Paraguay Currency & Money Guide: Exchange, Cards, and Tips

The Paraguayan Guaraní (PYG) is the official currency, and while credit cards are common in cities like Asunción, cash is essential for smaller towns and local markets. For the best experience, carry a mix of high-denomination USD for exchange and a reliable travel app like Hello to track your multi-currency spending and stay connected with a Hello eSIM for Paraguay.

The official currency of Paraguay is the Paraguayan Guaraní (PYG), which holds the distinction of being one of the oldest and most stable currencies in South America. As of early 2026, the Paraguay exchange rate for travellers from Singapore is approximately 1 SGD to 5,850 PYG, though you should always check live rates before your trip. The currency uses large denominations, with banknotes ranging from 2,000 to 100,000 PYG. It can be a bit dizzying at first to see so many zeros, but you will quickly get used to it.

When handling Paraguay currency, keep in mind that the 100,000 PYG note (roughly $17 SGD) is the largest bill. While useful for larger purchases, many small vendors and taxi drivers will struggle to provide change for it. It is a smart move to break these larger bills at supermarkets or pharmacies early in your trip. According to the Central Bank of Paraguay (BCP), the country has maintained a relatively stable inflation rate of around 4% in recent years, making it a predictable destination for budgeting. To keep your finances organized amidst these large numbers, the Hello app’s multi-currency tracking and automatic exchange rate conversion can help you see exactly how much you are spending in SGD without doing mental math every time you buy a chipa.

For the most favorable rates, you should exchange your money at authorized 'casas de cambio' (exchange houses) located in downtown Asunción or Ciudad del Este rather than at the airport. While the airport offers convenience, the spread is significantly wider, meaning you get less Guaraní for your dollar. In Paraguay, US Dollars are the preferred foreign currency for exchange, and notes must be in pristine condition—any small tear or ink mark may lead to a rejection or a lower rate.

ATMs (locally called 'cajeros') are widely available in urban centers and usually belong to networks like Infonet or Dinelco. Most ATMs charge a transaction fee, typically between 25,000 and 50,000 PYG ($4 to $8.50 SGD) for international cards, regardless of the amount withdrawn. Banks like BNF (Banco Nacional de Fomento) and Sudameris are generally reliable for foreign cards. Be aware that daily withdrawal limits are often quite low, sometimes capped at 1,500,000 PYG (approx. $250 SGD). To avoid being stranded without cash in rural areas, always withdraw what you need while in the city. If you are worried about losing track of these ATM fees, you can use the Hello app to log your withdrawals; the AI receipt scanning feature can even read local bank slips to categorize your expenses automatically.

Credit card acceptance is high in major shopping malls, hotels, and upscale restaurants in Asunción and Ciudad del Este, with Visa and Mastercard being the most widely recognized. Contactless 'tap-to-pay' technology has become the standard in 2026, even in mid-sized grocery stores and pharmacies. However, if you venture into local markets like Mercado 4 or travel to smaller towns like Yaguarón, cash remains the only way to pay.

While digital payment apps like WeChat Pay or PayPay are not used here, local equivalents like 'Billetera Personal' or 'Tigo Money' are popular among residents for mobile transfers. As a tourist, you likely won't need these, but you will need a steady data connection to manage your banking apps or use the Hello app for expense splitting with travel companions. Purchasing a Hello eSIM for Paraguay before you land ensures you have instant data to check your balance or verify a transaction if your card is flagged for international use. Remember that while cards are convenient, some smaller establishments may add a 5% surcharge for credit card payments, so it is always worth asking '¿Tiene un recargo por tarjeta?' before swiping.

Tipping in Paraguay is a gesture of appreciation rather than a strict obligation, but it is deeply ingrained in the service industry. In sit-down restaurants, a tip (propina) of 10% is standard. Always check your bill first, as some establishments include a 'cubierto' (service charge), though this often goes to the house rather than the server, so a small extra tip in cash is always welcomed. For taxi drivers, rounding up to the nearest 5,000 PYG is common practice, though not required.

One unique aspect of Paraguay money tips involves 'cuidacoches'—informal street parking attendants. When you park on a public street in busy areas, these individuals will offer to watch your car. It is customary to pay them between 5,000 and 10,000 PYG ($0.85 to $1.70 SGD) when you return to your vehicle. In hotels, tipping porters about 5,000 PYG per bag is standard. These small, frequent cash outlays can be hard to remember at the end of the day. Using the voice expense entry feature in the Hello app allows you to quickly log these small tips on the go, ensuring your travel budget remains accurate without having to manually type every small transaction.

Paraguay remains one of the most affordable destinations in South America, offering incredible value for money. A budget traveller can comfortably get by on $40-50 SGD per day, while a mid-range experience with nice meals and private transport will cost around $90-120 SGD. To save money, eat like a local at 'comedores' where a 'menú del día' (daily special) typically costs between 25,000 and 35,000 PYG ($4.30 to $6.00 SGD).

Another great way to save is by using public transport. The 'Más' or 'Jaha' cards are required for buses in Asunción and can be topped up at most pharmacies. For intercity travel, buses are incredibly cheap compared to private transfers. To keep your spending in check, use the Hello app’s budget tracking feature to set a daily limit in SGD; the app will automatically convert your PYG spending and alert you if you're approaching your cap, helping you stay on track for the duration of your Paraguay adventure.

While Paraguay is generally safe for travellers, being aware of common money-related scams will protect your budget. The most frequent issue is the 'shortchange' scam in busy markets or taxis, where a vendor might take advantage of a tourist's confusion with the large denominations of the Guaraní. Always count your change carefully and familiarize yourself with the colors of the bills: the 100,000 is green, the 50,000 is orange, and the 20,000 is light blue.

Counterfeit currency can occasionally circulate, particularly with 50,000 and 100,000 PYG notes. To check for authenticity, look for the watermark and the security thread that changes color when tilted. Avoid exchanging money with individuals on the street; even if they offer a better Paraguay exchange rate, you risk receiving fake bills or being targeted for theft. Lastly, be cautious at ATMs at night; use machines located inside shopping malls or banks whenever possible. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to report a theft or cancel a card, having a Hello eSIM for Paraguay ensures you have the data needed to contact your bank or local authorities immediately without searching for public Wi-Fi.

Can I use US Dollars in Paraguay? While some major hotels and high-end shops in Ciudad del Este accept USD, the exchange rate offered will be poor. It is always better to pay in Guaraní for daily expenses. Are there many ATMs in rural Paraguay? No, ATMs are scarce once you leave major hubs like Asunción, Encarnación, or Ciudad del Este. Always carry enough cash for your entire stay in rural areas.

Is Paraguay expensive for tourists? Not at all. Compared to neighbors like Brazil or Uruguay, Paraguay is very affordable. According to data from Numbeo in 2025, the cost of living in Asunción is roughly 50-60% lower than in Singapore. Do I need to tip taxi drivers? It is not expected, but rounding up the fare is a nice gesture. Can I track my spending easily? Yes, the Hello app is perfect for this, as it handles the large Guaraní numbers and converts them back to your home currency automatically, so you always know your true balance.