Benefits of Living in Paraguay as a Digital Nomad
After travelling across all continents for a number of years, I eventually settled on residing in Paraguay as a digital nomad. There is so much I enjoy about this country, from the fresh and high-quality food, the green city of Asuncion, and the relaxed lifestyle that the major cities in Paraguay have to offer.
I have written extensively on what its like to live in Paraguay full-time, after living here for over a year, and travelling to Paraguay for the past 3 years. In this article, we will go into detail on some of the top benefits of living in Paraguay as a digital nomad, and what you can expect upon your first arrival to Paraguay.
Benefits of Obtaining Residency in Paraguay for Digital Nomads
Getting residency in Paraguay was honestly one of the best things I’ve done as a digital nomad. The process was quite straigthforward and only took a few months for me to become a resident. Once I got my residency, I didn’t have to keep worrying about visa runs or leaving the country all the time, which is a contrast to most countries, where obtaining residency can be difficult or require a big investment.
Paraguay’s territorial tax system is also one of the main draws for many foreigners. Paraguay doesn’t tax income you earn from other countries, which is perfect since many digital nomads work online and earn money remotely. Due to this, with the right structure in place, you can easily pay low or no tax.
Ready To Get Residency in Paraguay?
Paraguay offers one of the simplest and most straightforward residency programs in Latin America, with low financial requirements and long-term benefits like tax advantages and a path to permanent residency. Whether you’re seeking more freedom, a better cost of living, or a strategic second residency, Paraguay is an excellent option.
Ready to get started? Contact us today to learn how we can help streamline the process for you.
Another thing that residency helped me with was opening a local bank account. This made managing my money easier, especially when renting an apartment or paying bills. It also made renting a place simpler because landlords prefer tenants with local residency, making things much smoother for me.
But keep in mind that Paraguay is not the easiest country for banking options, especially if you are not living in Paraguay full time.
Living in Asunción as a Digital Nomad
Living in Paraguay as a digital nomad is pretty easy and comfortable. I’ve been staying in Asunción, the capital city, for a few years now, and found some neighborhoods that I really love.
My favorite places are Villa Morra and Recoleta because they are quite safe, have good restaurants, and are close to lots of coffee shops. These areas are great for meeting friends, working online, and enjoying the city without worrying too much.
Asuncion is not a very walkable city, and usually you will find you need to Uber or Bolt to most destinations. However, the nice aspect of being in the Villa Morra area (or the Shopping Del Sol area is another nice and expat friendly area), is that you can easily walk to many places. Supermarkets, countless nice cafes to work from, good restaurants, and the main malls are all available in a short walking distance.
When it comes to finding a place to stay, there are lots of good options available in these areas. Apartments here aren’t too expensive, and it’s easy to find one that is clean and comfortable.
Most apartments I’ve stayed in have air conditioning, good security, and are close to supermarkets and parks. Renting will take a few days if not a week, but landlords are usually ready to get their places rented ASAP, and there is always availability in the foreigner-friendly areas. Keep in mind you will likely be renting for a minimum of 6, if not 12, months.
Top Paraguay Based Hotels
Paraguay bound? Here are my top hotel recommendations for visiting Asuncion
Internet in Asunción has always been reliable for me. I have found the internet speeds to always be fast, whether it be home internet or café internet. I rarely have any issues with slow speeds or connectivity.
Some apartments come with Wi-Fi included, but you can also get your own internet connection. There are also lots of nice cafes with good internet. Places like El Café de Acá (my top café pick in Paraguay) or La Cuadrita walking street have tasty food, strong coffee, and friendly people, making them perfect spots to get some work done.
Overall, living in Paraguay as a digital nomad is easy, affordable, and enjoyable. The friendly people, affordable apartments, and reliable internet make it one of the best places I’ve lived while working online.
Exploring Beyond Asunción
Living in Paraguay has given me the chance to explore cities beyond just Asunción, like Ciudad del Este and Encarnación. Each city has its own special feel and unique things to do. While many foreigners won’t travel far outside Asuncion, I highly recommend hopping on a bus and taking the 5 hour bus ride to some of the country’s second largest cities.
Ciudad del Este is known mostly as a trading city. People from the neighboring countries of Brazil and Argentina come here daily to shop because there are many stores and markets, all with low prices (and tax benefits for Brazilians).
You can find almost anything here—electronics, clothes, toys, and lots of other stuff. But because it’s so busy and crowded, I learned that I need to be extra careful when walking around. It can be unsafe if you’re not paying attention, so I usually stick to busy streets during the day and always keep an eye on my belongings.
Besides shopping, my favorite attraction near Ciudad del Este is visiting the Iguazu Falls. It’s a giant waterfall that is super beautiful and only a short drive away.
Encarnación, on the other hand, feels very different from Ciudad del Este. It’s a calm, quieter, and slower-paced city, often much quieter in the winter than in the summertime.
One special thing about Encarnación is that it has a beach right in the city. It’s actually one of the few places in Paraguay with a beach, called San Jose beach, so of course in the summer months when its extremely hot, many Paraguayans head to Encarnacion, and this small town gets pretty busy.
The city is also famous for having the biggest Carnaval festival in Paraguay. During Carnaval, the streets fill up with music, dancing, colorful costumes, and of course, many locals. If you are in Paraguay in February (usually when Carnaval is held in Brazil), I highly recommend visiting Encarnacion for a week to experience the festivities.
Apartment Hunting in Paraguay
The journey of apartment hunting in Paraguay as a digital nomad can be both exciting and challenging. Having navigated this process myself, here are some of the top things to know when searching for an apartment in Paraguay as a nomad. You can also read the article linked above for the full process and guide on apartment hunting in Paraguay.
In Asunción, neighborhoods such as Villa Morra and Carmelitas are popular among expats and digital nomads. These areas have a mix of residential and commercial spaces, providing easy access to cafes, coworking spaces, and entertainment in the evening.
Rental prices in Paraguay are generally affordable, but prices do increase every so often. In a good neighbourhood of Asunción, a one-bedroom apartment in a desirable neighborhood like Villa Morra may cost between $500 to $900 USD per month, of course depending on the size and utilities included.
In smaller cities or suburban areas, prices can be even lower. Keep in mind that furnished apartments might come at a slightly higher price point but can save you the hassle of purchasing furniture.
Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are typically not included in the rent. On average, expect to pay around $30 to $80 USD per month for these services, depending on usage and the provider. I recommend negotiating with your landlord first on what services are included, although most utilities are not included with apartments.
Cost of Living in Paraguay
Living in Paraguay as a digital nomad has been both affordable and relaxing. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the cost of living, covering housing, food, transportation, and entertainment. Remember, these figures do increase every year on average.
Housing Expenses
Rental prices vary based on location and amenities. In upscale neighborhoods like Villa Morra or Carmelitas, a one-bedroom apartment typically rents for 2,500,000-4,000,000 PYG monthly, while similar accommodations in middle-class areas range from 1,500,000-2,500,000 PYG.
Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet usually add an additional 200,000 to 500,000 PYG per month.
Food and Groceries
Paraguay offers a variety of options for grocery shopping, from both large and smaller supermarkets.
- Superseis: One of the largest supermarket chains in Paraguay, known for its wide range of products and fresh produce.
- Stock: Offers a vast selection of local and imported goods, catering to diverse tastes.
- Casa Rica: A gourmet supermarket specializing in high-quality and imported products, ideal for those seeking specialty items.
For more budget-friendly shopping, local markets like the Mercado Central de Abasto provide fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats at lower prices, or a local market like Mercado 4.
I don’t personally shop at these markets, due to the fact that they aren’t close to my apartment, and I also don’t like the products (especially meat products) sitting out all day. But to each their own!
Transportation
Getting around in Paraguay is both convenient and cost-effective. While many locals prefer to take the buses, you will find most foreigners in the country prefer to use one of the two main ride-share apps, being Uber or Bolt.
Uber is a safer platform to use for ride shares, but is usually slightly more expensive (and the cars are nicer).
As you can see from the above details on living in Paraguay, living in Paraguay as a digital nomad or an expat can provide a generally safe, quiet, and healthy lifestyle. While the cost of living isn’t overly high, you will hear many expats having the opinion that there is not much to do in Paraguay… and honestly, sometimes they are right.
Asuncion isn’t a large city, and there is much less to do here in Asuncion than in other neighboring capitals, such as Sao Paolo or Buenos Aires. However, I very much enjoy the slow pace of living that Paraguay and the city of Asuncion offer.
If you haven’t been before, check out our other articles on Paraguay to make a balanced decision about whether Asuncion is for you.
FAQ for Digital Nomads Considering Paraguay
Paraguay offers a straightforward residency process ideal for digital nomads. To apply for temporary residency, you’ll need a valid passport, birth certificate, clean criminal record, and other documents from inside Paraguay.
Temporary residency is typically granted for two years, after which you can apply for permanent residency. Notably, Paraguay requires residents to visit the country only once every three years to maintain their status, providing flexibility for those who travel frequently.
In urban centers like Asunción, internet connectivity is quite reliable and fast in my experience, with average speeds around 25 Mbps, and some areas offering higher speeds. However, in rural regions, internet access may be less reliable and spotty.
Yes, Asunción boasts a growing number of coworking spaces and cafes that cater to digital nomads. Check out this article for one of my favourite cafes in the country.
Paraguay is overall safe for digital nomads, including solo travelers and women. Of course, I don’t recommend to be outside in the late evening, but if you are living in the foreigner friendly areas, like Villa Morra or Recoleta, you will be safe in the evening if you are smart about it.
Paraguay offers a low cost of living, making it attractive to digital nomads. Monthly expenses, including rent, can be around $500-1000 USD. Of course, you can easily spend more than this in Paraguay, but you live a good life on 1000 USD per month.
Asunción’s public transportation primarily consists of buses, which are economical but can be challenging to navigate due to lack of clear schedules. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber are available for more convenience at a higher cost. While having a car isn’t necessary, it can give more freedom to explore beyond city limits.
Yes, Asunción expats Facebook groups hosts meetups and events where digital nomads can connect. I recommend joining some Facebook or Whatsapp expat groups, and you will find plenty of meets up happening each month.
Paraguay offers both public and private healthcare systems. While public healthcare is accessible, private facilities are often preferred by expats due to shorter waiting times and higher standards of care.
Spanish is the official language and widely spoken here, but basic English is understood in tourist areas and among younger populations. Learning basic Spanish phrases can significantly enhance your experience and facilitate daily interactions, trust me!
🌟 Is Paraguay Safe? – My honest take on safety as a long-term expat living in Paraguay.
💸 Is Paraguay Expensive? – A detailed breakdown of costs for travelers and expats alike.
🌿 Natural Medicine in Paraguay – My unique experience visiting a holistic doctor in Asunción.
🛍️ Mercado 4 in Paraguay – Exploring Paraguay’s biggest and most vibrant local market.
🏙️ La Cuadrita Asuncion – A trendy walking street packed with cafes, restaurants, and nightlife.
🌎 Paraguay Residency – What to know about obtaining residency and living long-term.
🌆 What to Do in Ciudad del Este Paraguay – Top experiences in Paraguay’s bustling border city.
