Most foreign visitors need a visa to enter Paraguay; visa-free entry and visa on arrival are not available. Visa applications can be submitted at the Paraguayan embassy or consulate in your own country, or at a third-country embassy with jurisdiction. Required documents typically include your passport, application form, photos, round-trip flight tickets, hotel reservations, proof of financial means, and an employment certificate. Processing times are relatively long, so it’s advisable to start the process at least one month in advance. Customs officials may randomly check your itinerary and cash upon entry, so it’s a good idea to carry printed copies of your bookings. When entering overland via Brazil or Argentina, please also confirm the transit visa requirements for those countries.
| Category | Daily Cost (Excluding Flights) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $35–$56 | Hostels or budget hotels, simple meals at markets, and buses |
| Comfortable | $70–$115 | 3-star hotels, sit-down restaurant meals, and half-day private car hire |
| High-end | $170 and above | 4-star hotels, private guides, and long-distance private car hire |
The Paraguayan guaraní has high denominations. U.S. dollars can be exchanged for guaraníes at banks and authorized exchange offices, where the exchange rate is usually better than at hotels. Major shopping malls in urban areas accept credit cards, but carry cash for markets, buses, and taxis. ATM withdrawal limits are low and fees are high, so it’s best to withdraw a sufficient amount in one go. In the Ciudad del Este shopping district, U.S. dollar cash is accepted, but change is often given in guaraníes.