Arriving at Asunción Airport (ASU)
Your complete guide to Silvio Pettirossi International Airport. Immigration, transport options, getting connected, and your first steps in Paraguay.
Quick Facts
Airport Code
ASU
Distance to City
15-17 km
Uber to Villa Morra
$6-8 USD
Immigration Time
20-45 min
Before You Arrive
Complete the Pre-Registro Migratorio
Paraguay's digital entry system replaces old paper forms. Complete it 48 hours before departure at migraciones.gov.py. You'll get a QR code that speeds up immigration from 3-4 minutes to under 60 seconds.
Complete Pre-Registro →Visa Requirements
Most nationalities enter visa-free for 90 days: US, EU, UK, Mercosur countries. Your passport should have 6+ months validity. Check current requirements before travel as policies can change quickly.
Visa-Free (90 days)
US, EU, UK, Australia, Canada, Mercosur
Passport Validity
Minimum 6 months recommended
Get an eSIM Before Departure
Airport SIM kiosks may be closed for late arrivals. For guaranteed connectivity upon landing, purchase a regional eSIM from Airalo or Holafly before you fly. This lets you book Uber and use maps immediately - no need for airport WiFi.
The Arrival Process
Immigration (Migraciones)
Short walk from the aircraft to immigration. Join the "Extranjeros" (Foreigners) line. Have your passport and Pre-Registro QR code ready. You'll get fingerprinted and photographed.
Common Questions You'll Be Asked:
- • ¿Motivo del viaje? (Purpose?) - Say "Turismo" not "Work"
- • ¿Dónde se hospeda? (Where staying?) - Have hotel name ready
- • ¿Cuánto tiempo? (How long?) - Match your return ticket
Check your stamp! Verify it shows the correct date and "90 DIAS". Missing or illegible stamps cause problems on departure.
Baggage Claim
Monitors show belt numbers by flight. Luggage carts are free. Uniformed porters may help - tip 5,000-10,000 Gs. (~$0.65-1.30) if you use them.
Customs (Aduanas)
All bags go through X-ray. The duty-free allowance for air travelers is $1,000 USD per person.
Allowed
- • 12 liters alcohol
- • 400 cigarettes / 25 cigars
- • Phone, laptop, camera (personal use)
Prohibited (Agricultural)
- • Fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds
- • Homemade cheese, honey
- • Uncured meats
Cash Declaration: If carrying more than $10,000 USD in cash, you must declare it.
Getting to the City
| Destination | Uber/Bolt | Official Taxi | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Villa Morra / Corporate Center | $6 - $8.50 | $17.50 - $20 | 20-45 min |
| Historic Center (Centro) | $8 - $11.50 | $18 - $25 | 30-60 min |
Uber / Bolt
Recommended
Both apps work at the airport and are fully legal. Drivers may ask to meet at the Departures level (upper floor)to avoid taxi marshal scrutiny. Message your driver immediately after booking to confirm meeting point.
Pro Tip: What to Say
"Estoy en Salidas, Puerta 2" (I'm at Departures, Door 2)
Official Yellow Taxis
Safe but expensive
Available immediately at the curb without waiting. Safe and regulated, but 2-3x the cost of rideshare. Cash preferred. 30% night surcharge applies after 22:00 and on Sundays/holidays.
Private Transfers (Remises)
Premium option
"Meet and Greet" with a driver holding your name sign. They wait if your flight is delayed and help with luggage. Available through Welcome Pickups, hotels (Sheraton, Dazzler), or relocation agencies. Best for families or heavy luggage.
Avoid Renting a Car Immediately
Asunción traffic is aggressive with loose lane discipline and motorcycles swarming cars. Combined with jet lag and navigation challenges, it's high-risk for first-time visitors. Use Uber for the first week to acclimatize, then rent from a city office.
Airport Services
SIM Cards
Tigo and Personal kiosks in arrivals hall. Airport "Tourist Packs" cost $10-15 for SIM + 3-5GB data. Kiosks may be closed for late-night arrivals. City prices are much cheaper (~$2 for SIM).
Full SIM card guide →ATMs
ATMs (Infonet, Dinelco) in arrivals hall. High fees: 25,000-30,000 Gs. ($3.50-4) per transaction. Withdrawal limit: ~$200 per transaction. Use fee-rebating cards (Charles Schwab, Fidelity) if you have them.
Currency Exchange
Global Exchange in arrivals hall has poor rates (15-20% spread). Exchange only $20-50 for immediate needs. Get better rates at city cambios. 2026 rate: ~7,500-8,000 PYG per USD.
Free WiFi
Free WiFi available (look for "Tigo Free Airport"). Browser login required. Speed is good for messaging and emails but may struggle with video calls. Download offline maps while connected.
Your First Steps in Paraguay
Buy Water
Mineral content differs from home. Grab a large bottle from "Biggie Express" or airport convenience store.
Download Offline Maps
Use airport WiFi to download Google Maps for Asunción. Waze is better for traffic avoidance.
Have Your Address Ready
Write your destination in Spanish on a card. "Hotel Dazzler, Aviadores del Chaco" is clearer than "The Dazzler."
Prepare for the Heat
Asunción is humid. If arriving from a northern winter, the wall of heat will be shocking. Dress in layers to shed.
Know the Flight Banks
The airport isn't uniformly busy. Understanding the "banks" of activity helps you plan for shorter queues or available services.
Early Morning (04:00-07:00)
Busiest arrival period. Long-haul flights from Panama, Madrid, Lima. Longest immigration queues, highest taxi demand.
Mid-Day (11:00-14:00)
Regional arrivals from Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Santiago. Moderate queues.
Evening (19:00-23:00)
Another regional wave. Departures for overnight flights. Good availability of services.
Off-Peak Arrivals: Arriving outside these banks means shorter queues but potentially closed SIM kiosks. Have your eSIM or WiFi plan ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asunción airport safe?
Yes, Silvio Pettirossi Airport is heavily policed and secure. The risk of violent crime is negligible. The main risks are petty theft (unattended bags) or being overcharged by unauthorized transport. Stick to official taxis or use Uber/Bolt for safe transport.
How much is a taxi from Asunción airport to the city?
Official yellow taxis charge $18-25 USD (130,000-180,000 PYG) to downtown or Villa Morra. Uber/Bolt is much cheaper at $6-10 USD. Rideshare apps are recommended for cost savings and safety tracking.
Is Uber available at Asunción airport?
Yes, Uber and Bolt are fully operational and legal in Paraguay. They're the recommended transport method for cost (approx. $7-10 USD) and GPS-tracked safety. Drivers may ask to meet at the Departures level to avoid taxi marshals.
Can I buy a SIM card at Asunción airport?
Yes, Tigo and Personal kiosks are in the arrivals hall. Airport SIMs cost $10-15 for a tourist pack with data. However, kiosks may be closed for late-night arrivals. Consider getting an eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) before departure as backup.
How long does immigration take at Asunción airport?
Usually 20-45 minutes. It can extend to 60+ minutes if multiple large flights arrive together. Complete the Pre-Registro Migratorio online before arrival to speed up processing significantly.
What if my flight arrives at 3 AM?
The airport is open 24/7. Taxis and Uber/Bolt are available 24/7. Exchange bureaus and SIM kiosks may be closed, so have small USD bills or an ATM card ready. Download offline maps while on airport WiFi.
Welcome to Paraguay
You've landed! Now explore our guides to settling in Asunción.