Quick Answer
Moving to Paraguay requires a valid passport, apostilled documents, and 3–6 months of financial runway. US citizens enter visa-free for 90 days. One-time moving costs run $5,000–$14,000. Monthly living expenses range from $665 (frugal) to $2,145 (comfortable). Get a local SIM and WhatsApp immediately - they are essential for daily life.
Before You Leave: Documents to Prepare
Gather and apostille these documents before departure. Apostilled documents are required for residency applications and school enrollment.
Essential
- ✓ Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- ✓ Birth certificates (apostilled)
- ✓ Police clearance from home country
- ✓ Proof of income or financial means
- ✓ Medical records and vaccination history
If Applicable
- ✓ Marriage certificate (apostilled)
- ✓ Academic transcripts/diplomas (apostilled)
- ✓ International driving permit
- ✓ Children's school records
- ✓ Business registration documents
Apostille tip: Paraguay is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention. Documents apostilled in your home country are recognized in Paraguay without further legalization. Start the apostille process at least 4–6 weeks before departure.
Health Preparation
Recommended vaccinations and health preparations before moving to Paraguay (CDC guidance).
Vaccinations
- ● Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP) - up to date
- ● Hepatitis A
- ● Hepatitis B
- ● Typhoid
- ● Yellow fever (check current recommendations)
- ● Rabies (extended rural stays only)
Health Supplies & Insurance
- ● Prescription medication supply from home
- ● Medical evacuation insurance
- ● International health insurance
- ● Bug bite prevention (DEET, permethrin clothing)
- ● Water filter or purification tablets
CDC warning: Substandard and counterfeit medications are a risk in Paraguay. Bring a sufficient supply of any prescription medications from your home country. Medical evacuation insurance is recommended for serious emergencies.
First Week Checklist
Priority tasks for your first 7 days in Paraguay.
Register with your embassy
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for US citizens, or equivalent for your country.
Get a local SIM card
Providers: Personal, Tigo, or Claro. Buy at the airport or any kiosk. Prepaid plans start at ~$13/month for 10GB+ data.
Set up WhatsApp
WhatsApp is the primary communication tool in Paraguay - for business, social, and even medical appointments. Essential from day one.
Find temporary accommodation
Book a hotel or Airbnb for the first 2–4 weeks. Budget $400–$900/month for temporary furnished housing. See the housing guide for options.
Get Guaraníes
Exchange USD or withdraw from ATMs. USD is widely accepted for initial transactions, but Guaraníes are needed for daily purchases. Exchange rate: ~7,800 PYG/USD.
Download offline maps
Google Maps works in Asunción but coverage varies outside the city. Download offline maps before you arrive.
First Month Checklist
Settle in with these tasks during your first 30 days.
Legal & Admin
- ✓ Begin residency application (see residency guide)
- ✓ Open a bank account (requires residency or specific documentation)
- ✓ Get a local driver's license if planning to drive
Daily Life
- ✓ Find long-term housing (see housing guide)
- ✓ Set up utilities (electricity, water, internet ~$65/month)
- ✓ Register with a private clinic/hospital (see healthcare guide)
- ✓ Enroll children in school (see schools guide)
Residency timeline: Residencia Temporal or Permanente is processed through Migraciones and takes 3–6 months. You'll need your passport, police clearance, apostilled birth certificate, proof of income, and a health certificate. See the residency guide for the full process.
Practical Considerations
Language
- Spanish is essential for daily life - learn the basics before arriving
- Guaraní is widely spoken but not required for expats in Asunción
- Many private healthcare professionals speak some English
- Learning basic Spanish significantly improves quality of life
Safety
- Street crime is prevalent - pickpocketing and armed robbery
- Motorcycle-assisted robberies increasing (State Dept)
- Avoid eastern border areas (Pedro Juan Caballero to Ciudad del Este)
- Don't open door to "service people" without verifying
- Emergency number: 911
Transportation
- No vehicle insurance required legally - many drivers lack it
- Traffic regulations routinely ignored
- Ride-hailing apps available in Asunción
- Don't drive at night outside Asunción
- Rural roads unpaved, may be impassable Nov–Apr (rainy season)
Daily Life
- Tap water not safe to drink - use bottled or filtered
- Electricity: 220V (bring adapters from 110V countries)
- Most businesses close for siesta (~12:00–15:00)
- Sunday is rest day - most shops closed
- Pharmacies widely available; many medications over-the-counter
Moving Budget Estimates
Cost estimates based on Numbeo and Expatistan data (April 2026). Exchange rate: ~7,800 PYG/USD.
One-Time Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Flights (one-way) | $500 – $1,500 |
| Temporary housing (1 month) | $400 – $900 |
| Residency application | $500 – $1,500 |
| Housing deposit (first + security) | $500 – $1,800 |
| Furniture / appliances (if unfurnished) | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| International shipping (if applicable) | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Total one-time | $5,000 – $14,000 |
Monthly Budget (Single Person)
| Category | Frugal | Moderate | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $250 | $420 | $880 |
| Utilities + internet | $65 | $65 | $65 |
| Food | $200 | $350 | $500 |
| Transport | $50 | $100 | $200 |
| Health insurance | $50 | $100 | $200 |
| Entertainment | $50 | $150 | $300 |
| Total / month | $665 | $1,185 | $2,145 |
Cash is king: USD is widely accepted for initial transactions. Bring cash for your first weeks - it simplifies everything from temporary housing to deposits. Open a local bank account after securing residency.
Financial prep: Notify your bank of your international move. Ensure you have 3 months of living expenses accessible from Paraguay. Budget for the first 3 months at $700–$2,200/month depending on lifestyle.
Entry & Visa Requirements
Requirements for US citizens (US Department of State).
- → No visa required for stays up to 90 days (tourism or business)
- → Valid passport required - expired or damaged passports may result in denied entry
- → Airport departure tax may apply when leaving by air (often included in ticket price)
- → No HIV/AIDS entry restrictions
- → Minor children may need notarized authorization from Paraguayan authorities if not traveling with both legal parents