Paraguay

Visitors keen to get off the beaten track will enjoy exploring unpretentious Paraguay. Referred to as the ‘Heart of America’ because of its central location between north and south, this landlocked nation of seven million is a country of contrasts. Skyscrapers stand beside crumbling colonial buildings, sports cars pull up next to horse carts at the traffic lights and western culture and ancient local cultures coexist. The indigenous Guaraní had been living in Paraguay for over a millennium before the arrival of colonists in the 16th century, and to this day remain highly influential, with Guaraní recognised as an official language alongside Spanish. The Paraguay River runs through the country, giving the capital, Asunción a riverside setting.

Currency 

Local currency: Paraguayan Guarani 
Symbol: ₲ 
ISO code: PYG 
Subunit: Céntimo 
Banknotes: ₲2000, ₲5000, ₲10000, ₲20000, ₲50000, ₲100000 
Coins: ₲50, ₲100, ₲500, ₲1000, ₲5000 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: No 
Diner’s club: No 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: No 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: LATAM Paraguay 
International Airports: Silvio Pettirossi International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Guaraní International Airport, Teniente Amín Ayub González Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: No 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: No 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Paraguayan cuisine reflects a blend of indigenous Guarani, Spanish, and European influences. Common dishes include sopaparaguaya (a type of cornbread), chipa (cheese bread), and asado (barbecue). Tereré, a cold herbal tea, is a popular local drink, especially during hot weather. 
Tipping: 10% 

Annual rainfall: 1400 - 1700 mm 
Average temperature: 25°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 35°C 
Average lows: 22°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 12°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Paraguay is during the dry season from May to September when the weather is cooler and more pleasant. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes