Is Paraguay safe? Learn about crime rates, top expat areas, and how its low taxes and easy residency make it a top choice for expats.
April 4, 2025
By: Bobby Casey, Managing Director GWP
In 2023, around 40,000 residency applications were made to Paraguay, which was a significant increase from previous years. It’s evident that this country appeals to those wishing to emigrate, and not just from other South American countries either. Many expats from countries like the US are packing their bags and flying south for their new homes.
You might want to follow suit, but a reasonable question you may have is this: Is Paraguay safe? South America doesn’t have a fantastic reputation for safety, so you want to know the facts before relocating.
Keep reading to see the key points about Paraguay’s safety in order to make an informed decision.
Is Paraguay Safe?
On our list of safe countries in South America, Paraguay places fifth. Also, on the 2024 Global Peace Index, it places 73rd, so that’s not a bad ranking at all.
But there are different types of safety, so let’s break them down and explore them further.
Paraguay Crime
In general, this country has lower violent crime rates compared to its neighboring countries, like Brazil and Argentina. However, like in all places, crime does exist, especially in urban areas.
In busy areas like Asunción and Ciudad del Este, pickpocketing, purse snatching, and cell phone theft are common. In addition, armed robberies can happen at night in certain districts, although it’s rare in expat communities.
Paraguay also has a history of smuggling and illicit activities, particularly in border towns like Ciudad del Este, Pedro Juan Caballero, and Salto del Guairá. The good news is that this activity typically doesn’t affect expats. However, bribery and corruption are relatively common, especially when you’re dealing with local bureaucracy or traffic police.
Safe Areas
Is Paraguay safe to live? Well, we did just say that Asunción can have crime, but it does still have some very safe neighborhoods where many expats and affluent Paraguayans live. They include:
- Villa Morra
- Carmelitas
- Recoleta
Encarnación is another good area to live. It’s a peaceful border town and it’s known for its scenic views and beach-like atmosphere along the Paraná River. In general, it’s safe and has a lower crime rate.
If you’re looking for a weekend home, then San Bernadino is where you should go. This is a resort town that’s popular with wealthier Paraguayans and expats.
Less Safe Areas
Generally speaking, you should stay away from Ciudad del Este and border areas. While it’s a commercial hub, Ciudad del Este has higher crime due to smuggling and illicit trade. Another border city to stay away from is Pedro Juan Caballero, which is located on the Brazil border and has issues with drug trafficking and organized crime.
And as for Asunción, Bañado Sur and some outskirts have higher crime rates.
Tips for Staying Safe
If you exercise caution while out, you can minimize risks. For example, you can avoid wearing flashy jewelry or using expensive electronics while out in public.
Don’t walk alone at night either, especially in less crowded areas. Instead, use reliable transportation services like Uber instead of hailing taxis off the street.
While using ATMs, be careful. If possible, use ones inside banks rather than those on the street.
And learn some Spanish. Not only is it the main language of Paraguay, but it’ll help you navigate situations safely too.
Healthcare and Emergency Services
Safety doesn’t just entail crime levels; the infrastructure and available facilities can make or break your experience as well.
In Paraguay, you have both public and private healthcare options. Usually, expats rely on private hospitals since public healthcare can be underfunded and overcrowded. The cost of private health insurance can range from $50 to $150 per month, and a doctor consultation costs $20 to $50 while an emergency room visit costs between $50 to $100.
The top private hospitals in Asunción include:
- Sanatorio Migone
- Hospital Bautista
- Centro Médico La Costa
Do note that private hospitals often have their own emergency ambulance services, which can be more reliable than public ones.
The following are the emergency numbers you should know:
- Police: 911
- Fire department: 131
- Ambulance: 141
Infrastructure and Living Conditions
In Paraguay, your mileage may vary, literally. The major highways are typically well-maintained, but rural roads are different story.
While on the road, you’ll see that many drivers ignore the traffic laws. You should expect unpredictable driving behavior, especially since drunk driving is a problem, particularly on weekends.
Those who take public transportation may be frustrated too. Not only are the buses unreliable, but they’re often unsafe. You’re better off with Ubers, but the costs can add up.
In addition, if you live in rural areas or places with storms, power outages are common. The water quality in cities is generally safe, but we’d recommend drinking bottled or filtered water instead.
Natural Disasters and Environmental Risks
The good news is that Paraguay doesn’t experience earthquakes or hurricanes. However, the country does have heavy rainy seasons, especially in lower-lying regions. Because of this, flooding is common.
Plus, the nation’s proximity to the equator means there’s extreme heat during the summer; temperatures can reach over 100F. Dengue fever outbreaks also occur periodically, meaning that mosquito repellent is vital.
Expat Community and Cultural Safety
Most Paraguayans are friendly and welcoming to expats. But it goes without saying that if you can speak Spanish, it’ll be highly beneficial for you, as few people speak fluent English outside of business settings. And while the majority of expats feel safe in social settings, it’s essential that you adapt to your new culture as quickly as possible to avoid misunderstandings.
Do understand that Paraguay is a conservative country, especially outside urban areas. LGBTQIA+ rights are limited, so don’t have open displays of affection. Women should also be extra careful when traveling alone since catcalling and harassment happen in some areas.
Do You Need a Visa to Go to Paraguay?
After learning about Paraguay’s safety, you may now be wondering if you need a visa to go to Paraguay. According to the US Embassy, Americans don’t need a visa if they’re visiting for up to 90 days as a tourist.
If you want to move to this country, then you’ll have to get a residence permit to live there legally.
Paraguay’s Attractive Residency and Tax Benefits
One of Paraguay’s biggest draws for expats, entrepreneurs, and investors is its straightforward residency program combined with favorable tax policies.
Paraguay offers a territorial tax system, meaning only locally earned income is taxed, while foreign-earned income—including offshore business profits, dividends, and investments—remains entirely tax-free. This makes it an appealing destination for those seeking tax optimization and wealth protection.
In terms of residency, Paraguay previously allowed a fast-track permanent residency with a $5,000 USD bank deposit, but the system changed in October 2022. Now, applicants must first obtain temporary residency, which is granted for two years before they can apply for permanent status.
To qualify, you must show proof of economic solvency, such as employment, business ownership, or pension/investment income. While the process has become stricter, Paraguay remains one of the most accessible countries for obtaining legal residency in South America.
Find a New Home in Paraguay
So is Paraguay safe? It lands in the list of top five safest nations in South America, so we’d say it is.
Naturally, it’s not 100% safe, and nowhere in the world is. As long as you know the risks and understand how to lessen or mitigate them, then you should do just fine in your new home country.
Get in touch with us now if you want to move to Paraguay and protect your assets in the process. Global Wealth Protection is backed by over 20 years of experience in wealth perpetuation.
