Those of us who love Paraguay can sometimes err on the side of only talking about the good things, because we focus on the country's virtues beyond its problems or challenges. But it is important that, if you are considering coming to live in Paraguay, you also consider all the things that are not so nice and that, although for many it is not relevant, perhaps it is for you or your family.
Here we tell you honestly and with the experience of living it first hand as foreign residents in Paraguay, some aspects that could be considered The bad thing about Paraguay.
The bad thing about Paraguay:
It's hot, very hot: The bad thing about Paraguay in summer
Yes, it is very hot. The thermal sensation, aggravated by the high humidity, makes the heat one of the first things that stand out as the bad thing about Paraguay for many people. The winter, apart from 4 or 5 days of cold, is really very mild, so much so that it could seem like a spring-like autumn for most of its weeks. However, summer extends for at least three quarters of the year, with temperatures easily exceeding 40°C.
The constant heat makes air conditioning a basic necessity, not a luxury. Having it at home, in the car and in the office is a must, and having a pool in your own home or in your neighborhood can make all the difference in your quality of life. For those who prefer milder climates, this can be the downside of Paraguay in terms of comfort and adaptation.
Low-level corruption: The bad side of Paraguay in everyday life
When we think of corruption, we usually imagine big political scandals, but in Paraguay, low-level corruption is something that many people face on a daily basis. This phenomenon can certainly be considered one of the bad things about Paraguay, especially for foreigners who are not used to these practices.
For example, it's common for a traffic officer to suggest that you can avoid a fine by offering a ticket under the guise of "early payment," or for someone in a public office to suggest that you could "speed up" a process with an extra payment. Although these situations aren't constant or mandatory, they can be frustrating and create a sense of injustice for those coming from countries where these practices are less common.
Poor infrastructure: The bad thing about Paraguay in rural areas
Infrastructure is another aspect that many consider The bad thing about Paraguay, especially outside of the major cities. While major highways and well-used routes are in good condition, the streets in many residential neighborhoods and rural areas are often poorly paved or simply dirt roads. This can be a problem, especially during the rainy season, when these roads become muddy.
Furthermore, public transport, although cheap, is not always efficient or reliable, which means that many foreign families must purchase their own vehicle to move around comfortably. This means an additional expense that you may not have anticipated when planning your move.
If you come to Paraguay expecting to travel by efficient public transport, you should know that this is one of the main problems in the country, and that I do not recommend it if your budget allows you to travel in another way.
Limited public health services: Paraguay's downside for healthcare
The public health system in Paraguay has significant limitations, which can be considered by many as The bad thing about Paraguay If you need regular medical care, although private clinics and hospitals offer an acceptable level of care, often comparable to that of first-world centres or developed countries, the public sector often faces problems such as lack of resources, long waits and poor infrastructure.
This makes taking out private health insurance almost mandatory for expats, which represents an additional expense in your monthly budget. Also, if you decide to live outside of major cities like Asunción or Encarnación, you will likely have to travel long distances to access quality medical services.
Bureaucracy: The bad thing about Paraguay for procedures and paperwork
Going through paperwork in Paraguay can be a tiring experience, and for many, it represents the downside of Paraguay in terms of frustration. Bureaucracy is known for being slow, confusing, and often unclear. Procedures for obtaining documents such as residency permits, licenses, or registrations often require multiple visits to different offices, and it is common to receive conflicting information. That is why we help families and individuals with all the paperwork to obtain legal residency in Paraguay,
Social inequality: The bad thing about Paraguay in economic contrast
Social inequality is a glaring problem in Paraguay, and for some, this can be considered the bad thing about Paraguay. The contrast between the richer neighborhoods and the poorer areas is stark. While in the main cities you find exclusive areas with luxury residences and modern shopping malls, just a few kilometers away you can also see communities that lack basic services.
This inequality not only affects the general perception of the country, but can also influence aspects such as security, access to services and quality of life in general, especially if you decide to live in areas further away from the urban center.
It is also true that The country is making steady progress towards eradicating poverty, as the latest data show.
Inconsistent connectivity: Paraguay's bad thing for those who work online
If you plan to work remotely or rely on a stable internet connection, connectivity can be a problem in Paraguay, especially outside of the big cities. This is, without a doubt, the downside of Paraguay for those who need to be constantly connected.
In Asuncion and other major cities, internet service is generally reliable and you can expect (non-symmetrical) speeds of over 600 mb per second. However, in rural or more remote areas, speeds can be slow and interruptions frequent. If internet is a priority for you, be sure to research the available options before settling on a particular location.
In any case, you should know that satellite internet access with Starlink is available in the country and this means that rural areas have a good connection even without fiber optic operators.
Another factor that affects your connectivity is power outages, which are frequent although the government is working to improve the infrastructure.
Unequal education: The bad thing about Paraguay for families with children
If you have school-aged children, the quality of education can be one of the most worrying factors. For many expats, the downside of Paraguay is the lack of high-quality educational options outside of the main cities. Although There are excellent private and international schools, These tend to be expensive, with monthly payments that can represent a significant part of the family budget.
The public system, although free, faces challenges such as lack of resources, inadequate infrastructure and variable educational standards. This means that finding a suitable school for your children can require time, effort and considerable expense.
Security in certain areas: The bad thing about Paraguay for tranquility
Although Paraguay is generally a safe country, some areas can be less peaceful, especially in the larger cities. This can be considered the downside of Paraguay for those looking for a completely worry-free experience.
Common crimes include theft and robbery, and expats may be targeted due to the perception that they are more affluent. It is important to research areas carefully before moving and take basic safety precautions, such as avoiding displaying valuables in public and not wandering alone in unfamiliar areas at night.
Slow pace of life: The bad thing about Paraguay for those who prefer efficiency
Finally, the pace of life in Paraguay, while relaxed and appealing to many, can be considered a downside for those accustomed to a faster, more efficient culture. The "just take it easy" mentality reflects Paraguayans' relaxed attitude toward life, but for some expats, this slow pace can be frustrating, especially in the workplace or when trying to solve problems immediately.
Adapting to this pace requires patience and an open mind. If you value speed and efficiency at work or in everyday life, this aspect can be a major challenge.
Conclusion
While Paraguay has many wonderful things to offer, it is essential to be aware of the challenges and issues you might face when moving there. Aspects such as extreme heat, low-level corruption, poor infrastructure and connectivity issues are, for many, The bad thing about ParaguayHowever, with proper planning and an open mind, it is possible to overcome these obstacles and enjoy the best this country has to offer.
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