Money and payments
Cards and cash
ATMs are widespread, even in places like Vallemí.
Tipping
Tipping is uncommon, and service charges are included with the bill.
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Americas · South AmericaOutline guideCountry in South America
Photo: Peter Fitzgerald, amendments by Joelf, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Paraguay is a country of big rivers, green landscapes, folklore and a rich indigenous culture in central South America. It's relatively small compared to its neighbors, with an area of 406,752 km2: about the same size as Germany. Paraguay is lacking in world-famous attractions, and tourist-oriented establishments are few and far between. But those visitors who do come will be rewarded with a great experience of South America: colonial history, ruins of missions, vast wilderness, and a strong mix of European and indigenous cultures.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Paraguay.
Cards and cash
ATMs are widespread, even in places like Vallemí.
Tipping
Tipping is uncommon, and service charges are included with the bill.
Guaraní, Spanish
Both Spanish and Guaraní are official. Most people in Paraguay speak Spanish; English usage is very limited. Outside of Asunción and big cities, Guaraní is all you will hear.
Mobile networks
Tap water in Asunción, and possibly Ciudad del Este, is potable.
As usual with diseases – prevention is better than cure. Maintaining good hygiene can help prevent illness.
In general, Paraguayans are friendly, polite, and soft-spoken people. Since Paraguay is one of the least visited countries in South America, you're likely to attract attention from very curious people.
Covered in the guide
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
the capital and largest city of Paraguay, situated right on the Argentina-Paraguay border. Almost 40% of the population call this city home and the city is brimming with colonial-era buildings, museums, botanical gardens, and religious sites.
Areguá is a town 31 km outside of Asunción in Paraguay.
this busy border city is also Paraguay's gateway to the Iguazu Falls
Concepción is an attractive city on the river Paraguay 460 km (286 mi) north of Asunción in northern Paraguay. With some 83,000 inhabitants it is known as La Perla del Norte (pearl of the north) for its beautiful setting, elegant homes and well preserved public buildings.
Encarnación is the most southern city of Paraguay and often called The pearl of the South. The Rio Paraná separates it and the Argentine town of Posadas.
the departmental seat of Boquerón, founded as a Mennonite colony
For other places by the name, see Pilar (disambiguation). Pilar is a city in Southern Paraneña in Paraguay.
Villeta is a city of 37,000 people (2016) on the banks of Paraguay River. It is an important industrial center and port.
New Australia (Nueva Londres) is a 19th century settlement in Southern Paraneña.
San Bernardino is a lakeside resort town located about 50 km (31 mi) east of Asunción.
Trinidad is a small village in Paraguay featuring the ruins of a Jesuit Mission. It's 30 km from Encarnación along Ruta 6.
Paraguay has 15 national parks. The national parks of Paraguay protect and preserve the wildlife and national resources of the country.
The Paraguay River (Río Paraguay in Spanish, Rio Paraguai in Portuguese) is a major river in south central South America, running through Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina. It flows approximately 2,549 km from its headwaters in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso to its confluence with the Parana River north of Corrientes.
Places in Paraguay on the World Heritage List.
Pantanal
Listed 2000
Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangüé
Listed 1993
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
The large, wild, semi-arid plains in the northwest of the country.
The forested highlands in Paraguay's east, along the Paraná River, home to the second largest city of Ciudad del Este, just over the river from Iguaçu Falls.
Northern Paraneña is a region of Paraguay.
Home to the population center of the country, in and around Asunción.
Public transport and paid services in Paraguay.
By taxi
Taxis are expensive compared to other prices in Paraguay, and in Asunción, the fares are determined by the meter. Tipping in taxis is not customary among locals (although drivers do appreciate it).
By car
There are highways connecting all the major regions of Paraguay, but most of them are one lane each way. You may hit toll booths along the way.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Paraguay.
Finding apps for Paraguay…
Other ways to travel:By thumbOn foot and navigation
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Asunción · International · ASU
Loading places around the airport…
Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Asunción
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 34° | 33° | 32° | 29° | 24° | 22° | 22° | 25° | 28° | 31° | 31° | 33° |
| Avg. low | 23° | 22° | 21° | 18° | 14° | 12° | 11° | 12° | 14° | 18° | 19° | 22° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 126 | 139 | 135 | 149 | 143 | 74 | 63 | 38 | 73 | 163 | 191 | 179 |
| Humidity | 68% | 68% | 69% | 75% | 81% | 83% | 79% | 73% | 68% | 70% | 71% | 71% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$40
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$115
Per person, per day
Luxury
$300
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $20 | $65 | $175 |
| Food and drink | $10 | $25 | $55 |
| Local transport | $5 | $10 | $25 |
| Activities | $5 | $15 | $45 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 1 of 4Exercise normal precautions
Exercise normal precautionin Paraguay due to crime. Paraguay is generally a safe destination for travelers. Some areas have increased crime risk. U.S. government employees working in Paraguay need special authorization to travel to some areas. U.S. government employees are prohibited from using municipal buses in Paraguay because of risk of robbery and assault. Review the Travel Guidances for Paraguay for additional information on travel. Exercise Increased Caution in Departments of Alto Paraná, Amambay, Canindeyú, Concepcion, and San Pedro due to crime.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advice against travel. Read the full advice before you go.
Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO: travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Paraguay.
ItinerariesThe Paraguay River (Río Paraguay in Spanish, Rio Paraguai in Portuguese) is a major river in south central South America, running through Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina.
Wikivoyage
Nature & adventureParaguay has 15 national parks. The national parks of Paraguay protect and preserve the wildlife and national resources of the country.
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsHitchhiking is one of the cheapest ways of traveling. By tradition, hitchhiking is defined as soliciting a ride by standing at the edge of a road, facing traffic, with one's thumb extended/upwards.
Wikivoyage
Food & drinkDifferent soft drinks are popular around the world. On a trip abroad you may encounter interesting beverages that you’ve never heard of before — do try them out.
Wikivoyage
Food & drinkTea is a drink made from either fresh or dried leaves of Camellia sinensis, an evergreen shrub native to Asia. Because it normally requires very hot water to steep, it is a healthy way to drink water contaminated with…
Wikivoyage
ItinerariesLa Rambla is the street lining the coastline of the Uruguayan capital Montevideo. This is not one single street, but several streets whose names begin with Rambla.
Wikivoyage
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