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Travel Insurance Paraguay

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Paraguay Country Guide

  1. CountryFacts
  2. Health
  3. Media
  1. Intro
  2. Geography
  3. People
  4. Travel
  5. Embassies & Visas
  6. Finance
  7. Cities/Regions

Quick Facts

Region: South America
Full Name: Republic of Paraguay
Capital City: Asuncion
Language Spoken: Spanish (official), Guarani (official)

Paraguay Travel Insurance

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Geographic data

23 00 S, 58 00 W

Elevation Extremes

lowest point: junction of Rio Paraguay and Rio Parana 46 m highest point: Cerro Pero (Cerro Tres Kandu) 842 m

Land boundaries

total: 3,995 km border countries: Argentina 1,880 km, Bolivia 750 km, Brazil 1,365 km

Natural hazards

local flooding in southeast (early September to June); poorly drained plains may become boggy (early October to June)

Natural resources

hydropower, timber, iron ore, manganese, limestone

Land use

arable land: 7.47% permanent crops: 0.24% other: 92.29% (2005)

Environmental current issues

deforestation; water pollution; inadequate means for waste disposal pose health risks for many urban residents; loss of wetlands

Climate

Subtropical with rapid changes in temperature throughout the year. Summer (December to March) can be very hot. Winter (June to September) is mild with few cold days. Rainfall is heaviest from December to March. Required clothing Lightweight cottons and linens are worn in warmer months, with some warm clothes for spring and autumn. Mediumweights are best for winter. Rainwear is advisable throughout the year.

Time difference

time difference: UTC-4

Population

6,506,464 (July 2006 est.)

Age structure

0-14 years: 37.7% (male 1,245,149/female 1,204,970) 15-64 years: 57.5% (male 1,878,761/female 1,862,266) 65 years and over: 4.8% (male 145,899/female 169,419) (2006 est.)

Median age

total: 21.3 years male: 21.1 years female: 21.6 years (2006 est.)

Population growth rate

2.45% (2006 est.)

Birth rate

29.1 births/1,000 population (2006 est.)

Death rate

4.49 deaths/1,000 population (2006 est.)

Net migration rate

-0.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2006 est.)

Sex ratio

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2006 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

total population: 75.1 years male: 72.56 years female: 77.78 years (2006 est.)

Total fertility rate

3.89 children born/woman (2006 est.)

Business Practices

Paraguayans are informal in observing appointment times. For social events, it is customary to arrive up to 30 minutes late. Persons are normally addressed by their academic or professional title, e.g. Doctor, Engineer, or Licenciado, in the case of university graduates.

Crime

Armed robberies, car thefts, and burglaries are on the rise. Street crime, including pickpocketing and mugging, is prevalent in the cities, particularly during the evening hours in the vicinity of hotels and airports. There have been incidents of pilferage from checked airline baggage. Travelers have found it prudent to put valuables in their carry-on luggage. Because of concerns about crime in border areas, travelers should use caution when visiting Ciudad del Este or Pedro Juan Caballero. Ciudad del Este, near the borders with Brazil and Argentina, has long been known as a smuggler's haven. Consequently, firearms are readily available and crime is significantly higher and more violent than elsewhere in the country. Ciudad del Este has also been cited as a possible safehaven for Middle Eastern terrorists. Because of concerns about the lack of security in border areas, the U.S. Embassy in Asuncion requires U.S. Government personnel and their family members to provide advance notice and a travel itinerary when traveling to Ciudad del Este or Pedro Juan Caballero. Visitors are advised to take common sense precautions and avoid large gatherings or any other event where large crowds have congregated to demonstrate or protest.

Hotels

Hotels are comfortably furnished and prices are reasonable. Better hotels in Asuncion include the Sabe Center Hotel, the Cecillia and the Excelsior. Outside of the capital, the Hotel Casino Yacht Club and the Gulf Club Paraguayo provide good facilities and security for business travelers and tourists.

Communications

Telephone IDD is available and the country code is 595, however, there is a limited internal network apart from the main cities. Some hotels provide Fax facilities. And most hotels have telex facilities. The poor telecommunications infrastructure represents an important obstacle for business. Paraguay recently connected with Internet, making e-mail viable. Cellular telephony is also available.

Electricity

is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Electricity 220 volts AC, 50Hz.

Plug Types

C

Food And Dining

There is a wide choice of restaurants in Asunci?n, most with table service. National specialties: ? Chipas (maize bread flavored with egg and cheese). ? Sopa paraguaya (soup of mashed corn, cheese, milk and onions). ? Soo-yosopy (a soup of cornmeal and ground beef). ? Palmitos (palm hearts). ? Surub? (a fish found in the Paran?). National drinks: ? Ca?a (distilled from sugar cane and honey). ? Mosto (sugar cane juice). ? Yerba mat? (tea-like drink brewed from dried leaves and stemlets for the Yerba mat? tree). Things to know: There are no strict licensing hours and alcohol is widely available. Tipping: 10 to 15 per cent is normally included in hotel, restaurant and bar bills. Nightlife In Asunci?n, there are numerous bars, casinos and discos. The parrilladas or open-air restaurants offer by far the best atmosphere, especially in Asunci?n. There is a casino at the border towns of Ciudad del Este and Encarnaci?n. The most popular traditional music in Paraguay is polcas and guaran?as which have slow and romantic rhythms and which are used as serenades.

Entry departure requirements

* Please see visa section Visa immigration information

Visa immigration information

Passports

Passport valid for six months after the intended length of stay required by all except nationals of Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay with valid ID cards entering as tourists directly from their own country.

Visas

Required by all except the following:
Required by all except the following entering as tourists for stays of up to 90 days: (a) nationals of countries indicated in the chart above; (b) nationals of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Israel, Japan, Liechtenstein, Norway, Panama, Peru, South Africa, Switzerland, Uruguay and Venezuela; (c) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within six hours provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.

Types of visa and cost

Tourist and Business: Single-entry: US$62 Multiple-entry: US$89

Validity

90 days from date of issue.

Application to

Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Passport/Visa Information.

Application requirements

(a) Valid passport (plus two photocopies from page with personal data). (b) Two completed application forms. (c) Two passport-size photos. (d) Self-addressed envelope for postal applications (see Note below). (e) Fee, payable in cash, bank transfer (or cheque in sterling at the Consulate of Paraguay in London). The following requirements must be presented with two photocopies: (f) Proof of adequate funds (bank statement or credit card). (g) Travel tickets and copy of itinerary. For business visas: (a)-(g) and, (h) A covering letter from employer including name of contact in Paraguay (two photocopies).

Note:Postal applications are accepted only from Australia, Iceland and New Zealand and will not be processed until return post is paid or a courier service is arranged. A self-addressed envelope must be included with all postal applications.

Working days required

2 to 3 days. May take 20-30 days for countries with no diplomatic relation with Paraguay.

Temporary Residence

If you wish to stay longer than three months as a visitor you must produce a 'Certificado de Buena Conducta' (certificate of good conduct) in order to apply for a permanent residence permit. The certificate must be obtained from a local police station in the UK as the Honorary Consul cannot issue one. It must be issued in the month before leaving the UK and must be valid for six months.

HIV entry requirements

Test required for anyone applying for a residency permit

Departure tax

US$25 for international departures, US$4 for domestic departures from Asunci?n airport. Transit passengers are exempt.

Embassies

Embassy of the Republic of Paraguay in the UK

344 Kensington High Street, 3rd Floor, London W14 8NS, UK
Tel: (020) 7610 4180.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1500.
Website: http://www.paraguayembassy.co.uk/

Embassy of the Republic of Paraguay in the USA

2400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 483 6960.
Website: http://www.mre.gov.py/Sitios/Home/Index/embaparusa/ENG

Travel Advice

Most visits to Paraguay are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
Violent crime is increasing, so travelers need to be on their guard and exercise caution at all times, particularly in cities at night.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/paraguay

US Department of State

Website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Paraguay.html

Currency

Guaran? (PYG). Notes are in denominations of PYG100,000, 50,000, 10,000, 5000, 1000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of PYG500, 100, 50, 10 and 5.

Currency restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 0845-1500.

Currency exchange

Paraguay maintains a free monetary exchange policy and the purchase and sale of foreign currencies is not subject to any controls or regulations. US Dollars, which are more easily negotiable than Sterling, are widely accepted throughout the country. Travelers are advised to use an official bureau de change and not deal with people offering services on the street as false banknotes are common. ATMs are widespread, many accept Cirrus, Maestro and Visa cards.

Credit cards

American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted (though not in smaller hotels), while Diners Club has more limited use. ID is required, such as a passport, when making a purchase with a credit card. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travellers cheques

US Dollar traveller's cheques are not widely used in Paraguay.

City/RegionCity/Area codeFollowed by
Acahay(0)535+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Alberdi(0)780+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Aregua(0)291+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Asuncion(0)21+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Asuncion (Rural)(0)92+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Atyra(0)520+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Ayolas(0)72+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Bella Vista Norte(0)38+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Bella Vista Sur(0)767+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Bella Vista Sur / Fixed Rural Cellular(0)873+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Benjamin Aceval(0)271+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Caacupe(0)511+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Caaguazu(0)522+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Caazapa(0)542+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Capiata(0)28+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Capiibary(0)453+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Capitan Bado(0)37+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Capitan Miranda(0)718+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Caraguatay(0)517+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Carapegua(0)532+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Cargil(0)644+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Carmen Del Parana(0)762+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Cedrales(0)633+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Ciudad Del Este(0)61+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Colonia Fram(0)761+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Colonia Independencia(0)548+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Colonia Loma Plata(0)918+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Colonia Neuland(0)951+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Colonia Nueva Esperanza(0)464+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Colonia Obligado(0)717+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Colonia Volendam(0)451+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Colonia Yguazu(0)632+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Concepcion(0)31+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Coronel Bogado(0)741+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Coronel Oviedo(0)521+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Corpus Christi(0)345+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Curuguaty(0)48+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Emboscada(0)529+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Eusebio Ayala(0)514+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Filadelfia(0)91+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Filadelfia (Rural)(0)94+ 7 digit subscriber nr
General Delgado(0)740+ 6 digit subscriber nr
General Diaz(0)787+ 6 digit subscriber nr
General Elizardo Aquino(0)418+ 6 digit subscriber nr
General Artigas(0)743+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Guarambare(0)293+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Hernandarias(0)631+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Hoenau(0)75+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Horqueta(0)32+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Ita(0)24+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Itacurubi De La Cordillera(0)518+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Itacurubi Del Rosario(0)41+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Itape(0)554+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Itaugua(0)294+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Jose Augusto Saldivar(0)295+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Jose Domingo Ocampos(0)527+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Juan E. O?Leary(0)674+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Juan Eulogio Estigarribia(0)528+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Juan Eulogio Estigarribia / Fixed Rural Cellular(0)871+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Juan Leon Mallorquin(0)675+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Juan Manuel Frutos(0)524+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Kressburgo(0)672+ 6 digit subscriber nr
La Colmena(0)537+ 6 digit subscriber nr
La Paz(0)763+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Loreto(0)33+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Maria Auxiliadora(0)764+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Mariscal Estigarribia(0)952+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Mauricio Jose Troche(0)550+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Mayor Ota?o(0)671+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Naranjal(0)676+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Nueva Italia(0)292+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Paraguari(0)531+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Paso De Patria(0)785+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Paso Yobay(0)552+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Pedro Juan Caballero(0)36+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Pilar(0)86+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Pirapo(0)768+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Pirayu(0)519+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Piribebuy(0)515+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Pozo Colorado (Rural)(0)93+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Puente Kyha(0)47+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Quiindy(0)536+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Salto Del Guaira(0)46+ 7 digit subscriber nr
San Alberto(0)677+ 6 digit subscriber nr
San Bernardino(0)512+ 6 digit subscriber nr
San Cosme(0)73+ 7 digit subscriber nr
San Estanislao(0)43+ 7 digit subscriber nr
San Ignacio / Misiones(0)82+ 7 digit subscriber nr
San Jose De Los Arroyos(0)523+ 6 digit subscriber nr
San Juan Bautista / Misiones(0)81+ 7 digit subscriber nr
San Juan ?eembuc?(0)784+ 6 digit subscriber nr
San Juan Nepomuceno(0)544+ 6 digit subscriber nr
San Miguel / Misiones(0)783+ 6 digit subscriber nr
San Pedro Del Parana(0)742+ 6 digit subscriber nr
San Pedro Del Ycua Mandyju(0)42+ 7 digit subscriber nr
San Roque Gonzalez De Santacruz(0)538+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Santa Mar?a / Misiones(0)781+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Santa Rita(0)673+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Santa Rosa / Misiones(0)858+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Santa Rosa Del Monday(0)678+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Santiago(0)782+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Sapukai(0)539+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Tebicuary(0)553+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Tobati(0)516+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Valle Mi(0)351+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Vicente Ignacio Iturbe(0)546+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Villa Del Rosario(0)44+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Villa Florida(0)83+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Villa Hayes(0)26+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Villarrica(0)541+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Villeta(0)25+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Yaguaron(0)533+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Yataity(0)549+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Yby Ja'U(0)39+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Ybycui(0)534+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Yegros(0)545+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Ypacarai(0)513+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Ypane(0)275+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Yuty(0)547+ 6 digit subscriber nr
  1. Health Information
  2. Recent Disease Outbreak
  3. Hospital Database

Dental care

Reasonable dental care can be found in Asuncion. Avoid dental care elsewhere

Medication Availability

Some international medication is available from the larger pharmacies and hospitals in the larger towns and cities.

Blood supplies

Blood supplies should be considered as unsafe. The exception is possibly the larger private hospitals in the capital, where some screened blood is to international standards

Medical facilities

Facilities for medical care are limited.

General caution

Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that the traveler is in good health. Carry appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary. Drink only bottled beverages (including water) or beverages made with boiled water. Do not use ice cubes or eat raw seafood, rare meat or dairy products. Eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors. Swim only in well-maintained, chlorinated pools or water known to be free from pollution. Wear clothing which reduces exposed skin and apply repellents containing DEET to remaining areas. Sleep in well-screened accommodations. Carry anti-diarrheal medication. Reduce problems related to sun exposure by using sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen lotions and lip protection.

Specific concerns

AIDS occurs. Blood supply may not be adequately screened and/or single-use, disposable needles and syringes may be unavailable. When possible, travelers should defer medical treatment until reaching a facility where safety can be assured. Rats, bats, scorpions, tarantulas and snakes may be found, even in residential areas. Frequent and abrupt temperature swings in winter cause a high incidence of respiratory illnesses to occur. Shoes or sandals must be worn outdoors because hookworm is prevalent. Fungi infections are common during the hot summers, and allergies aggravated by the many flowering trees are common.

Immunization

Hepatitis A: Consider active immunization with hepatitis A vaccine or passive immunization with immune globulin (IG) for all susceptible travelers. Especially consider choosing active immunization for persons planning to reside for a long period or for persons who take frequent short-term trips to risk areas. The importance of protection against hepatitis A increases as length of stay increases. It is particularly important for persons who will be living in or visiting rural areas, eating or drinking in settings of poor or uncertain sanitation, or who will have close contact with local persons (especially young children) in settings with poor sanitary conditions. Rabies: Preexposure vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 30 days who are expected to be at risk to bites from domestic and/or wild animals (particularly dogs), or for persons engaged in high risk activities such as spelunking or animal handling. Need for vaccination is more important if potential exposure is in rural areas and if adequate postexposure care is not readily available. Typhoid: Vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 3 weeks, adventurous eaters, and those who will venture off the usual tourist routes into small cities, villages and rural areas. Importance of vaccination increases as access to reasonable medical care becomes limited. Contraindications depend on vaccine type. Yellow fever: Although yellow fever is not considered to be endemic in this country, there is concern that the potential for yellow fever transmission exists. Therefore, vaccination is recommended for travelers over 9 months of age going outside of urban areas. Note: All routine vaccines (such as DTP or Td, Hib, MMR, polio, varicella, influenza and pneumococcal) should be kept up-to-date as a matter of good health practice unrelated to travel.

Disease risk summary

Insect-borne illness: these diseases are an important cause of ill health in rural areas. Leishmaniasis (cutaneous and mucocutaneous) - occurs (problem is increasing) Leishmaniasis (visceral) - occurs Malaria - occurs Trypanosomiasis (Chagas' disease) - occurs Yellow fever - there is concern that the potential for transmission exists outside urban centers Food-borne and water-borne illness: these diseases are common and include amoebiasis, diarrheal diseases, helminthic infections, and viral hepatitis. Brucellosis - common Echinococcosis (hydatid disease) - occurs Other hazards: Diseases such as measles and diphtheria are commonly reported. Influenza risk extends from May to October south of the Tropic of Capricorn and throughout the year north of that. Rabies - occurs

Entry requirements

AIDS: According to the Department of State, testing is required for applicants for temporary or permanent resident status. Foreign test results are accepted under certain conditions. Contact Paraguay's embassy for details. Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers coming from endemic areas. Paraguay also reports it requires vaccination for travelers leaving Paraguay to go to endemic areas. (Since immunization requirements apply to travelers arriving in a country, one may presume that Paraguay's requirement for those "leaving to go to endemic areas" applies to temporary or permanent residents who will return to Paraguay after visiting endemic areas. Ed.)

Recent disease outbreaks

No recent disease outbreaks

NameAddress
Centro Medico BautistaHospital Bautista Avenida Republica Argentina Asuncion
Hospital de Clinicas Dr. Montero641 casi Lagerenza Asuncion
Hospital Luz y VidaJ. E. Estigarribia Ciudad del Este
Sanatorio AmericanoAv Espana 935 Asuncion
Sanatorio Migone-BattilanaEligio Ayala 1293 Asuncion
Sanatorio San RoqueEligio Ayala 1383 y Pai Perez Asuncion

Media

Press:: The main newspapers are ABC Color (website: www.abc.com.py), La Naci?n (website:www.lanacion.com.py) and Ultima Hora (website: www.ultimahora.com.py). American newspapers are available.
Radio:: Radio Nacional del Paraguay is state-run. Other stations include Radio Cardinal, Radio City, Radio Canal 100, Radio Nanduti and Radio Venus.
TV:: Sisitema Nacional de Television is a commercial network. Other stations include Canal 2 and El Trece.