Difference between revisions of "Paraguay"

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(Buy or sell a car or motorbike in {{PAGENAME}})
 
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{{Limited_country}}
 
 
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
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{{onRoute|Pan American Highway}} {{metadata_country}} [[Category:Country]] {{pricecontrol_country}}
 
{{onRoute|Pan American Highway}} {{metadata_country}} [[Category:Country]] {{pricecontrol_country}}
  
 
=Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
''Give a brief overview of what it's like to visit. How easy is the border, how safe is the country, are there great things to see and do, etc.''
+
South America's least visited country Spanish speaking country is in itself a reason to go. The people are always delighted to see tourists because they are such a rarity, we've not met more hospitable folk. Huge diversity of ethnic backgrounds and fascinating history. First country in South America to build railways (with British engineers). Great Spanish speaking route from Brazil's Pantanal to Brazil's Iguazu Falls for those who find Portuguese confusing. Worlds 2nd largest dam, anyone? Ok, I'm out
  
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">(date last confirmed correct)</span>'''
+
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">(November 2015)</span>'''
  
 
==Required Paperwork==  
 
==Required Paperwork==  
 
{{visa_country}}
 
{{visa_country}}
''List the paperwork required to enter with a vehicle, including number of copies''
+
EU nationals do not need a visa. US and various others do. Visa in advance only. In [[Bolivia]], Paraguayan Embassy in La Paz and Consulate in Santa Cruz both said visas officially take 3 days but they could usually get them processed the following day.
  
 
==Process at border==
 
==Process at border==
''Briefly describe the process at the border to enter with a vehicle''
+
Ponta Pora, Brazil to Juan Pedro Caballero, Paraguay. These are basically two towns that act as one and the border runs straight through the middle. You need to find all the offices and they are spread out. Brazil side, get your exit stamp from the immigration office in the Aeroporto Internacional de Ponta Pora from the immigration window on the left end near departures. You don't require vehicle paperwork for Brazil so no need to visit customs.
 +
Paraguay side, Migración is in a large Y shaped building (as seen on Google Maps satellite image) west, south-west from where Campeones del 65 (Route 5) meets Avenue International. They weren't busy and it didn't take long. Aduana is 1km further west on the corner of Jose Gaspar R De Francia and R Juan E Oleary. Unlike Migración, there is a big sign on the building. First floor office, again, not much going on. Very polite and interested in our journey. Both buildings are facing [[Brazil]] directly.
 +
 
 +
There is no immigration office in Bella Vista, so you'll need to go to Juan Pedro Caballero for paperwork anyway if you cross there.
  
 
==Cost of entry==
 
==Cost of entry==
Line 21: Line 22:
  
 
==Permitted length of stay==
 
==Permitted length of stay==
''State the permitted length of entry for the vehicle''
+
As long as your immigration stamp. Max 90 days
  
 
==Extension of stay==
 
==Extension of stay==
Line 27: Line 28:
  
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
''Describe if/how a vehicle can be stored, and for how long.'' <br />
+
(June 2019) I've left my car with a friend in Asuncion for 7 weeks and left the country. I am back in Paraguay now, I will update this when I leave to note if everything went well / any problems.
''Also mention if the owner / temporary importer can leave the country while the vehicle is in storage.''
+
 
 +
Entering Paraguay from Bolivia (Villamontes) was my easiest crossing. They did not even step out of the office to look at the car; got asked "que color es?" They give you a 3 month TIP which can be extended for another 3 months, I have also not done this yet (overstay results in a fine not confiscation like other countries). I asked the aduanero if I can leave the country without the car and he said the TIP is independent from the personal entry. Very very open country, little bureaucracy.
 +
 
 +
It is also possible to enter Ciudad de Oeste from Brazil, i.e. the city itself without getting a Paraguayan TIP, so you can store the car there for as long as you like!
  
 
==Exiting with a vehicle==
 
==Exiting with a vehicle==
''Describe the paperwork requirements and process at the border to exit.''
+
We crossed on the ferry from the 'tres fronteras' point across the Rio Paraná just south of Ciudad de Este. Price was <price cost="25000" currency="PYG" /> for the car and <price cost="5000" currency="PYG" /> per person. Can also pay in Argentinian Pesos (at the official conversion rate). Small immigration office for stamps and the ticket office (didn't seem like Aduana) seemed happy after looking at our temporary importation form without actually writing anything on the 'salida' section. Tranquil way to get to Puerto Iguazu without crossing through Foz de Iguazu, Brazil. Unfortunately, on the Argentinian side, Aduana didn't have the facilities to process our car paperwork and sent us off to the Tancredo Neves Bridge (with a little signed note explaining our predicament) to see their Aduana office to complete the paperwork (5 minute drive).
 +
Other option in the main bridge from Ciudad de Este into Foz de Iguazu. It's a big porous bridge where the majority of MERCOSUR users do not need immigration, so can't help with its location.
  
 
=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=  
 
=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=  
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==Travel insurance for {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==Travel insurance for {{PAGENAME}}==
 +
{{Travel insurance country}}
  
 
==Vehicle insurance requirements==
 
==Vehicle insurance requirements==
''Yes or No if insurance is mandatory, and what kind is acceptable.''
+
Paraguay has an obligatory SOAT insurance system much like elsewhere in South America. As a foreigner, if you have a MERCOSUR insurance policy covering Paraguay then you are exempt from the SOAT.
  
 
==Cost of vehicle insurance==
 
==Cost of vehicle insurance==
''State the price of insurance and a time period.''
+
MERCOSUR Policy, <price cost="16" currency="USD" /> a month, bought in La Paz, [[Bolivia]] through Seguros Illimani. See [[Bolivia]] page.
  
 
==Where to purchase vehicle insurance==
 
==Where to purchase vehicle insurance==
 
''Describe where insurance can be purchased.''
 
''Describe where insurance can be purchased.''
  
==Driving license==
+
'''Bold text'''==Driving license==
''State the kind of driving licenses required. i.e. International Driving Permit.''
+
We've used UK and US driving licenses only
  
 
==Driving side of road==
 
==Driving side of road==
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''State any mandatory items that must be carried in the vehicle.
 
''State any mandatory items that must be carried in the vehicle.
 
(i.e. safety triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.)''
 
(i.e. safety triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.)''
 +
 
==Roads==
 
==Roads==
 
===General Road quality===
 
===General Road quality===
''Give a brief description of the general road quality. Mention if one way streets are common.''
+
Main routes are generally In good condition for Latin American standards. Once off the main routes things can get tricky as most are unpaved, especially access roads to properties. Lots of mud when it rains. Roads between Ponta Pora & Concepción, Concepción & Ciudad de Este, Ciudad de Este & Encarnación fully paved. Between Santa Rosa de Aquaray and Laguna Blanca, it's 30km of unpaved sandy roads. We got through in a Toyota Corolla, but if it rains it gets nasty. A new road is being built but it's been several years in the making and is clearly several years from completion. Route 8 is unpaved south of Caazapa, so not possible for access to Encarnación. Nov 2015
  
 
===Road signs===
 
===Road signs===
''Briefly describe the overall quality & existence of road signs for directions and hazards.''
+
If you've come from [[Bolivia]] you'll be delighted, if you've been in [[Brazil]]... Bad times
  
 
===Toll roads===
 
===Toll roads===
''List the frequency and approximate price of toll roads.''
+
Most Peajes we've seen have been in construction. From Ponta Pora to Encarnación we've paid 3 times, <price cost="10000" currency="PYG" /> - <price cost="11000" currency="PYG" />. Most charge in one direction only
  
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
''Briefly describe how common bribery is and whether it should be expected, and the best way to deal with it.''
+
We have found the Police to be interested and very helpful. We've not experienced bribery here
  
 
==Checkpoints==
 
==Checkpoints==
''describe the frequency of checkpoints (police or military and what to expect.''
+
High frequency of Police checkpoints across the country. They have little interest in stopping tourists, police cars can be seen at either side of most towns. We were only stopped once near the border at Pedro Juan Cabellero and they only asked to see passports, no car documents. Very polite and tranquillo
  
 
==Traveling with pets==
 
==Traveling with pets==
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=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">October 2012</span>'''<br />
+
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">November 2015</span>'''<br />
  
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
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|-
 
|-
 
| Unleaded
 
| Unleaded
| <price cost="1.26" currency="EUR" unit="liter" /><ref name="Travelcost">[http://www.mytravelcost.com/petrol-prices/ World petrol prices, gas prices, diesel prices|MyTravelCost.com]</ref>
+
| <price cost="0.86" currency="EUR" unit="liter" /><ref name="Travelcost">[http://www.mytravelcost.com/petrol-prices/ World petrol prices, gas prices, diesel prices|MyTravelCost.com]</ref>
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Diesel
 
| Diesel
| <price cost="0.99" currency="EUR" unit="liter" /><ref name="Travelcost" />
+
| <price cost="0.75" currency="EUR" unit="liter" /><ref name="Travelcost" />
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
''Briefly describe if gas shortages are known to occur.'' <br/>
+
Lots and lots. Price is not state controlled. Might be a problem in the Chaco, but we didn't go, so we don't know
''Also state the approximate average distance between gas stations. This is a very rough estimate.''
+
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
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''Discuss driving at night and if it should it be avoided. Mention why.''
 
''Discuss driving at night and if it should it be avoided. Mention why.''
  
==Vehicle parking==
+
[http://www.example.com link title]==Vehicle parking==
''Discuss if vehicles can be parked on the street, if they are considered "safe" at night.''
+
Traffic isn't an issue that we've experienced and we always leave the car parked in the street. No charges or problems finding space
''If vehicles can not be parked on the street, list the other options that exist.''
+
  
 
==Special driving considerations==
 
==Special driving considerations==
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=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
''Describe if organized "pay" camping is common. List the facilities commonly found at these campsites.''<br />
+
Cerro Cora National Park, camping is free. Minimal facilities. Many hostels and other places offer camping too.  
''List the approximate average price range of camping in organized campgrounds.'' <br />
+
''Also discuss the possibility of "wild" or "roadside" camping. How common is it? Is it considered safe, or a bad idea.''
+
  
 
==Camping guide books==
 
==Camping guide books==
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<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
{{vehicle_dealerships_country}}
 
{{vehicle_dealerships_country}}
 +
 
==Local Garages==
 
==Local Garages==
 
''Add known good mechanics here.''
 
''Add known good mechanics here.''
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'''Sell'''<br/>
 
'''Sell'''<br/>
''Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'
+
''Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'  
 +
 
 +
(August 2019) I am preparing to sell my Mexican plated car here. Speaking to others it seems quite easy to do (the friendliest people). Easiest way is in Ciudad del Oeste where you can enter without getting a Paraguayan TIP, you can find a dealer who will buy at a steep discount and do the import process for you. With a bit of work you can do it yourself and save a 1000-2000 USD. I will do this next year and update with my experience.
  
 
=References=
 
=References=

Latest revision as of 18:03, 14 August 2019

Pan American Highway > Paraguay Currency to display:

Visiting Paraguay[edit]

South America's least visited country Spanish speaking country is in itself a reason to go. The people are always delighted to see tourists because they are such a rarity, we've not met more hospitable folk. Huge diversity of ethnic backgrounds and fascinating history. First country in South America to build railways (with British engineers). Great Spanish speaking route from Brazil's Pantanal to Brazil's Iguazu Falls for those who find Portuguese confusing. Worlds 2nd largest dam, anyone? Ok, I'm out

Entering Paraguay with a Car or Motorbike[edit]

Correct as of: (November 2015)

Required Paperwork[edit]

(To check if you need a travel Visa for Paraguay, application instructions and fees see: Paraguay Visa online application at VisaHQ.com)
EU nationals do not need a visa. US and various others do. Visa in advance only. In Bolivia, Paraguayan Embassy in La Paz and Consulate in Santa Cruz both said visas officially take 3 days but they could usually get them processed the following day.

Process at border[edit]

Ponta Pora, Brazil to Juan Pedro Caballero, Paraguay. These are basically two towns that act as one and the border runs straight through the middle. You need to find all the offices and they are spread out. Brazil side, get your exit stamp from the immigration office in the Aeroporto Internacional de Ponta Pora from the immigration window on the left end near departures. You don't require vehicle paperwork for Brazil so no need to visit customs. Paraguay side, Migración is in a large Y shaped building (as seen on Google Maps satellite image) west, south-west from where Campeones del 65 (Route 5) meets Avenue International. They weren't busy and it didn't take long. Aduana is 1km further west on the corner of Jose Gaspar R De Francia and R Juan E Oleary. Unlike Migración, there is a big sign on the building. First floor office, again, not much going on. Very polite and interested in our journey. Both buildings are facing Brazil directly.

There is no immigration office in Bella Vista, so you'll need to go to Juan Pedro Caballero for paperwork anyway if you cross there.

Cost of entry[edit]

No charge for vehicle entry and you get the same amount of time as your entry stamp

Permitted length of stay[edit]

As long as your immigration stamp. Max 90 days

Extension of stay[edit]

Describe the process to extend the permitted length of entry for the vehicle, if possible.

Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country[edit]

(June 2019) I've left my car with a friend in Asuncion for 7 weeks and left the country. I am back in Paraguay now, I will update this when I leave to note if everything went well / any problems.

Entering Paraguay from Bolivia (Villamontes) was my easiest crossing. They did not even step out of the office to look at the car; got asked "que color es?" They give you a 3 month TIP which can be extended for another 3 months, I have also not done this yet (overstay results in a fine not confiscation like other countries). I asked the aduanero if I can leave the country without the car and he said the TIP is independent from the personal entry. Very very open country, little bureaucracy.

It is also possible to enter Ciudad de Oeste from Brazil, i.e. the city itself without getting a Paraguayan TIP, so you can store the car there for as long as you like!

Exiting with a vehicle[edit]

We crossed on the ferry from the 'tres fronteras' point across the Rio Paraná just south of Ciudad de Este. Price was Gs25,000.00 PYG for the car and Gs5,000.00 PYG per person. Can also pay in Argentinian Pesos (at the official conversion rate). Small immigration office for stamps and the ticket office (didn't seem like Aduana) seemed happy after looking at our temporary importation form without actually writing anything on the 'salida' section. Tranquil way to get to Puerto Iguazu without crossing through Foz de Iguazu, Brazil. Unfortunately, on the Argentinian side, Aduana didn't have the facilities to process our car paperwork and sent us off to the Tancredo Neves Bridge (with a little signed note explaining our predicament) to see their Aduana office to complete the paperwork (5 minute drive). Other option in the main bridge from Ciudad de Este into Foz de Iguazu. It's a big porous bridge where the majority of MERCOSUR users do not need immigration, so can't help with its location.

Driving in Paraguay[edit]

Recommended books for Overlanding in Paraguay[edit]

Lonely Planet South America On A Shoestring (travel Gu...
Lonely Planet South America On A Shoestring (travel Gu...
by Lonely Planet, Regis St Louis, Sandra Bao, Celeste...
From $15.80 on Amazon
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Don't Go There. It's Not Safe. You'll Die. And Other M...
Don't Go There. It's Not Safe. You'll Die. And Other M...
by LifeRemotely.com
From $click on Amazon
Americas Overland - The Driving Handbook
Americas Overland - The Driving Handbook
by Donald Greene
From $29.95 on Amazon
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $22.49 on Amazon
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $click on Amazon
Paraguay Handbook (footprint - Handbooks)
Paraguay Handbook (footprint - Handbooks)
by Geoffrey Groesbeck
From $6.91 on Amazon

Travel insurance for Paraguay[edit]

World Nomads offer the most flexible Travel Insurance at the best prices for multi-country / multi-year trips. You can buy, extend and claim online, even after you've left home.

Vehicle insurance requirements[edit]

Paraguay has an obligatory SOAT insurance system much like elsewhere in South America. As a foreigner, if you have a MERCOSUR insurance policy covering Paraguay then you are exempt from the SOAT.

Cost of vehicle insurance[edit]

MERCOSUR Policy, $16.00 USD a month, bought in La Paz, Bolivia through Seguros Illimani. See Bolivia page.

Where to purchase vehicle insurance[edit]

Describe where insurance can be purchased.

Bold text==Driving license== We've used UK and US driving licenses only

Driving side of road[edit]

Right.
Unknown if RHD vehicles can be driven in Paraguay.

Mandatory items in vehicle[edit]

State any mandatory items that must be carried in the vehicle. (i.e. safety triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.)

Roads[edit]

General Road quality[edit]

Main routes are generally In good condition for Latin American standards. Once off the main routes things can get tricky as most are unpaved, especially access roads to properties. Lots of mud when it rains. Roads between Ponta Pora & Concepción, Concepción & Ciudad de Este, Ciudad de Este & Encarnación fully paved. Between Santa Rosa de Aquaray and Laguna Blanca, it's 30km of unpaved sandy roads. We got through in a Toyota Corolla, but if it rains it gets nasty. A new road is being built but it's been several years in the making and is clearly several years from completion. Route 8 is unpaved south of Caazapa, so not possible for access to Encarnación. Nov 2015

Road signs[edit]

If you've come from Bolivia you'll be delighted, if you've been in Brazil... Bad times

Toll roads[edit]

Most Peajes we've seen have been in construction. From Ponta Pora to Encarnación we've paid 3 times, Gs10,000.00 PYG - Gs11,000.00 PYG. Most charge in one direction only

Bribery in Paraguay[edit]

We have found the Police to be interested and very helpful. We've not experienced bribery here

Checkpoints[edit]

High frequency of Police checkpoints across the country. They have little interest in stopping tourists, police cars can be seen at either side of most towns. We were only stopped once near the border at Pedro Juan Cabellero and they only asked to see passports, no car documents. Very polite and tranquillo

Traveling with pets[edit]

List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.

Gas price in Paraguay and Diesel price in Paraguay[edit]

Last updated: November 2015

Currency and unit to display:

Gasoline Grade Price
Unleaded €0.86 EUR per Liter[1]
Diesel €0.75 EUR per Liter[1]

Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency[edit]

Lots and lots. Price is not state controlled. Might be a problem in the Chaco, but we didn't go, so we don't know

Gas and Diesel Quality[edit]

Discuss if gasoline / diesel considered "clean" or "dirty", and generally high or low quality.
State the sulfur content of diesel, if known.

Safety and Security Considerations[edit]

Driving at night[edit]

Discuss driving at night and if it should it be avoided. Mention why.

link title==Vehicle parking== Traffic isn't an issue that we've experienced and we always leave the car parked in the street. No charges or problems finding space

Special driving considerations[edit]

A List of special things to be careful of (i.e. Unsigned speed bumps, abnormal road rules, people or animals on the road, etc.).
List any roads that are not recommended to drive for safety or other security reasons.

Security advisories and information[edit]

Camping in Paraguay[edit]

Cerro Cora National Park, camping is free. Minimal facilities. Many hostels and other places offer camping too.

Camping guide books[edit]

List and link to books specifically for camping.

Drinking water[edit]

Describe if the regular tap water is safe to drink. If not, describe where safe water can be purchased and the approximate average price range.

Navigation[edit]

Paper maps[edit]

Reise Know-How are amoung the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in Paraguay

Uruguay/paraguay
Uruguay/paraguay
by Reise Know-How Verlag
From $7.73 on Amazon
Argentina (national Geographic Adventure Map)
Argentina (national Geographic Adventure Map)
by National Geographic Maps - Adventure
From $7.49 on Amazon
1. Paraguay Travel Reference Map 1:800,000 (internatio...
1. Paraguay Travel Reference Map 1:800,000 (internatio...
by International Travel maps
From $10.36 on Amazon
Lonely Planet South America On A Shoestring (travel Gu...
Lonely Planet South America On A Shoestring (travel Gu...
by Lonely Planet, Regis St Louis, Sandra Bao, Celeste...
From $15.80 on Amazon

GPS Maps of Paraguay[edit]

GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in Paraguay[edit]

  • iOverlander is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.

Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.

Special Overland Travel interests[edit]

List any special items / places that are popular with Overlanders

Vehicle Maintenance[edit]

Dealers[edit]

4x4s / Trucks

Motorbikes

Local Garages[edit]

Add known good mechanics here.

Buy or sell a car or motorbike in Paraguay[edit]

Buy
Describe how a foreigner can buy a vehicle. List any difficulties or limitations on where the vehicle can be driven.

Sell
Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'

(August 2019) I am preparing to sell my Mexican plated car here. Speaking to others it seems quite easy to do (the friendliest people). Easiest way is in Ciudad del Oeste where you can enter without getting a Paraguayan TIP, you can find a dealer who will buy at a steep discount and do the import process for you. With a bit of work you can do it yourself and save a 1000-2000 USD. I will do this next year and update with my experience.

References[edit]

Links to the source of any information - blogs or discussion forums, etc.

  1. 1.0 1.1 World petrol prices, gas prices, diesel prices|MyTravelCost.com
  2. Proyecto Mapear

Helpful External links[edit]

Add any helpful external links here.