Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended if you’re visiting eastern Paraguay. Hepatitis A and B vaccines are advisable for most travelers. Consider typhoid vaccination, especially if staying with locals or visiting rural areas. Routine vaccines like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) should be up to date. Malaria isn’t a major risk, but consult with a healthcare provider for the latest advice. Always check for updated travel health recommendations before your trip.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Paraguay, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for ParaguayCulture & Customs
Show respect by greeting with a handshake and a smile; say ”Adiós” when leaving. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas. When dining, wait for the host to start eating. It’s polite to bring a small gift if invited to a home. Avoid discussing politics and the Paraguayan War. LGBTQ+ travelers should be cautious; public displays of affection may draw attention. Women travelers should be prepared for occasional machismo but generally find Paraguay safe. Always carry cash, as credit cards aren’t widely accepted.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Paraguay.
- Chipa: A cheesy, slightly chewy bread made from cassava flour and cheese. It’s a staple snack, often sold by street vendors, and deeply tied to Paraguayan culture, especially during Holy Week.
- Sopa Paraguaya: Despite the name, this isn’t a soup but a cornbread-like dish. Made with cornmeal, cheese, onions, and milk, it’s a traditional accompaniment for many meals and showcases the blend of indigenous and Spanish culinary influences.
- Asado: Paraguayans love their barbecues, and asado is a central social event as much as it is a meal. Expect a variety of meats slowly grilled over an open flame, often enjoyed with family and friends during weekends or celebrations.
- Mbeyú: A traditional starchy cake similar to a pancake, made from cassava starch and cheese. It’s a comfort food for many Paraguayans and reflects the heavy reliance on cassava in the diet.
- Mbeju: Another cassava-based dish, this one is a thick, starchy tortilla, sometimes mixed with cheese. It’s simple but filling and has been a dietary staple for centuries.
Tap water in Paraguay is generally treated and locals often drink it, but it’s not always recommended for tourists due to varying water quality and potential stomach upsets. It’s a safer bet to stick with bottled or filtered water, especially outside major cities. You can find affordable bottled water almost everywhere, so it’s easy to stay cautious.
The main language in Paraguay is
Spanish. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Spanish skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Paraguay includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Paraguay,
English is not widely spoken, especially outside major cities like Asunción. The official languages are Spanish and Guarani, with most locals being fluent in one or both. While some professionals in the tourism sector, such as hotel staff and tour guides, may speak English, the general population’s proficiency is limited.
In rural areas, English speakers are even rarer. Therefore, it’s advisable for travelers to learn basic Spanish phrases or use translation apps to enhance communication. Additionally, many Paraguayans are friendly and willing to help, even if there’s a language barrier.
In summary, while you may encounter English speakers in urban settings or tourist areas, it’s not the norm, so preparation is key for a smoother travel experience in Paraguay.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Paraguay is PYG (₲).
ATMs: Paraguay’s ATMs are mostly clustered in urban areas. Stick to ATMs from Banco Nacional de Fomento or Banco Regional for better reliability. Just watch out for those pesky withdrawal fees.
Cash: Cash is king in Paraguay, especially in smaller towns or local markets. Make sure you keep a stash of Guarani on you for food stalls or transport.
Dollars or Euros: U.S. dollars are easier to exchange than euros, but honestly, you’re better off with Guarani. If you bring dollars, keep them crisp; locals are picky about bill condition.
Card Acceptance: Credit cards are becoming more common but don’t count on them everywhere. Big cities are generally card-friendly, but in rural areas, it’s cash or nothing.
Exchanging Money: Exchange at casas de cambio for a decent rate. Avoid the airport for exchanging money—terrible rates there. In cities, ATMs often give better rates than exchange offices, but again, be wary of fees.
Tipping in Paraguay isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated for good service. In restaurants, leaving around 10% of the bill is standard if the service charge isn’t included. For taxis, rounding up the fare is common, while hotel porters and housekeeping might expect a few thousand guaraníes as a tip.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.