Moving to Paraguay

Fondly nicknamed the ‘Heart of South America’ thanks to its central location on the continent, Paraguay captivates everyone who visits it. It is a landlocked country that has led to somewhat of an isolated existence, but this does not detract from its cultural richness and extraordinary natural landscapes.

The official languages of Paraguay are Spanish and Guaraní, the latter an indigenous language spoken widely outside of Asunción. You may experience some culture shock when moving to Paraguay, particularly in terms of language barriers. Still, you’re likely to be welcomed by friendly and helpful locals.

Living in Paraguay as an expat

Asunción, the capital and largest city, offers all the conveniences of modern urban living, and if you decide to settle here, you’ll embrace its relaxed lifestyle and colonial and modern architecture.

English is not widely spoken in Paraguay, so we recommend learning the basics of Spanish. Some expats working in Paraguay are employed by large international companies where only a limited knowledge of Spanish is necessary, and English is more commonly spoken, but this is not true of all organisations.

Many foreigners living in Paraguay are there for short-term missionary or volunteer assignments, while some expat educators teach English as a foreign language. If you have experience in agriculture, manufacturing and energy services, you likely won’t struggle to find gainful employment.

Housing in Paraguay is considerably cheaper than in Europe or other Western countries. Asunción offers the best housing options for expats, and houses here remain highly affordable. Most hotels and Airbnbs also offer extended stays for relatively low prices.

Although Paraguay’s railroad infrastructure is largely in disuse, with only one tourist route still operable, there are plans to expand the national rail routes. Consequently, the country’s most popular forms of transport are the urban and interurban buses. Taxis are also available in big metros but are the most expensive form of local transport. If you plan on driving in the country, you should remain vigilant since road conditions are often poor.

Public healthcare in Paraguay is state-funded, but these facilities tend to be somewhat understaffed and generally underfunded. As such, good quality healthcare is largely limited to private hospitals and clinics in Asunción and other key urban areas, so we recommend arranging medical insurance and preparing accordingly. It’s also possible to travel to Mexico for serious medical problems.

Cost of living in Paraguay

Paraguay boasts a low cost of living – Mercer’s Cost of Living Survey for 2024 ranks the capital, Asunción, as the 192nd most expensive city out of 226 expat destinations worldwide.

With cheap housing and affordable food, Paraguay is one of the cheapest Latin American countries to live in. If you’re earning in a foreign currency, you will be able to live particularly comfortably.

Families and children in Paraguay

Language and education are key considerations if you’re moving to Paraguay with children. As the public education system has been neglected, parents who can afford to choose to send their children to private and international schools, which offer subjects in multiple languages. These schools tend to be concentrated in Asunción.

You’ll likely find that Paraguay feels authentic, making it easy to raise your family while living in the country. Since Paraguay is not much of a tourist destination, it allows locals and expats to appreciate their surroundings without the constant waves of tourists.

Nevertheless, the culture of Paraguay is diverse and engaging, so you and your children can immerse yourselves in the local lifestyle. Rich historical sites and breathtaking natural gems can keep expat families entertained and intrigued.

Climate in Paraguay

Paraguay has a humid subtropical climate. The temperature variability can bring anything from frost to extreme heatwaves, but the country generally experiences hot and rainy summers and mild winters with light rains. Increased rains associated with El Niño can lead to floods in the summer months.

Although the slower pace of life will be something you may take a while to adjust to, the natural beauty of Paraguay offers numerous opportunities for adventure and weekend breaks away from the hustle and bustle of city life. As such, those who are moving to Paraguay have much to look forward to.

Fast facts

Population: Almost 7 million

Capital city: Asunción

Neighbouring countries: Paraguay shares a border with Bolivia to the north, Brazil to the east and Argentina to the south and west.

Geography: Paraguay’s geography consists of rolling hills and subtropical forests to the east and low plains to the west.

Political system: Presidential representative democratic republic

Main languages: Spanish, Guaraní

Major religions: Christianity and Roman Catholicism

Time: GMT-4 (GMT-3 from the last Sunday of October to the last Sunday of March)

Electricity: 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used.

Currency: The official currency of Paraguay is Guaraní (PYG). ATMs and card facilities should be available in most major urban centres.

International dialling code: +595

Internet domain: .py

Emergency numbers: Police: 912; Ambulance: 141; Fire: 132

Transport and driving: Traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road in Paraguay. Buses are the most common form of public transport in Paraguay, but they may not be suitable for expats. Most new arrivals to the country choose to drive in the country.