Paraguay

Paraguay is off the beaten track when it comes to tourism and popular retirement destinations.

Tourists usually skip Paraguay on a trip around South America, and expats who have relocated here are few. Those who have made the transition to Paraguay enjoy a nature-filled life, beautiful weather, a cheap cost of living, and the warmth and welcoming spirit of the locals.

Paraguay is a landlocked country located in the middle of South America. Bordered by Brazil, Bolivia, and Argentina, Paraguay is split down the middle by the Paraguay River.

To the east of the Paraguay River is the Paraneña region; to the west is the Chaco region. Almost 95% of the population lives in the Paraneña region, which has a more predictable subtropical climate.

Since gaining independence from Spain in 1811, Paraguay has experienced dictatorships, wars, and severe corruption.

Nowadays, Paraguay is working towards democracy, and it has one of the fastest-growing economies in South America. Paraguay has a lot of potential… in the future, this hidden gem will be a hot spot for investment overseas.

Living In Paraguay

Located in the southern hemisphere, Paraguay is a perfect winter retreat for North Americans or Canadians wanting to escape from the cold, bitter winters of their homeland.

Expats, as with the majority of the population, live in the Paraneña region and enjoy a subtropical climate.

The weather is consistently warm and humid year-round, with a slight drop in temperature in the wintertime.

The official languages of Paraguay are Spanish and Guaraní, the country’s indigenous language. English is not widely spoken, certainly not in the country’s more rural areas.

You will find speakers in the bigger cities, but it’s better to come armed with some of the local lingo if you plan to relocate here.

Paraguayans are polite, warm, and welcoming. They are open to making friendships with foreigners, so don’t worry if you find yourself in an area of Paraguay with no established expat communities. Crime levels in Paraguay are relatively low. You should take regular precautions to avoid being robbed: For example, be careful displaying expensive jewelry while walking down busy streets.

Cost Of Living In Paraguay

The low cost of living is one of the main pull factors for many expats who consider moving to Paraguay. Life here can be cheap; real estate prices are low, taxes are even lower, and your day-to-day living costs can be next to nothing.

If you want to live on a budget in Paraguay, you will have to forgo some of your favorite North American brands, as these will rack up your grocery bill. Stick to healthy, locally grown produce, and you won’t believe how little you will spend on your weekly shop. Public transport in Paraguay is also cheap, as are electricity and water bills.

Health Care In Paraguay

The public health care system in Paraguay is severely behind the standards of the States or Canada. Funding is lacking and public hospitals are severely understaffed, especially in rural areas. This results in many people waiting long periods to be treated for serious illness.

Needless to say, you will need to invest in private medical insurance if you are planning on moving to Paraguay. Private medical facilities in Paraguay are to a high-standard, doctors are highly trained in their specialties and speak English, and the medical equipment is clean and modern. What’s more, private insurance rates in Paraguay are only a fraction of the cost of what you would pay in the States.

Getting To Paraguay

There are no direct flights from the States to Paraguay, so you will need to get a connecting flight from a different Latin American country. Stopovers for flights from the States. to Paraguay are usually in Panama.

Don’t worry about transporting your belongings. This may seem like the most complicated part of your move, but these days there are hundreds of companies available on the internet. These transport companies offer an array of services, with something to suit every expat.

Best Places To Live In Paraguay

Asunción

Paraguay’s capital, Asunción, is one of the most tranquil cities in the world. Even though it is a bustling metropolis, you find yourself constantly surrounded by nature… trees, parks, and beaches along the famous Paraguay River. Asunción has an abundance of lifestyles on offer, with state-of-the-art shopping malls, fine-dining restaurants, museums, art galleries, and a thriving financial district.

Asunción has a growing expat community. Different groups meet up regularly and are welcoming to newcomers. If you want a real taste of home and fancy flying back to the States for a weekend, Asunción is the perfect base, as it is home to the country’s only international airport.

Villarica

Villarica, or “rich town,” has the highest standard of living across the country. This picturesque town in the hills of Paraguay has a slightly cooler climate than the rest of the country. The city is surrounded by woods and has some of the best hiking trails in Paraguay, making it a prime destination for retirees who want to live an active lifestyle abroad.

Villarica is a long-established university city which has attracted young, creative minds from all over the world to study here. This adds a burst of life to the city and has resulted in several exciting businesses opening here: restaurants, bakeries, and shops with produce from a myriad of cultures.