Is Paraguay Safe? 2026 Safety Guide for Expats

Yes, Paraguay is generally safe for expats who take standard precautions. It has a US State Department Level 1 travel advisory (Exercise Normal Precautions) — one of only two South American countries with this rating alongside Argentina. It ranks 75th globally on the 2025 Global Peace Index and 4th safest in South America. The homicide rate is 6.2 per 100,000 (2023), comparable to Chile and lower than Uruguay, Brazil, and Colombia.

Yes, significantly. Paraguay's homicide rate is 6.2 per 100,000 compared to Brazil's 21.1 — more than three times lower. Paraguay has no favela-style organized violence, no cartel warfare, and the US rates it Level 1 vs Brazil's Level 2. Paraguay's Numbeo Crime Index (59.8) is also lower than Brazil's (64.5). Most expats report feeling considerably safer in Paraguay.

Encarnación is widely considered the safest major city, with low crime and a walkable riverfront (costanera). In Asunción, the safest neighborhoods are Villa Morra, Carmelitas, Recoleta, Manorá, and Las Lomas — all feature gated buildings, private security, and low violent crime. San Bernardino (40 min from Asunción) is also very safe.

Avoid: Ciudad del Este (Tri-Border Area, organized crime hub), Centro Asunción at night (deserted, poor lighting), Bañado Sur/Norte and Chacarita (informal settlements), San Jerónimo after dark, and five northeastern departments (Alto Paraná, Amambay, Canindeyú, Concepción, San Pedro) due to EPP insurgent activity and drug trafficking along the Brazilian border.

In safe neighborhoods (Villa Morra, Carmelitas, Recoleta, gated areas), yes with normal caution. These areas have private security, streetlights, and regular police patrols. Avoid Centro completely at night — it empties out after business hours. Use Uber or Bolt for transportation after dark.

Main concerns are: petty crime (pickpocketing, phone snatching by motochorros), home burglaries if not in a gated community, police corruption at traffic stops (CPI score: 24/100), poor road safety (22.6 deaths per 100k, 78% involving motorcycles), and dengue fever (endemic year-round, peaks October–April).

Reasonably safe with precautions. Lower harassment than many Latin American countries. Stay in reputable accommodations in Villa Morra, Recoleta, or Carmelitas. Use Uber/Bolt exclusively, avoid walking alone at night outside safe areas, and share your itinerary with contacts. Many women report feeling comfortable in Asunción's expat neighborhoods.

Strongly recommended. Top private hospitals include Sanatorio Migone Battilana and Hospital Bautista, with consultations costing $30–80 USD. International health insurance costs $150–400/month, local plans $75–200/month. Public healthcare is inadequate for most expats. Medical evacuation coverage is critical for serious emergencies.

Paraguay's homicide rate is 6.2 per 100,000 (2023), slightly higher than the USA's 5.0 per 100,000 (2024). However, Paraguay is significantly safer than most Latin American countries: Brazil (21.1), Colombia (25.4), and even Uruguay (11.2). Most violent crime in Paraguay involves people who know each other — random violence against foreigners is rare.

Top hospitals for expats: Sanatorio Migone Battilana (best cardiac/trauma unit), Hospital Bautista (neurology, MRI/CT, heart transplants), Sanatorio Italiano, and Sanatorio Americano. Private consultations cost $30–80 USD, and complex procedures cost 60–80% less than in the US. English-speaking doctors are available at major private clinics.