Is Paraguay Safe? 2025 Safety Guide for Expats
Honest, data-driven safety assessment covering crime statistics, safe areas, practical tips, and what expats actually experience living in Paraguay.
TL;DR - Paraguay Safety at a Glance
- US Travel Advisory: Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) - only 2 SA countries have this
- Global Peace Index: 75th globally, 4th in South America
- Homicide Rate: 7.1/100k (similar to USA, lower than Brazil 23.6, Colombia 25.4)
- Safest City: Encarnación (beach town), then Asunción (Villa Morra, Recoleta)
- Avoid: Ciudad del Este, Centro at night, northern border departments
- Main Risks: Petty crime, poor driving standards, dengue fever, police corruption
Overall Safety Assessment
Travel Advisories
Paraguay & Argentina are the only SA countries with US Level 1.
Key Statistics
7.1 per 100,000
75th of 163 (Score: 1.981)
59.8 (mid-range)
2024-2025 Trends
Crime declined in 2024 after 2021-2023 surge.
Regional Crime Comparison (Numbeo 2025)
| Country | Crime Index | Safety Index | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uruguay | 52.0 | 48.0 | Safest in SA |
| Paraguay | 59.8 | 40.2 | Mid-tier safe |
| Chile | 60.5 | 39.5 | Similar to Paraguay |
| Argentina | 63.4 | 36.6 | More protests |
| Brazil | 64.5 | 35.5 | Higher violence |
| Venezuela | 80.7 | 19.3 | Very dangerous |
City-by-City Safety Guide
Asunción (Capital)
Safest Neighborhoods
- Villa Morra - Best for remote workers, nightlife, walkable, tree-lined
- Recoleta - Most luxurious, quietest, family-friendly
- Carmelitas - Upscale residential, good security
- Las Mercedes/Las Lomas - Safe secondary options, more affordable
Areas to Avoid
- Centro at night - Deserted, higher crime risk
- Bañado Sur/Norte - Informal settlements, flooding
- Market 4 area - Pickpocketing hotspot
- Sajonia - Higher crime rates
Numbeo Crime Index: 56.2 (20th safest among SA cities)
Encarnación
- • Beach resort town on Paraná River, bordering Argentina
- • Clean, organized, well-maintained costanera (riverfront)
- • Lower crime rate than Asunción
- • Safe for walking day and night in tourist areas
- • Popular with tourists and retirees
Tourist Police: +595 71-204102
Ciudad del Este
- • Tri-Border Area (TBA) with Brazil - major smuggling hub
- • Drug, arms, and cigarette trafficking concentrated here
- • Brazilian criminal organizations (PCC, CV) active
- • US personnel require special authorization to visit
- • Brief shopping visits possible with extreme caution only
Not recommended for expat living.
San Bernardino
- • Wealthy resort town on Lake Ypacaraí (40 min from Asunción)
- • Popular weekend destination for Asunción elite
- • Well-maintained infrastructure, organized, peaceful
- • Excellent for families and retirees
- • Low poverty = low crime
Types of Crime & How to Avoid
Petty Crime (Highest Risk)
Pickpocketing
Markets, bus terminals, Centro, crowded areas
Phone Snatching
Extremely common. Don't use phone while walking.
Motorcycle Robbery
Thieves on bikes grab bags/phones from pedestrians
Prevention: Keep bags close, use cross-body bags, don't display valuables, keep phone in pocket
Property Crime
Home Burglary
Common in non-gated properties, especially expat areas
Car Theft
~500 vehicles stolen in first months of 2024
Prevention: Choose gated communities with 24/7 security, install alarms, hire portero, secure parking
Scams Targeting Foreigners
Real Estate Scams
Fake titles, properties sold multiple times
Visa Agent Scams
Promise residency that isn't properly filed
Police Bribery
Traffic stops with hints for "unofficial fines"
Prevention: Use reputable lawyers, verify titles, request official tickets, never offer bribes
Violent Crime (Lower Risk)
Context
Significantly lower than Brazil, Colombia, Peru, or Mexico
Expat Targeting
Foreigners are NOT specifically targeted
Murder Rate
7.1/100k - similar to USA, mostly alcohol/dispute related
Reality: Random violence against foreigners is rare. Most violent crime is between people who know each other.
Practical Safety Tips
Daily Life Safety
Use Uber/Bolt instead of taxis
Trackable, transparent pricing, safer
Use ATMs inside banks/malls
Daytime only, cover keypad, don't count money publicly
Carry small amounts of cash
Consider a "decoy wallet" for muggers
Don't display expensive jewelry/watches
Maintain low profile
Home Security
Choose gated communities
24/7 security, access control, CCTV
Install alarm systems
Prosegur and other providers ~$50-100/month
Consider portero (security guard)
Doorman provides extra security layer
Get property insurance
~$30-50/month for basic coverage
Driving Safety
Road Safety is a Major Concern
- • 1,200 deaths per year in traffic crashes
- • 60,000+ serious injuries annually
- • #1 in South America for young adult road deaths (ages 15-29)
- • 71% of victims aged 18-29
Main Risks
- • Many drivers ignore traffic lights, stop signs, speed limits
- • Motorcyclists often without helmets
- • Vehicles drive without lights at night
- • Large potholes even in Asunción
- • Rural roads impassable in rainy season
Safe Practices
- • 0.00% blood alcohol limit (zero tolerance)
- • Avoid driving at night (poor lighting)
- • Drive defensively (assume others won't follow rules)
- • Keep doors locked, windows up in unfamiliar areas
- • At police checkpoints: be polite, request official ticket
Health & Natural Risks
Dengue Fever (Significant Risk)
- • Average 395 cases per week across 11 departments
- • Year-round, peaks October-April
- • Vaccination campaign launched November 2025
Prevention
- • Eliminate standing water daily
- • Use DEET repellent 3x daily
- • Wear long sleeves/pants
- • Install window/door screens
- • Use mosquito nets over beds
Extreme Heat
Summer temps reach 41°C (106°F), thermal sensation up to 50°C. Stay hydrated, use AC, avoid midday sun.
Flooding
Primary threat in Asunción, especially Bañado areas. Rainy season October-April. Choose accommodation away from riverbanks.
Water Safety
Tap water NOT safe to drink. Use bottled/purified water. Paraguay River around Asunción is polluted - no swimming.
Good News
No hurricanes, earthquakes, or volcanoes. Paraguay is landlocked with stable geology. Major advantage over coastal Latin American countries.
Emergency Information
Emergency Numbers
Note: Emergency services operate almost exclusively in Spanish.
Tourist Police
US Embassy
Avenida Mariscal López 1776, Asunción
Phone: +595 21-213-715
Email: ParaguayACS@state.gov
What to Do If You're Robbed
- 1Don't resist - valuables are replaceable, safety isn't
- 2Go to nearest Comisaría (police station) to file report
- 3Bring ID and translator if needed
- 4Police report is necessary for insurance claims
- 5Contact embassy if passport stolen
- 6Cancel credit cards immediately
Special Considerations
Women's Safety
Assessment: Reasonably safe with standard precautions. Lower harassment than many Latin American countries. Many women report feeling comfortable in expat neighborhoods.
Recommendations
- • Stay in gated accommodations
- • Use Uber/Bolt, not taxis
- • Avoid walking alone at night outside safe areas
- • Share itinerary with friends/family
- • Stick to established nightlife venues in Villa Morra
LGBTQ+ Safety
Legal Status: Same-sex activity legal since 1990. No same-sex marriage or partnership recognition. Limited discrimination protections.
Reality
- • Paraguay is socially conservative
- • Discretion advised, especially outside Asunción
- • Villa Morra, Recoleta most tolerant areas
- • PDA may attract negative attention
- • LGBTQ+ venues exist but are limited
Honest Assessment: Pros & Cons
Safety Pros
- Lower violent crime than most neighbors
- US Level 1 travel advisory
- Friendly, welcoming locals
- Stable political environment
- No terrorism risk for foreigners
- Low kidnapping risk for expats
- No earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanoes
- Safe expat enclaves available
Safety Cons
- Petty crime common (pickpocketing, phone theft)
- Some areas unsafe at night
- Police corruption at traffic stops
- Border areas risky (Ciudad del Este)
- Organized crime presence (doesn't target expats)
- Poor road safety (1,200 deaths/year)
- Dengue fever endemic
- Emergency services Spanish-only
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paraguay safe for expats?
Yes, Paraguay is generally safe for expats who take standard precautions. It has a US Level 1 travel advisory (Exercise Normal Precautions) - one of only two South American countries with this rating. It ranks 75th globally on the Global Peace Index and 4th safest in South America.
Is Paraguay safer than Brazil?
Yes, significantly. Paraguay's homicide rate is 7.1 per 100,000 compared to Brazil's 23.6. Numbeo Crime Index: Paraguay 59.8 vs Brazil 64.5. Multiple expats confirm Paraguay feels much safer, with no favela-style violence.
What is the safest city in Paraguay?
Encarnación is widely considered the safest major city, with low crime and a walkable environment. In Asunción, Villa Morra and Recoleta are the safest neighborhoods. San Bernardino (40 min from Asunción) is also very safe.
What areas should I avoid in Paraguay?
Avoid: Ciudad del Este (Tri-Border Area, high organized crime), Centro Asunción at night, Bañado Sur/Norte (informal settlements), and northern departments (Concepción, San Pedro, Amambay) due to EPP insurgent activity.
Is it safe to walk at night in Asunción?
In safe neighborhoods (Villa Morra, Recoleta, gated areas), yes with normal caution. Avoid Centro completely at night - it's deserted and higher crime risk. Use Uber/Bolt for transportation after dark and stay on well-lit streets.
What are the main safety concerns in Paraguay?
Main concerns are: petty crime (pickpocketing, phone snatching), home burglaries if not in gated community, police corruption at traffic stops, poor road safety (1,200 deaths/year), and dengue fever (endemic, prevention essential).
Is Paraguay safe for solo female travelers?
Reasonably safe with precautions. Lower harassment than many Latin American countries. Stay in reputable accommodations, use Uber, avoid walking alone at night outside safe areas. Many women report feeling comfortable in expat neighborhoods.
Do I need health insurance in Paraguay?
Strongly recommended. Private healthcare is good but expensive ($200-500+ for ER visit). International insurance costs $150-400/month. Local plans $75-200/month. Public healthcare is inadequate for expats. Medical evacuation coverage is critical.
Final Verdict: Is Paraguay Safe?
Yes, with important qualifications.
Paraguay is one of the safer countries in South America and offers a genuinely secure environment for expats who choose the right neighborhoods (Villa Morra, Recoleta, gated communities), take standard urban precautions, learn basic Spanish, and maintain awareness without paranoia.
You are more likely to be safe than unsafe in Paraguay as an expat. Violent crime against foreigners is rare. Most crimes are opportunistic theft, not targeted violence. Thousands of expats live safely in Asunción and other cities.
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