Is Paraguay Safe in 2025? What Tourists and Expats Need to Know
Bottom Line Up Front: Paraguay is one of South America's safest countries for tourists, with significantly lower crime rates than regional neighbors like Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador. While petty crime exists and certain areas require caution, following basic safety precautions will ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Paraguay has emerged as an increasingly popular destination for tourists and expats alike, thanks to its favorable tax policies and welcoming residency programs. But safety remains a primary concern for many potential visitors. This comprehensive guide examines the real security situation in Paraguay, providing practical advice for travelers considering a visit to this hidden South American gem.
Main Safety Concerns for Tourists in Paraguay
Crime-Related Risks
Petty Theft and Pickpocketing Pickpocketing represents the most common crime affecting tourists in Paraguay. This issue is particularly prevalent on public transportation, at busy markets, and around bus terminals. Even locals aren't immune – many Paraguayans have personal experiences with phone theft on city buses. The key is maintaining awareness of your surroundings and securing your valuables.
Violent Crime While violent crime does occur, it remains relatively rare for tourists. The primary risk comes from engaging in confrontations with locals, particularly disputes with taxi drivers or conflicts in nightlife venues. These situations can escalate quickly, making de-escalation and avoidance the best strategies.
Fraud and Scams Several types of fraud target visitors:
- Market scams: Vendors often sell counterfeit goods and overcharge foreigners
- Fake tour operators: Unregistered companies may take payment and disappear
- Card cloning: POS machines in smaller establishments may be rigged to steal card information
- ATM fraud: Card skimmers and fake keypads pose risks at street-level machines
Police Corruption Unfortunately, corruption among law enforcement remains an issue. Traffic stops are common for drivers, and officers may request small bribes. While serious incidents like planted drugs are extremely rare, they have occurred. The safest approach is to comply without argument and avoid giving officers any pretext for harassment.
Environmental and Infrastructure Hazards
Traffic Dangers Reckless driving is widespread in Paraguay. Drivers frequently ignore traffic signals, fail to use indicators, and practice dangerous overtaking. This makes Paraguay's roads one of the most significant safety concerns for visitors.
Infrastructure Issues
- Exposed electrical cables: Bare wires occasionally hang in streets
- Poor road conditions: Potholes and unmarked hazards, especially outside major cities
- Flooding risks: Seasonal flooding can create dangerous driving conditions and hide road hazards
Wildlife and Health Risks Mosquitoes present the greatest wildlife threat, carrying diseases like dengue fever, yellow fever, and chikungunya. DEET repellent and protective clothing are essential. In rural areas, venomous snakes like coral snakes pose additional risks.
Extreme Weather Summer temperatures (December-February) can reach dangerous levels, with recorded highs of 47°C (117°F). Dehydration becomes a serious concern, especially when exploring remote regions like the Chaco.
Safety in Asunción: Paraguay's Capital
Asunción offers a mixed safety picture, with distinct safe and dangerous neighborhoods that visitors should understand.
Safe Areas in Asunción
Villa Morra stands out as the capital's safest district, featuring upscale shopping, dining, and even private security patrols. This area hosts many of the city's best restaurants and entertainment venues.
Downtown Asunción remains relatively safe during daylight hours, though caution is advised after dark. The Carmelitas neighborhood (Las Lomas) also maintains good security standards.
Areas to Avoid in Asunción
Chacarita (Dr. Ricardo Brugada) represents Asunción's most dangerous slum. This area, located surprisingly close to the presidential palace, should be completely avoided. Visitors report hostile reactions from residents and clear safety risks.
Calle Ultima serves as a major bus stop but attracts pickpockets due to heavy foot traffic. While transit through this area is sometimes necessary, extra vigilance is required.
Mercado 4 presents elevated theft risks. While the market can be visited safely, keeping phones hidden and maintaining awareness of surroundings is crucial.
Terminal de Omnibus de Asunción (main bus terminal) attracts various criminal elements, though many tourists transit through without incident when following basic precautions.
For those considering establishing residency in Paraguay, understanding Asunción's neighborhood dynamics becomes particularly important for housing decisions.
Safe Destinations Outside Asunción
Highly Recommended Safe Areas
San Bernardino offers a resort-like atmosphere on Lake Ypacaraí, popular with families and international visitors during summer months. The area maintains excellent security standards and tourist infrastructure.
Areguá represents one of South America's safest small cities. Known for ceramics and strawberries, this lakeside town provides an authentic Paraguayan experience with minimal security concerns.
Remote Villages throughout Paraguay generally offer safe, authentic cultural experiences. These communities consist of extended families living in close proximity, often preserving traditional Guaraní language and customs. However, reaching these villages typically requires local contacts and specialized transportation.
Moderately Safe Cities Requiring Extra Precautions
Encarnación, located on the Argentine border, serves as the gateway to Paraguay's UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Jesuit Missions. While generally safe, standard urban precautions apply.
Ciudad del Este functions as a major border city in the Triple Frontier region. Despite its reputation for cheap electronics markets, it maintains reasonable safety standards when proper precautions are observed.
Dangerous Areas to Completely Avoid
Pedro Juan Caballero and Eastern Border Region
Pedro Juan Caballero represents Paraguay's most dangerous city and should be avoided entirely. This Brazilian border town serves as a major drug trafficking hub with frequent gang violence and shootings. No tourist attractions justify the extreme risk.
The broader eastern border with Brazil hosts various smuggling operations. While the Ciudad del Este/Foz do Iguaçu crossing remains safe for tourists visiting Iguazu Falls, other border areas should be approached with extreme caution.
Concepción
Concepción city requires significant caution due to its location on drug trafficking routes to Pedro Juan Caballero. Violent crime rates exceed national averages, making it unsuitable for casual tourism.
General Areas to Avoid
All slums and informal settlements present elevated risks due to poverty-related crime. These areas are typically identifiable by clusters of poorly constructed housing with significant visible poverty.
For expats considering Paraguay's tax advantages, understanding these geographical risk factors becomes crucial for business and residential planning.
Transportation Safety in Paraguay
Public Bus System
Paraguay's bus network carries elevated risks, particularly in urban areas. Phone theft represents the most common crime, with some incidents involving weapons. Long-distance buses generally maintain better security standards than city routes.
Safety Tips for Bus Travel:
- Keep phones and valuables completely hidden
- Maintain constant awareness of surroundings
- Be prepared for reckless driving practices
- Exit quickly when the bus stops, as drivers often begin moving before passengers clear the doors
Taxi Services
Street taxis pose significant risks beyond overcharging. Some drivers engage in outright robbery, making them unsuitable for tourists.
App-based ride services (Uber, Bolt) provide the safest transportation option. These services offer:
- Transparent, app-controlled pricing
- Route tracking for security
- Driver accountability systems
- Extremely affordable rates (typically $1.25-6.25 per ride)
Special Considerations for Female Travelers
Paraguay presents specific challenges for women that require additional precautions:
Social Interaction Risks
Avoid excessive friendliness with local men, as this may be misinterpreted as romantic interest. Paraguayan men can respond poorly to rejection, potentially becoming aggressive or violent.
Dating app caution is essential, as incidents of drugging have been reported involving men meeting women through these platforms.
Nightlife Safety
- Never accept drinks from strangers
- Only visit bars with trusted companions
- Limit alcohol consumption to maintain awareness
- Have a clear exit strategy
Harassment and Response
Catcalling occurs frequently but should be ignored to avoid escalation. Men may become violent if confronted, particularly when alcohol is involved.
Clothing considerations: While modest dress isn't required, revealing clothing can attract unwanted attention, especially in higher-risk areas.
Emergency contacts: In case of serious incidents, contact police (911) and the Paraguayan Ministry of Women for specialized support.
For women considering temporary residency in Paraguay, understanding these social dynamics becomes particularly important for long-term safety planning.
What International Travel Advisories Say
United States Assessment
The US State Department rates Paraguay as "Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions" – the lowest risk category on their four-level scale. This assessment acknowledges Paraguay's relative safety while noting specific risks like Pedro Juan Caballero and traffic dangers.
United Kingdom Guidance
UK advisories emphasize pickpocketing risks on public transport and warn about occasional violent crime. They specifically mention pollution in rivers like the Paraguay River and Lake Ypacaraí, advising against swimming.
Regional Security Concerns
The Ejército del Pueblo Paraguayo (EPP) operates as a far-left terrorist organization in the San Pedro, Concepción, Canindeyu, and Amambay departments. While they primarily target wealthy landowners through kidnapping and extortion, tourists should be aware of their presence in these regions.
Practical Safety Recommendations
Essential Precautions
- Dress modestly without displaying expensive brands or jewelry
- Avoid using phones openly on streets, particularly in busy areas
- Carry minimal cash and use hotel safes for important documents
- Use ATMs inside banks rather than street-level machines
- Stay alert in transportation hubs and markets
- Avoid confrontations with locals under all circumstances
Medical and Health Preparations
- Obtain comprehensive travel insurance
- Pack DEET-based insect repellent
- Bring rehydration supplies for hot weather
- Ensure routine vaccinations are current
- Consider yellow fever vaccination depending on travel areas
Financial Safety
Understanding Paraguay's tax system can help visitors manage money safely. Use established banks and avoid street money changers.
For those interested in establishing business operations, proper financial planning includes understanding local banking security practices.
Should You Visit Paraguay?
Yes, Paraguay is safe for tourists who follow reasonable precautions. The country offers unique cultural experiences, favorable economic conditions, and significantly lower crime rates than many South American destinations.
Paraguay's growing appeal to international visitors stems partly from its attractive residency programs and business-friendly environment. These factors, combined with genuine hospitality and authentic experiences, make Paraguay an excellent choice for adventurous travelers seeking to explore beyond traditional tourist circuits.
The key to safe travel in Paraguay lies in preparation, awareness, and respect for local conditions. By avoiding the few genuinely dangerous areas, maintaining situational awareness, and following standard travel safety protocols, visitors can explore this fascinating country with confidence.
For those considering a more permanent connection to Paraguay – whether through business establishment or residency applications – understanding these safety considerations becomes even more crucial for long-term planning.
Ready to explore Paraguay safely? For personalized guidance on travel safety, residency requirements, or business opportunities in Paraguay, contact our expert consultancy team for professional assistance tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.