Best Phone Plans in Paraguay for Expats

Mobile Phone Service in Paraguay

Getting a local phone number is one of the first practical tasks when you arrive in Paraguay. A local SIM card gives you affordable calls, texts, and mobile data, plus it is required for many services like ride-hailing apps, mobile banking, and two-factor authentication on local platforms.

Paraguay has three major mobile carriers, each with competitive offerings. Understanding the differences will help you choose the best plan for your needs and budget.

The Three Major Carriers

Tigo (Millicom)

Tigo is the largest mobile operator in Paraguay with the most extensive network coverage:

• Coverage: The widest 4G LTE coverage across the country, including rural areas
• Reputation: Generally considered the most reliable for data speed and consistency
• Customer base: The largest subscriber base in Paraguay
• International brand: Part of the Millicom group operating across Latin America and Africa

Claro (America Movil)

Claro is the second-largest carrier, backed by the massive America Movil group:

• Coverage: Strong 4G coverage in urban areas and along major highways
• Pricing: Often competitive with Tigo, sometimes offering better promotional deals
• International presence: Easy to manage if you have Claro service in other Latin American countries
• Data plans: Known for generous data packages

Personal (Telecom)

Personal is the third major carrier:

• Coverage: Good in urban areas, more limited in remote regions
• Pricing: Often the most affordable option for basic plans
• Market position: Smaller but competitive, frequently running promotions to attract customers
• Consideration: Coverage gaps may be an issue if you travel outside major cities

Prepaid vs. Postpaid Plans

Prepaid (Prepago)

Prepaid plans are the most popular choice for expats, especially when you first arrive:

Advantages:

• No contract or commitment
• No credit check required
• Easy to set up with just a passport and local address
• You control your spending
• Easy to switch carriers if unsatisfied

How it works:

• Buy a SIM card at any carrier store, authorized dealer, or convenience store
• Load credit (saldo) through physical recharge cards, mobile apps, or payment points
• Activate data packs, call bundles, or combo plans as needed
• Credit expires if not used within the validity period (typically 15 to 30 days)

Typical prepaid costs:

• SIM card: Free to Gs. 10,000 ($1.30 USD)
• Data packs: Gs. 10,000 to Gs. 50,000 ($1.30 to $6.50) for 1 GB to 10 GB
• Combo packs (data + calls + texts): Gs. 15,000 to Gs. 80,000 ($2 to $10)
• Validity: 7 to 30 days depending on the pack

Postpaid (Pospago)

Postpaid plans offer more convenience but require more documentation:

Advantages:

• Consistent monthly service without recharging
• Usually better data allowances and speeds
• May include device financing or upgrades
• Better international roaming options

Requirements:

• Paraguayan cedula (from your residency)
• Proof of address
• Sometimes proof of income or a local bank account
• Credit evaluation by the carrier

Typical postpaid costs:

• Basic plan: Gs. 80,000 to Gs. 150,000 ($10 to $20) per month
• Mid-range plan: Gs. 150,000 to Gs. 300,000 ($20 to $39) per month with 10-30 GB data
• Premium plan: Gs. 300,000+ ($39+) per month with unlimited or near-unlimited data

Recommended Plans for Different Needs

For the Budget-Conscious Expat

Tigo Prepaid Combo or Claro Prepaid Data Pack:

• Gs. 20,000 to Gs. 30,000 per month ($2.60 to $3.90)
• 3 to 5 GB of data
• Basic call minutes and texts included
• Recharge as needed

For the Digital Nomad

Tigo Postpaid Plan or Claro Postpaid:

• Gs. 150,000 to Gs. 250,000 per month ($20 to $33)
• 15 to 30 GB of data
• Unlimited calls within Paraguay
• Stable connection for video calls and remote work
• Tethering/hotspot capability

For the Business User

Tigo Business or Claro Empresarial:

• Custom plans available for business use
• Multiple lines on one account
• Dedicated customer support
• Higher data caps and priority network access
• International calling packages available

For Light Users

Any Carrier Prepaid:

• Gs. 10,000 to Gs. 15,000 per month ($1.30 to $2)
• 1 to 2 GB of data
• Primarily for WhatsApp, messaging, and light browsing
• Rely on home Wi-Fi for heavy data use

Setting Up Your Phone

Buying a SIM Card

You can purchase SIM cards at:

• Carrier stores: Tigo, Claro, and Personal all have branded stores throughout Asuncion
• Shopping centers: Electronics stores in malls like Shopping del Sol
• Convenience stores and kiosks: Basic SIM cards available at small shops citywide
• Airport: Limited options available at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport

What You Need

• Passport (for prepaid) or cedula (for postpaid)
• An unlocked phone that supports the local network bands (GSM/LTE bands used in Paraguay: primarily B2, B4, B7, B28)
• Gs. 10,000 to Gs. 30,000 in cash for the initial SIM and first recharge

Phone Compatibility

If you are bringing a phone from abroad:

• Ensure it is factory unlocked (not locked to a specific carrier)
• Check that it supports 4G LTE bands used in Paraguay
• Most recent iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones work without issues
• Some budget or older phones from the US may not support all local bands

Useful Apps

Once you have your Paraguayan number, download these apps:

• Tigo Money / Claro Pay: Mobile payment apps linked to your phone number
• WhatsApp: The primary communication app in Paraguay (more popular than SMS)
• Bolt or Uber: Ride-hailing apps that require a local number
• Your carrier’s app: For managing your plan, checking data usage, and recharging

International Calling

If you need to call family or contacts abroad regularly:

• WhatsApp and video call apps: Free over Wi-Fi or data, the most cost-effective option
• Carrier international packs: Some plans include international minutes or offer add-on packs
• Calling cards: Available at convenience stores for international calls at reasonable rates

Tips for Expats

1. Start prepaid: Get a prepaid SIM when you arrive and upgrade to postpaid once you have your cedula and understand your usage patterns
2. Keep your foreign number active: Maintain your home country number (consider porting to a VoIP service like Google Voice) for two-factor authentication on foreign accounts
3. Use Wi-Fi when possible: Even with affordable data, using Wi-Fi at home and in cafes saves your mobile data for when you need it
4. Top up regularly: Prepaid balances can expire if not used within the validity period
5. Compare promotions: Carriers frequently offer special deals; check before recharging

For help receiving your SIM card or phone-related deliveries, our virtual address can accept packages on your behalf. Explore our blog for more practical guides on settling into life in Paraguay.