Advantages and Disadvantages of LIVING in Paraguay

I will share with you my experiences, perceptions of advantages and disadvantages of living in Paraguay during my first month living here, specifically in Asunción.

Through 7 key positive points and other negatives, explores aspects that I find remarkable in the South American country, from the pleasant climate and the fact that it does not rank poorly in safety despite being a South American country, to the affordable cost of living and the country's growing business opportunities.

But I also want to be honest with you, and that is that Paraguay has its weak points as a sanitary system with bad reputation by the locals, mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya, The following is a more detailed description of these points to provide a more complete view of the situation. These points are detailed below to provide a more complete picture.

Advantages of Living in Paraguay

Weather in Paraguay

With a subtropical climate, the general temperature goes from warm to hot most of the year. And I would classify it as follows:

• WinterIt is characterized by temperatures ranging from warm to cool, with an absence of extremely cold temperatures. It can range from 10°C and the 25°C.
• SpringIn spring, days become warmer and may be accompanied by rain and tropical storms. Temperatures can exceed 30°C.
• SummerSummer I would describe as the hottest and most humid season, with temperatures that can exceed 40°C and high humidity that increases the thermal sensation. Rain and thunderstorms may also occur, which are frequent during this period.
• AutumnIn my experience I could say that in autumn, even though the weather is still warm, there is a gradual decline temperatures as the months progress. Nights tend to be cooler and there is less rainfall.

Climate conclusions

The advantage that I find with Paraguay's climate, is that it allows you to do all kinds of activities. outdoor activities; The climate is generally warm most of the time, and that creates a pleasant atmosphere for the visitor. stability important in your environment, to schedule a trip, a job, a party, a dinner, and endless things.

Security

In addressing the issue of security, I compare the countries in which I have lived for the longest time, which are: Paraguay, Spain and Peru, based on my personal experience.

Although I recognize that safety can be subjective and depend on several factors, I feel safe in Paraguay, always taking precautions. And this sense of security compares positively with my experience in Spain, mentioning that, although I consider it a safe country, I have observed a gradual deterioration in security over the last few years. In the case of Peru, on the contrary, the situation is quite insecure.

Paraguay, according to my perspective, is in a middle ground in terms of security, offering an environment that one finds more reliable compared to other Latin countries.

Cost of living in Paraguay

I would like to share with you a little of my personal experience, about the cost of living in Paraguay. Although it is undeniable that the minimum wage may seem modest in comparison with other regions, I would like to emphasize my satisfaction with my salary of $800. This figure, which might be considered moderate elsewhere, has allowed me to live comfortably here. It is crucial to note that my comparison is based on my experience as a resident of Spain, where living costs are considerably higher.

In my daily interactions in Paraguay, I have noticed that the costs of essential goods and services are noticeably lower. A clear example in Paraguay is the difference I perceive when I shop at the supermarket: With only a few $12, I can purchase a variety of essential products; In Spain, the same amount would not compensate in the same way. This disparity in costs has been a key factor for me. positive perception, The standard of living that I can maintain with an income that, in absolute terms, could be considered moderate.

It is important to recognize that the minimum wage in Paraguay is 370 dollars, I understand that for those who depend on this salary, the outlook is low and can present challenges. However, a person with $800-$900, can have a well-dignified life in the country, providing him with a quality of life that goes beyond what I initially expected.

Quiet country

I have a personal appreciation about the city of Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay and I want to emphasize that the opinion I am going to give on this point is subjective. Since my arrival in the country, I have noticed that it is neither the big city nor the small city; and that pleases me 😉 and I give you my reasons here:

Asunción presents itself as a city of moderate dimensions, which significantly differentiates it from other more congested and bustling capitals that I have experienced in the past, such as Madrid (Spain) or Lima (Peru). This more manageable size not only translates into a sense of tranquility, but also helps to keep prices in the range of more accessible. The absence of overcrowding has so far avoided the inconveniences associated with overwhelming traffic; overpriced rents or long queues to do anything.

In addition, my perception of Asunción is far removed from the feeling of living in a small town. I have had the opportunity to live in less urbanized areas in other countries, and while I appreciate the tranquility of those surroundings, I also value the infrastructure and the amenities that a city like Asunción has to offer.

In summary, my experience in Asunción has been characterized by an urban environment that has managed to maintain a balance between the vitality of a city and the comfort of a locality less congested. This in-between aspect has been a key factor for me in living here.

Friendliness of the Paraguayan people

One of the aspects that has left me with a good impression during my time in Paraguay is the exceptional hospitality of the people. I want to share my personal experiences, both with extroverted Paraguayans; and with those more introverted ones who have contributed greatly to my sense of well-being and satisfaction in this new environment. Paraguayans, in general, have proven themselves to be hospitalized persons, friendly and respectful.

Interacting with more introverted Paraguayans, I have encountered them with positive steps towards dialogue and exchange. Although his style can be somewhat reserved, I have received kind responses and tokens of respect at every encounter.

This positive connection with the local people has not only contributed to my sense of belonging, but has also reinforced my overall perception of Paraguay as: a place where I feel like I belong. cozy and friendly to live. It is worth noting that even in other cities of the country they are even more pleasant than in Asunción itself.

Taxes in Paraguay

From my personal experience and perception, the tax system in Paraguay: an aspect that has stood out positively in my life here.

In Paraguay, the tax system is presented in the following manner clear and straightforward, with a flat tax of 10% in VAT that you can recoup with expenses, and 8-10% in the income tax that you only have to pay if you exceed 10,800 of annual income. This simplified approach has eliminated the complexity and surprises that are often associated with the tax systems in other countries.

The clarity and stability of this system have especially benefited entrepreneurs, such as myself. The fact that the tax is 10% and does not present gradual variations or additional charges has greatly simplified tax management. The predictability offered by this system has contributed to an environment that is conducive to the business development and business prosperity.

Y important note foreign source income are EXEMPT tax payers pay 0%.

Business opportunities

One of the reasons that most excites me about Paraguay is the abundance of business opportunities I perceive in this country. During my first month here, I have noticed that Paraguay is experiencing significant growth, and this translates into a market yet to be exploited in several sectors.

What has struck me the most is the lack of competition in many niches, whether in the real estate market, local business start-ups or even in specific areas of sports. I see opportunities virtually everywhere. The lack of saturated competition in these niches means that there is room for the innovation and growth entrepreneurial person.

In addition, the fact that Paraguay is a country that is still developing and has a population that is neither too large nor too small offers the possibility of setting up as an entrepreneur in a more accessible way. The simplicity of the tax system, with a fixed 8-10% and a tax credit to an individual and a 10% of VAT to all, it makes the business environment friendlier and more conducive for new businesses to flourish.

In summary: I see Paraguay as a fertile ground for those who wish to undertake and take advantage of the benefits that this growing country has to offer. Its vitality at a general level in the friendly treatment of the people and its main potentials in the development of more favorable opportunities in quality of life and fiscal stability.

Many people who ask me about the residence and it is for entrepreneurship and business start-ups that it has a super ideal climate.

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The disadvantages of living in Paraguay

Now I want to tell you about the disadvantages for me they are minor, that's why I live in the country 🙂 but Not everything is rosy; There are also some somewhat negative things you need to know. Before anyone asks me, why don't you go to another country, or why did you come here, let me explain why I consider these things to be minor problems for me.

Deficient sewage system

One of the aspects that can be challenging when living in Paraguay is the sewage system, especially in areas where the sewage system is not available. urban such as Asunción and much of Central. When it rains, instead of the water flowing properly through the drains, small rivers quickly form in the streets and roads due to the inability of the system to handle the volume of water.

This not only causes inconvenience in terms of mobility, as streets can flood, but also presents road safety risks, as visibility and traction can be affected. In addition, standing water can become a breeding ground for vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever, increasing the risk to public health.

Mosquitoes in Paraguay

One of the most notable challenges of living in Paraguay is the constant presence of mosquitoes, especially in areas with dense vegetation and gardens. Due to the country's geographic location and subtropical climate, Paraguay is prone to mosquito proliferation throughout much of the year.

Mosquitoes can become a real nuisance for residents, especially during the rainy season when their activity intensifies. Not only do they cause itchy and annoying bites, but they also pose a health risk as they can transmit serious diseases. People living in suburban or rural areas, where there is more vegetation and humidity, tend to experience higher numbers of mosquitoes.

To combat this problem, residents often resort to preventive measures such as the use of insect repellents, window and door screens, and the elimination of mosquito breeding sites, such as standing water in outdoor containers.

Corruption

Corruption is a deep-rooted problem in Paraguay and constitutes a significant challenge for the country. It manifests itself in various spheres of society, from government to the private sector, and negatively affects citizens' trust in public institutions and the rule of law.

In Paraguay, corruption can be observed in cases of embezzlement of public funds and bribery, nepotism, The use of corruption, favoritism in the allocation of government contracts, and other acts of abuse of power for personal or interest group benefit. These corrupt behaviors not only undermine government efficiency and transparency, but also hinder the country's economic and social development by diverting resources that could be used to improve public services, infrastructure and the quality of life of citizens.

Sanitary system

While I have not had the need to use Paraguay's healthcare system personally, it is important to note that there are local opinions indicating deficiencies in this area. The quality and accessibility of medical care can vary considerably depending on the region and the type of service required.

Among the most common criticisms are the lack of adequate infrastructure, the lack of shortage of medical personnel and the delay in care. In some cases, patients may face long waits for medical consultations or procedures.

In addition, it has been noted that the quality of medical care in Paraguay can be inconsistent, with significant disparities between the public and private sectors. While private hospitals and clinics tend to offer higher quality services and availability of resources, these may be inaccessible to a large part of the population even though foreigners see them as cheap compared to other countries.

In this article I talk more about depth of the health system.