Paraguay

Most international travelers arrive at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Asunción. To navigate the capital efficiently, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Muv are your best friends, offering transparent pricing compared to street taxis. A typical ride from the historic center to the upscale Paseo La Galería district usually costs around 30,000 PYG (approx. $4.00 USD). To ensure you can hail a ride the moment you clear customs, it is highly recommended to activate a Hello eSIM before you land. Having immediate data access allows you to bypass the hunt for local SIM kiosks and avoid unpredictable roaming charges.

While the capital's bus system is extensive and affordable (about 3,400 PYG or $0.45 USD per ride), it can be complex for newcomers. Using your Hello eSIM to access live maps will help you identify the correct 'colectivo.' For a scenic break, head to the Costanera de Asunción, a waterfront boulevard perfect for people-watching. If you are traveling with a group, the Hello app’s expense splitting feature is incredibly useful for managing shared transport costs or group dinners in the lively Loma San Jerónimo neighborhood.

Paraguayan cuisine is a hearty, corn-based fusion of indigenous Guaraní and Spanish flavors. You must try Chipa, a ring-shaped bread made from cassava flour, cheese, and anise. You’ll find chiperas (vendors) everywhere, selling them warm for about 5,000 PYG ($0.65 USD). Another staple is Sopa Paraguaya—don't be fooled by the name; it is actually the world’s only 'solid soup,' a delicious savory cornbread. For a true local experience, visit a Parrillada for an Asado (barbecue).

Social life here revolves around Tereré, a cold-brewed herbal tea served in a guampa (cup) with a bombilla (metal straw). It is more than a drink; it is a social ritual. If a local offers you some, it is a gesture of friendship. When dining out with travel companions, you can use the Hello budget tracker to log your meals in Paraguayan Guaraní, helping you stay within your daily limits without constant currency conversion. If you're sharing a large spread of grilled meats and mandioca (cassava), the Hello app makes it simple to split the bill fairly among your group, ensuring everyone pays their share of the feast.

Beyond the urban pulse of Asunción lie the UNESCO-listed Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue. Located in the south near Encarnación, these red-stone ruins are remarkably well-preserved. Entry for foreigners is approximately 25,000 PYG ($3.30 USD), which covers multiple sites. For the more adventurous, the Gran Chaco in the north offers a vast wilderness perfect for birdwatching and visiting Mennonite colonies like Filadelfia.

Because transport to these remote regions can be infrequent, using the Hello trip planning tool to organize your bus schedules and lodge bookings is essential. The 'Ruta Transchaco' is a long journey, so ensure your Hello eSIM is active to keep your maps and translation tools functional during the trek. While major hotels in Encarnación accept cards, rural areas and smaller comedores (eateries) are strictly cash-only. Use the Hello budget tracker to keep an eye on your cash reserves, as ATMs can be scarce once you leave the main highways. Whether you are marveling at 18th-century architecture or spotting jaguars in the wild, staying organized ensures you experience the best of this underrated destination.