Why Paraguay is attractive for expatriates
Paraguay is not a country that appears often in European media. That is partly its advantage. Those who know Paraguay value the straightforward daily life, low costs and relaxed way of life – combined with a stable political situation and a reliable legal system for foreigners.
Climate and regions – one country, different worlds
Paraguay is geographically divided by the Río Paraguay into two very different regions: the eastern region (Región Oriental), where over 97% of the population lives, and the Chaco in the west, a sparsely populated lowland with an extreme climate.
Asunción and the central region
The capital Asunción is the economic and administrative centre of the country. The climate is subtropical with hot summers (up to 38°C) and mild winters (rarely below 10°C). Asunción offers the best infrastructure, the widest choice of schools, clinics and services, and an established expat community. For most expatriates, Asunción is the obvious first place to live.
Encarnación – the pearl of the south
Encarnación lies in the south on the border with Argentina on the Río Paraná. The city has a more pleasant climate than Asunción, a strong German and Ukrainian immigration history and a popular river beach. Cost of living is somewhat lower than in Asunción; infrastructure is good.
Ciudad del Este – economic centre of the east
Ciudad del Este is at the triple border Paraguay/Brazil/Argentina and is known as a trading hub. The city is not typically chosen by expatriates as a place to live but plays an important role for entrepreneurs and traders.
The Chaco – tranquillity, nature and space
The Chaco is the sparsely populated western region with extreme heat in summer (over 45°C) and a dry climate. Here are the German Mennonite colonies such as Filadelfia, Loma Plata and Neuland – a well-functioning, self-sufficient community with its own infrastructure. For those seeking peace, nature and close community life, the Chaco can be attractive.
ParaguayJoker helps you find the region that fits your situation. Use our advisory services.
Daily life in Paraguay – brief overview
Costs in Paraguay are significantly lower than in Western Europe. A well-equipped rental apartment in Asunción can be had for 300 to 600 Euro per month. Supermarket groceries cost about a third to half of German price levels. Detailed figures can be found in the cost comparison with Europe.
Larger cities have private clinics with international standards. Private health insurance is recommended for expatriates and costs significantly less in Paraguay than in Europe. International schools are available in Asunción for families, including German-language institutions. Further information: Healthcare and Families in Paraguay.
Thanks to the Itaipu dam, Paraguay is one of the world's largest electricity exporters. Electricity supply is reliable and very cheap. Internet in cities is well developed; fibre is available in many neighbourhoods. The banking system is stable and foreigners with a Cedula can open accounts easily. See Energy and internet and Bank accounts and finance. ParaguayJoker informs you in detail about all aspects of life on the ground.
