LifestyleUpdated 2025-01
Do I need a car in Asunción?
No, you can live well without a car using Bolt/MUV ride apps. But a car adds convenience for exploring Paraguay.
Key Takeaways
- Car not necessary in central Asunción
- Bolt/MUV ride apps work great ($2-8 per trip)
- Car ownership ~$300-500/month total
- Need cedula to register car in your name
- Use Bolt first 3 months before deciding
You don't need a car in Asunción, especially if you live in a central neighborhood. However, having one adds convenience for certain lifestyles.
Living Without a Car
Perfectly viable if you:
- Live in Villa Morra, Carmelitas, or Recoleta
- Work from home or nearby coworking
- Don't mind using ride apps
- Don't plan frequent trips outside the city
Transportation Options
**Ride Apps (Most Popular)**
- **Bolt**: Best coverage, cheapest, most reliable
- **MUV**: Good alternative, slightly nicer cars
- **Uber**: Limited operation in Paraguay
- Costs: $2-8 for most trips within city
**Buses**
- Very cheap (~$0.40)
- Extensive network
- Crowded, confusing routes
- No AC (hot in summer)
- Most expats avoid
**Taxis**
- Available but more expensive than Bolt
- Some try to overcharge foreigners
- Use metered taxis or agree on price first
**Walking**
- Sidewalks inconsistent
- Fine within neighborhoods
- Hot during summer months
- Some areas less safe at night
When You Might Want a Car
- Frequent trips outside Asunción
- Living in suburbs
- Have family/children
- Want to explore the country
- Prefer independence
Cost of Car Ownership
**Buying**
- Used car (decent): $8,000-15,000
- New car: $20,000-40,000
- Import taxes make cars expensive
**Monthly Costs**
- Fuel: $100-200
- Insurance: $50-100
- Parking: $50-100 (if no home parking)
- Maintenance: $50-100 average
- Registration: ~$150/year
Total: ~$300-500/month
**Compared to Ride Apps**
- Heavy Bolt use: $200-300/month
- Moderate use: $100-200/month
- Occasional: $50-100/month
Car math: Ownership costs more unless you drive a lot.
Renting Options
- **Short-term**: $30-50/day
- **Monthly**: $500-800/month
- Good option for exploring before committing
Buying Process for Expats
- Need cedula (ID) to register in your name
- Without cedula, need Paraguayan co-signer
- Pay transfer taxes (~2%)
- Complete paperwork at municipality
Driving Considerations
- Traffic is chaotic but manageable
- Motorcycles everywhere
- Parking can be challenging downtown
- Gas is reasonable ($0.90-1.10/liter)
- International license works temporarily
- Get Paraguayan license after residency
Recommended Strategy
**First 3 months**: Use Bolt exclusively
- Learn the city
- Determine your actual needs
- Save car research for later
**After settling**: Evaluate if car makes sense
- Calculate actual ride app spending
- Consider lifestyle (family, travel, etc.)
- If needed, consider monthly rental first
Living Location Impact
**Car Not Needed**
- Villa Morra
- Carmelitas
- Recoleta
- Centro
**Car Helpful**
- Lambaré
- San Lorenzo
- Outer neighborhoods
**Car Recommended**
- Suburb houses
- Gated communities outside center
- If you travel frequently
Have More Questions?
Explore our comprehensive guides to Paraguay
More Lifestyle Questions
Do I need to speak Spanish to live in Paraguay?
Basic Spanish helps significantly, but you can manage initially with English in expat areas of Asunción.
What is internet speed like in Paraguay?
Internet in urban Paraguay is good for remote work. Fiber up to 300 Mbps available in Asunción. Rural areas are limited.
What is the weather like in Paraguay?
Paraguay has a subtropical climate: hot summers (Nov-Feb, 35-40°C), mild winters (Jun-Aug, 10-20°C). Humidity is high year-round.
What are the best expat areas in Asunción?
Villa Morra is the top expat neighborhood. Carmelitas, Recoleta, and Las Mercedes are also popular. Choice depends on budget and lifestyle.