Paraguay Travel Advice for First-Time Visitors

Good Paraguay travel advice is hard to find online, mostly because so few English-language guides cover the country in any depth compared to its neighbors. That gap is exactly what this piece is for — the practical basics that make the difference between a smooth trip and a frustrating one, covering documents, money, transport and everyday safety, written for anyone visiting for the first time or planning a longer relocation trip.

Paraguay travel advice: entry requirements and documents

Requirements vary by nationality and change periodically, so the single most useful thing you can do before booking flights is check the current entry rules for your passport directly with a Paraguayan consulate, the Dirección General de Migraciones or your home country's foreign ministry — do not rely on a blog post, this one included, for the current visa situation. Keep a printed and digital copy of your passport, return flight information and any accommodation confirmation, since border officials in South America commonly ask to see onward travel proof. If you're arriving by land from Argentina or Brazil, budget extra time at border crossings, particularly around Ciudad del Este and Encarnación, where queues can be unpredictable.

Money and cards

Paraguay's currency is the guaraní (PYG), and while cards are increasingly accepted in Asunción's malls, hotels and larger restaurants, cash is still king almost everywhere else — smaller towns, markets, local buses and roadside stalls. Withdraw guaraníes from ATMs in bank branches or shopping centers rather than isolated street machines, and carry small bills, since vendors outside the capital frequently can't break large notes. US dollars are useful as a backup for larger purchases or emergencies but aren't a substitute for having local currency day to day. Tipping isn't as codified as in North America — rounding up or leaving a modest amount at a sit-down restaurant is appreciated but not strictly expected, and it's not customary at all for taxis or informal vendors.

Getting around

Long-distance buses connect every major city and are the backbone of budget travel here — see our guide to the Asunción bus terminal for how the system works and what to expect. Within Asunción, ride-hailing apps are a more predictable option than hailing a taxi on the street. If you're planning to cover a lot of ground independently, especially toward the Chaco, renting a car with a reliable 4x4 for unpaved stretches is worth the extra cost. For travelers who'd rather not navigate logistics themselves, our guide to hiring a private driver explains what to check before you agree a price, and the trip-planning guide walks through how to put an itinerary together yourself. Arriving by air, Asunción's Silvio Pettirossi International Airport is small enough that a ride into town is easy to sort out; see how to get from the airport before a long flight rather than negotiating with taxi touts on arrival.

Health and safety basics

Tap water in Asunción is generally treated, but many visitors still stick to bottled or filtered water as a precaution, especially outside the capital. Sun protection matters more than people expect — Paraguay's subtropical climate means strong UV exposure even on cloudy days. Mosquito-borne illness is a real consideration in the wetter months, so repellent is worth packing regardless of season. For safety specifically, ordinary city precautions apply: avoid displaying valuables, use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps at night, and keep an eye on your belongings in bus terminals and markets, which are the most common spots for opportunistic theft. Our Paraguay safety guide goes deeper on this if you want more detail before you travel.

Practical information

Best time to visit: April to September, the dry, cooler season, is the most comfortable for most travel; December through February is hot and humid but coincides with beach season on the rivers.
Language: Spanish and Guaraní are both official languages; Spanish gets you through almost any tourist interaction, though a few words of Guaraní go a long way with locals.
What to bring: a physical copy of key documents, a universal power adapter, sun protection, insect repellent, and cash in small denominations.
Connectivity: a local SIM card is inexpensive and widely available at the airport or in Asunción's shopping centers if you want data on arrival.
Health: check current vaccination and health guidance for the region before you travel — the WHO's travel health advice is a reliable starting point. This guide is general information, not legal or medical advice, and requirements change.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to visit Paraguay?

It depends on your nationality and changes over time, so check directly with a Paraguayan consulate or your government's travel advisory before booking, rather than relying on general guides.

Is Paraguay safe for tourists?

Most visits are trouble-free with ordinary precautions. Petty theft in crowded areas like bus terminals is the most common risk rather than anything more serious. See our full Paraguay safety guide for more detail, and check your government's official travel advisory before you go.

What currency should I bring?

Bring US dollars to exchange or withdraw guaraníes from ATMs on arrival. Cards work in the capital's larger establishments but cash is essential once you leave Asunción.

Is it easy to get around without speaking Spanish?

It's manageable in Asunción's tourist-facing businesses, but basic Spanish makes independent travel in smaller towns and on buses considerably easier, since English is not widely spoken outside hospitality settings.

What should I pack that people forget?

Reef-safe or strong sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, mosquito repellent, and a portable phone charger — power outlets and Wi-Fi reliability vary more outside the capital than most first-time visitors expect.

Good preparation is most of what separates an easy Paraguay trip from a stressful one, and none of it is complicated once you know what to check before you land. If you'd rather have someone else handle the logistics end to end, our trip-planning guide covers how to build an itinerary around your own dates, and our Paraguay safety guide answers the most common worries. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.