Paraguay (PY)

Affordable South American residency hub with low taxes, warm climate, Mercosur access, growing expat communities, and a practical base in Asuncion, Encarnacion and Ciudad del Este.

Capital: Asuncion

Region: Americas

Language: Spanish

Currency: PYG (Gs.)

Cost of living: Very affordable (index 25)

Emergency: 911

Getting Around

Transport options for living in Paraguay.

Public Transport Overview

Urban transport is bus-based. Asuncion and Gran Asuncion have many private bus routes, low fares and uneven comfort; routes are easier with local apps and advice from residents than with official maps.

Main operators:

Municipal and metropolitan bus operatorsDinacopa intercity bus companiesNuestra Senora de la AsuncionLa SantanianaNSAYacyretaLocal taxi cooperatives

🎫 Transit Passes

Jaha card Card purchase usually Gs. 10,000-25,000 plus top-up

Many Asuncion metropolitan buses

💡 Most useful for daily commuters; keep cash backup because not all buses or readers work reliably.

Mas card Card purchase usually Gs. 10,000-25,000 plus top-up

Many metropolitan bus routes

💡 A second electronic fare system; ask locals which card works on your regular line.

Intercity bus ticket Gs. 40,000-180,000 depending on distance and class

Asuncion to Encarnacion, Ciudad del Este, Pedro Juan Caballero and other cities

💡 Buy at Terminal de Omnibus de Asuncion or company websites/WhatsApp.

Taxi & Rideshare

Taxis are common but fares should be agreed or metered before departure. In Asuncion, app-based rides are often safer and clearer for newcomers than street taxis.

Rideshare (Long-distance)

Bolt, Uber and local ride apps operate in Asuncion and some larger cities. Availability drops late at night or outside central zones.

Cycling

Cycling is limited by heat, traffic and incomplete bike lanes. Recreational cycling is popular in parks and riverfront areas, but daily commuting requires defensive riding.

Intercity Trains

Paraguay has no practical passenger rail network for expats. Long-distance travel is by bus, car or domestic/international flights.

Driving

Paraguay drives on the right. Speed limits: 40 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, 110 km/h on national routes. Driving gives freedom but road quality, motorbike traffic, informal manoeuvres and poor night visibility are real risks. Defensive driving and full insurance are strongly recommended.

Airports

Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) serves Asuncion; Guarani International Airport (AGT) serves Ciudad del Este. Most international connections route through Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Panama City or Lima.