mains, and cocktails that in Europe would cost me around 60 Euros, but in Paraguay was not more than 30 Euros. Bolt and Uber are ridiculously cheap - from 1 to 3 Euros. My trip to the airport with Bolt cost me around 3.50 Euros. This has never ever happened to me in any other country. Airport drops are usually more expensive than normal rides.

I wouldn't say hotels and Airbnb are super cheap but the life you can live and enjoy totally balances out the rental expenses.

Currency and Payments

Paraguay uses the Guarani. I definitely recommend getting out some cash for little purchases and tips but in the city, in most places, you can pay with cash. I stayed in Asuncion for a month and everywhere always the card was accepted.

The only times I was glad I had some cash with me was when I left the city and visited some more rural areas. Outside cities, I do recommend having cash with you.

Also, if you are planning to leave the city, get the cash out whilst there. ATMs are frequent in the city but once you are out of it, it can be difficult to find an ATM.

Fun Fact about Paraguay

Around 70% of Paraguay's population lives in the Southern part of the country. The Chaco region in the North is sparsely populated due to its harsher climate and terrain.

Language

I totally missed the fact that Paraguay actually has 2 official languages: Spanish and Guarani. Once I arrived I couldn't understand anything. I was wondering if my Spanish has really gone that bad! Turns out people do really speak 2 languages on a daily basis. Interestingly enough, they clearly could see that I am a tourist but they would still start to speak with me in Guarani and then only once I start to say in Spanish that I don't understand, they switch to Spanish.

I believe they are very proud of their heritage and the fact that they have managed to keep alive their local language before colonization is the reason why most of the time they prefer to speak in Guarani. So if you have the capacity I highly recommend learning some phrases in Guarani but if you have some basic Spanish, you should get by.

Here are some basic phrases you can learn for your trip:

• Hello - Mba'éichapa (pronounced: m-ba-EH-ee-cha-pa)

• Thank you - Aguyje (pronounced: ah-goo-YEH)

• You're welcome - Naña’ẽrei (pronounced: na-nya-EH-rei)

• Please - Eporavo porã (pronounced: e-po-ra-VOH po-RAH)

• Yes - Héẽ (pronounced: HEH-eh)

• No - Nahániri (pronounced: nah-HAH-ni-ri)

• Excuse me / Sorry - Eiporavo che (pronounced: ey-po-ra-VOH cheh)

• I don’t understand - Naikuaái (pronounced: nai-koo-AH-ee)

• Help me! - Chepytyvõ (pronounced: cheh-py-ty-VOH)

As the country does not focus on tourism, unfortunately, English is not too common to know. I think if I didn't have the basic Spanish I have, I would struggle.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Paraguay has a tropical to subtropical climate, with warm and humid summers from December to February. Winters, from June to August, are mild and dry, making it a nice time to be outside. The best time to visit is usually between May and September when the weather is more comfortable for exploring.

I visited in October/November and it was hot! Some days the temperature went up to 37 degrees. Said that some evenings were a bit chilly. It can rain in the morning and have a clear sky in the evening. So I think in Paraguay you simply have to be ready for all sorts of weather changes.

Internet in Paraguay

Overall Paraguay is a good option for digital nomads and remote workers as the wifi is strong and stable. You of course have to check with the accommodation but also while traveling around, my data worked everywhere so the coverage is good.

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How to get around Paraguay

If you decide to check out other cities, buses will be your best option. I can highly recommend NSA. I used them several times and only had good experiences.

I definitely do not recommend internal flights, especially the avio company Paranair. Canceled flights I can deal with, but the fact that there were no notifications or emails to warn about it is unacceptable. I only found out my flight got canceled once I was already at the airport.

At the end of the day, the bus takes from 5 to 8 hours to most places you will want to visit in Paraguay and you can get really comfortable ones with VIP seats for less than 20 Euros, so I think the bus is the way to go in Paraguay.

If you want to find places to visit in Paraguay, make sure to check out my 'Things to Do in Paraguay' Guide!

When it comes to exploring more rural places, as I mentioned above renting a car might be your only option.

Within the capital Asuncion the best way is Uber and Bolt. Super cheap and very convenient to use. There are so many of them, that I never waited more than 4 minutes. The only thing you might find a bit weird is that they might pick you up with a different car. The first time I was a bit worried. but when it happened to me 2nd and 3rd time I realized it is just the way it is.