Safety Tips for Living in Asuncion, Paraguay

How Safe Is Asuncion for Expats?

Safety is a legitimate concern for anyone moving abroad, and Asuncion deserves an honest assessment. The short version: Asuncion is generally safe for expats who take reasonable precautions. It is not the safest city in South America (that distinction goes to cities in Uruguay or Chile), but violent crime against foreigners is rare. Petty crime is the main concern, and it is largely preventable.

Understanding the Risk Landscape

Petty Crime

The most common safety issue for expats in Asuncion is petty theft:

• Phone snatching: People on motorcycles grabbing phones from pedestrians who are looking at their screens
• Pickpocketing: Crowded areas like markets, bus terminals, and public events
• Car break-ins: Valuables visible in parked cars attract opportunistic theft
• Bag snatching: Handbags or backpacks grabbed from shoulders, particularly near busy roads

Violent Crime

Violent crime exists in Asuncion but is concentrated in specific areas and rarely targets foreigners:

• Residential neighborhoods popular with expats have low violent crime rates
• Armed robberies occur but are more common in peripheral neighborhoods
• Home invasions are rare in secure buildings and gated communities
• Express kidnappings (brief detention for ATM withdrawals) exist but are uncommon and declining

Scams

Common scams targeting foreigners include:

• Taxi overcharging: Taxis without meters or drivers taking long routes
• Real estate scams: Unlicensed agents or fraudulent property deals
• Currency exchange tricks: Being given old or invalid bills at informal exchange points
• Service overpricing: Being charged “gringo prices” for services

Neighborhood Safety Guide

Not all areas of Asuncion are equally safe. Here is a general guide:

Generally Safe (Expat Neighborhoods)

• Villa Morra — Active, well-lit, many businesses and restaurants
• Carmelitas — High foot traffic provides safety in numbers
• Recoleta — Established residential area with low crime
• Manora — Quiet residential neighborhood
• Las Carmelitas/Aviadores del Chaco — Business district, well-patrolled

See our complete neighborhood guide for detailed information.

Exercise Caution

• Centro/Downtown — Busy during the day, less safe at night
• Mercado 4 area — Crowded market area, pickpocketing risk
• Bus terminal area — Transient population, keep belongings close

Avoid (Especially at Night)

• Banado Norte and Banado Sur — Flood-prone areas with higher crime
• Chacarita — Informal settlement area
• Peripheral neighborhoods with poor lighting and limited police presence

Practical Safety Tips

Daily Habits

• Do not display expensive items — flashy watches, jewelry, and visible phones attract attention
• Use your phone discreetly — avoid texting while walking on busy streets
• Carry minimal cash — use cards when possible, keep small bills for taxis and markets
• Stay aware of your surroundings — especially near busy roads where motorcycle theft occurs
• Walk with purpose — looking lost or confused can make you a target
• Vary your routine — do not follow the exact same route and schedule every day

Transportation

• Use ride-hailing apps — Bolt and other services are safer than street taxis, with tracked routes and fixed pricing
• If taking a taxi, agree on the fare before getting in or insist on the meter
• Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas — take a taxi or rideshare instead
• Lock car doors while driving, especially at red lights
• Do not leave valuables visible in your parked car — even a charging cable can attract break-ins

Home Security

• Choose buildings with security — doormen, cameras, and controlled access are standard in modern apartment buildings
• Install good locks — if renting a house, invest in quality door and window locks
• Get to know your neighbors — community awareness is a powerful security tool
• Use a safe for important documents, cash, and valuables
• Keep copies of important documents in a separate location — and store digital copies via your virtual address email

Digital Safety

• Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi networks
• Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts
• Be cautious with ATMs — use machines inside banks during business hours
• Do not share your location publicly on social media in real-time

Emergency Numbers

Keep these numbers saved in your phone:

• Police: 911
• Fire: 132
• Ambulance: 141
• Tourist police: (021) 441-400

What to Do If Something Happens

If You Are Robbed

1. Do not resist — your safety is worth more than any possession
2. Go to a safe location immediately
3. File a police report (denuncia policial) at the nearest police station — needed for insurance claims
4. Contact your embassy if your passport was stolen
5. Cancel cards and change passwords immediately

If You Need Medical Attention

Go directly to a private hospital emergency room. See our healthcare guide for the best facilities.

The Honest Perspective

Asuncion is safer than many Latin American capitals including Bogota, Lima, and Buenos Aires in terms of violent crime rates. The vast majority of expats live here without ever experiencing a serious security incident. Those who do typically report petty theft that could happen in any major city worldwide.

The key factors that keep you safe are:

• Living in the right neighborhood
• Following common-sense precautions
• Building local knowledge and connections
• Not making yourself an obvious target

Paraguay is a welcoming country where the vast majority of people are honest, friendly, and helpful. Approach it with reasonable caution — not fear — and you will find a safe, comfortable life here.

For more on expat life in Paraguay, explore our guides on top reasons expats choose Paraguay and the cost of living.