Paraguay

Paraguay is a constitutional democracy with a developing economy. Tourist facilities are adequate in the capital city of Asuncion, but vary greatly in quality and prices. Spanish and Paraguayan Guaraní are the national languages. English is frequently understood in major tourist hotels or resorts but is not widely used outside those areas. If you are planning to travel outside Asuncion, consider consulting with a travel agency, as adequate tourist facilities are limited in other cities and almost nonexistent in remote areas. Read the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Paraguay for additional information on U.S.-Paraguay relations

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Paraguay, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below is provided for general reference only. Road conditions may vary throughout Paraguay.

U.S. citizens have been injured and killed in traffic accidents. Only minimal standards must be met to obtain a Paraguayan driver's license, and driver education prior to licensing is not common. Drivers throughout Paraguay routinely ignore traffic regulations. No vehicle insurance is required, and many Paraguayans drive without any insurance coverage. Persons who drive in Paraguay should be prepared to drive defensively and with adequate insurance. Motorcycle accidents occur frequently in Paraguay.

Public transportation is readily available for urban and inter-city travel. Buses vary in maintenance conditions and may not meet U.S. safety standards. Armed robberies and pick-pocketing occur on buses in cities and rural areas, sometimes with the apparent collusion of the bus driver. Taxis are available and may be called using telephone numbers listed in the newspapers. “Remises” and Radio Taxis are the preferred option since their routes are monitored by established dispatch companies.  No passenger train service exists. Bicycle travel may not be safe because of traffic and other road hazards.

Most urban streets consist of rough cobblestones over dirt. Some roads in Asuncion and other large cities are paved. However, these roads frequently develop potholes that often remain unrepaired. Besides some main highways, nearly all rural roads are unpaved, and during rainy periods and the rainy season (November-March/April), they may be impassable. Major paved roads in Asuncion are prone to flooding and extreme caution should be used during rain storms. Road signs indicating hazards, such as sharp curves or major intersections, are lacking in many areas.

Driving or traveling at night is not advisable outside Asuncion because pedestrians, animals, or vehicles without proper lights are often found on the roads. In addition, assaults and other crimes against motorists traveling at night have occurred. Extra precautions should be exercised along infrequently traveled portions of rural roads.

Intercity highway maintenance is not equal to U.S. standards. The privately maintained toll road between Caaguazu and Ciudad del Este and the routes between Asuncion and Encarnacion and Asuncion and Pedro Juan Caballero are in good condition. Most other intercity routes are in good to fair condition with brief stretches in poor condition. The Trans-Chaco route is in fair condition except for the portion between Mariscal Estigarribia and the Bolivian border, which is unpaved and at times impassable.

The Touring and Automobile Club provides some roadside assistance to its members. The Club may be contacted in Asuncion by visiting its offices at 25 de Mayo near Brazil, First Floor, or telephoning 210-550, 210-551, 210-552, 210-553, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to noon, except for Paraguayan holidays. The Touring Club has offices in Ciudad del Este (tel. 061-512-340), Coronel Oviedo (tel. 0521-203-350), Encarnación (tel. 071-202-203), San Ignacio Misiones (tel. 0782-232-080), Santani (cell phone: 0981-534-272), Pozo Colorado (cell phone: 0981-939-611 – 0982-590-037), Villa Florida (tel. 083-240-205), and Yby Yau (0985-846-308). Towing services are scarce outside urban areas. Twenty-four-hour tow truck services from Asuncion may be contacted by telephoning (021) 224-366, (021) 208-400, (cellular service provider) Tigo by dialing *822 or 0971-951-930. For an extra fee, these companies may provide service outside Asuncion, but they typically demand immediate payment and may not accept credit cards.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Paraguay, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Government of Paraguay’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

The U.S. Embassy is not aware of any specific  threat to U.S. citizens in Paraguay. Nevertheless, you should remain vigilant at all times while travelling.  A small armed anti-government militant group known as the Ejercito del Pueblo Paraguayo (EPP) operates principally in the northern region of San Pedro and southern region of Concepcion.  Drug trafficking and associated violence remains a serious concern in the region of Amambay.  Illicit activities, including arms and narcotics trafficking, occur in the area of Ciudad del Este and along the tri border area between Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina. Because of concerns about the lack of security in border areas and certain regions, the U.S. Embassy in Asuncion requires U.S. government personnel and their family members to provide advance notice and a travel itinerary when traveling to Ciudad del Este, or to the regions of San Pedro, Concepcion, Amambay, and Canindeyu. As a general precaution, the Embassy also requests its employees to provide an itinerary and contact information whenever they travel outside the capital.

Over the past several years, there have been several high-profile kidnappings in the interior of the country – particularly in the region of Concepcion. Members of the Paraguayan business community and their family members have been targeted. It is generally believed that  kidnappings are financially motivated and kidnappers have selected their targets based on the victims’ wealth and perceived willingness to pay ransom.

Virtual kidnappings have also been reported in Paraguay.  Virtual kidnapping schemes typically involve an individual or criminal organization who contacts a victim via telephone and demands payment for the return of a “kidnapped” family member or friend.  While no actual kidnapping has taken place, the callers often use co-conspirators to convince their victims of the legitimacy of the threat.  Most schemes use various techniques to instill a sense of fear, panic, and urgency in an effort to rush the victim into making a hasty decision.  For example, a caller might attempt to convince a victim that his daughter was kidnapped by having a young female scream for help in the background during the call.  Callers will often go to great lengths to engage victims in ongoing conversations to prevent them from verifying the status and location of the “kidnapped” individuals.  Over the past several years, the region, including Paraguay, has seen an increase in virtual kidnappings reports.

Avoid large gatherings or other events where crowds have congregated to demonstrate or protest. Such activities have resulted in intermittent road closures including major routes traveled by tourists and residents. While generally nonviolent, demonstrations and/or roadblocks have turned violent in the past. If you encounter demonstrations and/or roadblocks, do not attempt to continue your travel and do not confront the crowd. Instead, turn around and find a different route or wait for the road to reopen.

Stay up to date with security information by:

• Bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Following us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Taking some time before travel to consider your personal security. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Crime has increased steadily over the past several years posing a challenge to the Paraguayan National Police. Although most crime is nonviolent, there has been an increase in the use of weapons, and there have been incidents of extreme violence. U.S. citizens have on occasion been the victims of assault, robbery, and rape. Local authorities frequently lack the training and resources to solve these cases. Under these circumstances, U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Paraguay should be aware of their surroundings and security at all times. Travelers and residents alike should take common sense precautions; refrain from conspicuous displays of wealth such as wearing expensive-looking cameras and flashy jewelry, displaying large amounts of money, or other valuable items. Criminals often target those thought to be wealthy. Resistance to armed assailants has often aggravated the situation and therefore is not advised.

Armed robbery, car theft, and home invasions are a problem in both urban and rural areas. Street crime, including pick pocketing and mugging, is prevalent in cities. The number of pick pocketing incidents and armed assaults is also increasing on public buses and in the downtown area of Asuncion. A common tactic is the use of motorcycles by robbers to quickly approach their victims and then brandish a weapon and demand a wallet or purse. Please note that this method of operation – two men on a motorcycle – is something for which you should be attentive. As many incidents on public buses involve individuals snatching valuables, passengers should not wear expensive-looking jewelry or display other flashy items. There have been incidents of pilferage from checked baggage at both airports and bus terminals. Travelers have found it prudent to hide valuables on their person or in carry-on luggage. Unauthorized ticket vendors also reportedly operate at the Asuncion bus terminal, badgering travelers into buying tickets for substandard or non-existent services.

Despite concerted efforts by the Paraguayan Government over the last several years to improve the quality of its police force, corruption continues to be a problem within the Paraguayan National Police. Police are frequently involved in various criminal activities and actively solicit bribes. Uniformed police often conduct roving checks of vehicles and passengers. All lawful police instructions should be adhered to. However, the Embassy does not support the payment of bribes under any circumstances and encourages U.S. citizens to contact the Embassy if they believe they are being treated improperly.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you will be breaking local law.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, we can contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.
• The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Paraguay is 911 and for the Fire Department, including rescue of accident victims, is 131 or 132.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.