Paraguay SIM Cards & Mobile Plans
Get connected in Paraguay. Compare Tigo, Claro, and Personal carriers. Data packages, prices, and everything expats need to know about mobile phones.
Quick Start: Get Connected in 10 Minutes
Buy a Tigo SIM
At airport, mall, or any Tigo store. ~$2 for SIM.
Show Passport
Register SIM with passport. Takes 5 minutes.
Add Credit
Top up $10 for ~30GB. Activate data pack via app.
The Three Carriers Compared
Tigo
Recommended for Expats
Market leader with the fastest 4G LTE network. Best coverage in Asunción and rural areas. Most popular with expats. Tigo Money digital wallet is a huge bonus for payments before you get a bank account.
Popular Plans (Prepaid)
- • 10GB + Unlimited Social: ~Gs. 40,000 ($5)
- • 30GB + Unlimited Social: ~Gs. 80,000 ($10)
- • 50GB + Unlimited: ~Gs. 120,000 ($15)
Pros
- Best network speed
- Tigo Money integration
- Easy app management
Website: tigo.com.py | Stores: Shopping del Sol, Paseo La Galería, most malls
Claro
Strong Alternative
Part of América Móvil (largest in Latin America). Competitive pricing and solid network. Good option if Tigo is congested in your area. Customer service can be challenging.
Popular Plans (Prepaid)
- • 8GB + Social: ~Gs. 35,000 ($4.50)
- • 25GB + Social: ~Gs. 70,000 ($9)
- • 40GB + Unlimited: ~Gs. 100,000 ($13)
Pros
- Competitive prices
- Latin America roaming
- Good data packages
Website: claro.com.py | Stores: Major malls and downtown
Personal
Budget Option
Owned by Telecom Argentina. Cheapest option but weaker network, especially outside Asunción. Fine for budget-conscious users who stay in the city. Not recommended for travel.
Popular Plans (Prepaid)
- • 5GB + Social: ~Gs. 25,000 ($3)
- • 15GB + Social: ~Gs. 50,000 ($6.50)
- • 30GB: ~Gs. 80,000 ($10)
Considerations
- Cheapest option
- Weaker rural coverage
- Slower speeds
Website: personal.com.py | Stores: Various locations
Where to Buy a SIM Card
Best Options
Official Carrier Stores
Shopping del Sol, Paseo La Galería - best service, all plans available
Airport (Silvio Pettirossi)
Tigo kiosk in arrivals - convenient but limited hours
Small Shops (Despensas)
Corner stores sell SIMs and top-ups - cash only
What You Need
- 1
Passport
Required for SIM registration - mandatory by law
- 2
Unlocked Phone
Ensure your phone accepts foreign SIMs
- 3
Cash (Guaranies)
SIM: ~Gs. 15,000 ($2) + initial credit
Expat Tips for Mobile in Paraguay
Use Tigo Money
Tigo Money is a mobile wallet that works before you have a bank account. Load cash at any Tigo store, pay bills, transfer money, and shop online. Essential for expats waiting for their Cédula.
WhatsApp is Essential
Paraguay runs on WhatsApp. Businesses, doctors, landlords - everyone uses it. Get unlimited WhatsApp with any plan. Voice calls via WhatsApp are free and common.
Top Up Easily
Recharge credit at any despensa (corner store), supermarket, or via the carrier app. Look for "Recarga Tigo/Claro" signs. Minimum top-up is usually Gs. 5,000 ($0.65).
Keep Foreign SIM Active
Don't cancel your home SIM immediately. You may need it for 2FA codes, bank logins, or verification. Dual-SIM phones or eSIM are ideal for managing both numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners buy a SIM card in Paraguay?
Yes, foreigners can easily buy prepaid SIM cards with just a passport. No residency required. Available at carrier stores, shopping malls, and small shops throughout Asunción. Postpaid plans require a Cédula (national ID).
Which is the best mobile carrier in Paraguay?
Tigo has the best overall coverage and fastest 4G/LTE speeds, especially in Asunción. Claro is a close second with competitive pricing. Personal is budget-friendly but has weaker rural coverage. For most expats, Tigo is recommended.
How much does mobile data cost in Paraguay?
Data is affordable: 10GB costs around $5-8/month, 30GB around $10-15/month. Unlimited social media packages are popular. Prepaid top-ups start at $1. Overall, mobile costs are 50-70% cheaper than US/Europe.
Can I keep my foreign phone number in Paraguay?
Your foreign number won't work locally without expensive roaming. Get a local SIM for daily use. Use WhatsApp/Telegram on your local number - this is how Paraguay communicates. Keep your foreign SIM for 2FA codes if needed.
Does my phone work in Paraguay?
Most modern unlocked phones work fine. Paraguay uses GSM networks on 850/1900 MHz (3G) and 700/1700/2100 MHz (4G LTE). iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones work well. Ensure your phone is unlocked before arriving.
Is there 5G in Paraguay?
As of 2026, 5G is very limited in Paraguay. Tigo launched initial 5G in select areas of Asunción but coverage is sparse. 4G LTE is reliable and fast enough for most needs including video calls and streaming.
Continue Planning Your Move
Getting connected is just the first step. Explore our complete guides to settling in Paraguay.