Paraguay

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Paraguay. Some areas have increased crime risk. 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.

US Embassy/Consulate

+(595)(21) 213-715; EMER: +(595)(21) 229-581; US Embassy Asuncion, 1776 Mariscal Lopez Avenue, Asunción, Paraguay; ParaguayACS@state.gov; https://py.usembassy.gov/

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

595

Local Emergency Phone

Ambulance 141, Fire 132, Police 912

Vaccinations

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Paraguay: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Subtropical to temperate; substantial rainfall in the eastern portions, becoming semiarid in the far west

Currency (Code)

Guarani (PYG)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C

Plug Type C

Major Languages

Spanish and Guarani, only Guarani, only Spanish

Major Religions

Roman Catholic 89.6%, Protestant 6.2%, other Christian 1.1%

Time Difference

UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in October; ends last Sunday in March

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Suggested; additionally, if you plan to drive in Paraguay, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Asuncion; Encarnacion (includes Jesuit Ruins); Cerro Cora National Park; Ciudad del Este & Monday Falls; Ybycui National Park; Aregua

Major Sports

Soccer, rugby

Cultural Practices

Flicking your fingers under your chin signifies not knowing or not caring.

Tipping Guidelines

A tip of 10-15% is common in restaurants. Round up taxi fares to the nearest 1,000 guarani.

Souvenirs

Yerba guampa cups or mate gourds, wood crafts, native feathered jewelry, filigree jewelry, native fabric and lace items, leather goods, woven baskets, pottery

Traditional Cuisine

Sopá Paraguaí (or Sopa paraguaya) — a spongy cake similar to corn bread made with corn flour, cheese, onion, egg, and milk


Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Wednesday, December 27, 2023