We try to provide an insight into what life looks like for us here in Paraguay. We hope to shed light on how we came to choose Paraguay in the first place and help with relocating to another country.
When we decided to leave New Zealand we honestly did not have much of a plan. Our mission was simple; to see if there was a place that had not yet been overcome with the psychosis of drama that has infected much of the world.
A great start, but what about the fine detail? We have learned many things about what qualifies as a suitable country.
This post is based on the rationale we discussed in our recent YouTube video, where we assessed Paraguay in terms of how it compared to Nicaragua.
Here is a list of things that we believe are important.
Pathway to Residence
This is the linchpin. Presently, Paraguay represents one of the World’s most transparent, cost-effective pathways to residence.
Several people provide assistance with the process of obtaining residence. As with any big decision, due diligence is recommended concerning assessing their competence, track record, and price.
Please email us at [email protected] if you would like a recommendation.
Relationship with the Government
In recent years I have come to appreciate that our relationship with our government cannot be taken for granted. The days of being secure about the sanctity of our rights and freedoms are now behind us.
Every time we engage with a government official we essentially engage with a party that we are inextricably tied to; the government. With that in mind, we had best get along. In this relationship, they are the power partner.
To date, we have enjoyed generally positive interactions with officials here in Paraguay. From immigration to car registration, the officials have been courteous, helpful, and patient.
Police road stops are a part of the deal in any Latin American country. Here in Paraguay, we have found that as long as we abide by the most ‘important’ rules, Police are generally not an issue. We have heard of the odd exception, but that can happen in any country.
The Feeling about the Future
There are many ways to gauge where a country is headed. Some people turn to the ‘experts’, politicians, and associated talking heads. For us, we like to give an ear to the people in the street. What is the feeling among those who are at the tip of the spear; the shopkeepers, expats, taxi drivers, and the rest.
Well, the feeling in Paraguay is comparatively upbeat, to say the least. There is a lot of building activity, roads are being upgraded, and tourism is being supported and talked up by the Government.
Seldom have we seen any sign of protest, and on the odd occasion where we did, it was cordial and calm.
Living in Paraguay in 2024 is in stark contrast to the doom mindset that has infected most of the world. The contrived crises and manipulated dramas seem a long way off. Here is hoping this endures.
Personal Safety
I am casting a wide net here. Everything from crime, and natural disasters to the threat of war.
In every category, we feel safer in Paraguay than any place we have ever lived. Crime exists, but we have not seen even a hint of it.
Currently, the United Nations (yes, occasionally they do get it right) considers Paraguay to have a ‘very low risk’ of natural disasters. They rank Paraguay at No. 28 in the world, which is impressive, however, when you consider the other countries there is another factor at play that, if taken into the calculation, would cause Paraguay to be rated much higher on the safety scale. That factor is geopolitics.
Paraguay is an island surrounded by land and has no apparent enemies. It is isolated from and not near a significant target or enemy of other nations. Paraguay is arguably the best place to be if the superpowers decide to take their grievances to the next level.
Shopping, Availability, Price
You can get just about whatever you want in Paraguay. Asuncion has shopping malls and markets that are on par with most countries. There are also services like Saspy & Paraguaybox that create an import gateway from the US & Europe to Paraguay as well.
Food and groceries are better than most. South America has it’s own trading economy going on, so you have access to products imported from Argentina & Brazil for example as well as a variation of products that are made in Paraguay. Meat is a staple for Paraguayan families. No bug burgers or rants about the need for you to take one for the ‘green team.’
Buying a House
You can buy a house in Paraguay without too many issues. The challenging thing is to find a suitable place at the right price, in the right location, that has a clear title!
Often the more difficult issue is not to be found in Paraguay. Moving funds around the world have become entwined in the Globalist ‘war against everything.’ Now, to move money there are more checks, balances, hurdles, and impediments than ever before. But at the time of writing this post, it is still possible.
Want to know more about buying a house in Paraguay? Please check out our post here.
Buying a Vehicle
Our experience in Nicaragua taught us that the right to buy a car as a newcomer is not to be taken for granted. In Nicaragua, you cannot purchase a car and legally transfer it into your name (as a non-resident). This is a major hassle. It can be done but it requires a legal work around that means the car is still not registered in your name.
Thankfully, in Paraguay, non-residents can buy a car and have it transferred into their name without any issues. The process is cheap, transparent, and straightforward. You also only need a passport to purchase a car.
If you would like more information on buying a car in Paraguay check out our post.
Expat Communities
When you first arrive in a new country your most important community is the one you can communicate with. As your language improves your social network expands. If all goes well in time you become part of the wider community.
It is critically important that the expat community in your chosen country is welcoming, established, and on good terms with the government and locals.
Paraguay has been a beacon for migrants from around the world. Of course, there are some stress points, however, the expat communities have generally contributed positively to the country.
In a relatively short period, we have made significant inroads into establishing a network of friends and advisors who continue to bless us with guidance and direction.
Cost of Living
We have covered the availability of commodities, but what about cost?
Thankfully we can report the cost of living in Paraguay is fairly cheap in comparison to most places in the world. Groceries, vehicles, rent, and power; are all much cheaper than in many countries.
To illustrate. In Nicaragua, we noticed that many people do not operate their air-conditioners (if they have them) for fear of the high cost of power. In Paraguay power costs are low and the supply is generally reliable.
For more about shopping in Paraguay here is a link to our previous post about this very issue.
A Good Place to Start
Everyone has their own; each to their own. For some, being near the beach is a ‘must have.’ Well, that rules out Paraguay. We certainly miss the beach ourselves, but all things considered, we are happy with the quantity of boxes that Paraguay ticks for us.
Wherever you are, may you find your rightful place.
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The Paraguay Relocation Guide is an essential planning tool for your move to Paraguay.
It’s designed to kick-start your moving process and guides you through the core decisions, mindset & steps you need to take.
It’s essentially a summary of all the most important lessons we learnt from our moving journey!
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Great article. All the little bits and pieces of information I was looking for as a start in one short informative post.
Thank you.
Thanks for your feedback, great that you found it helpful. Not sure whether you have checked out our YT channel as we have lots of info on there as well.🙂