Security in Paraguay: the truth beyond the clichés

It's probably the number one objection we hear when talking about expatriation to Paraguay: "But isn't it dangerous?" Mental images flood the mind: favelas, cartels, kidnappings, widespread insecurity. Paraguay, stuck in the collective imagination between Brazil and Colombia, inherits all the security clichés associated with South America. Yet, the reality on the ground is radically different.

This guide provides an honest and factual overview of security in Paraguay: real statistics, areas to prioritize, areas to avoid, common sense precautions, and testimonials from French-speaking expatriates who live in Asunción every day. No naive minimization, no unnecessary dramatization — just the truth so you can make an informed decision.

The numbers: Paraguay in context

Homicide rate: below the regional average

The homicide rate is often the most cited indicator for assessing a country's security. In Latin America, the regional average is high — that's a fact. But Paraguay is significantly below this average. With a rate of about 7 to 8 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, Paraguay is safer than Brazil (about 20), Colombia (about 25), Mexico (about 28), and even Costa Rica (about 12) — a destination nevertheless known for its safety.

To put things in perspective, France has a rate of about 1.2 per 100,000 inhabitants. Paraguay is therefore less safe than France on this indicator, but it compares favorably to the vast majority of Latin American countries. And above all, these national statistics mask significant geographical disparities — security in Asunción's residential areas is nothing like that in rural border areas.

Urban crime: mostly opportunistic theft

The crime affecting expatriates in Asunción essentially consists of opportunistic thefts: pickpockets in crowded areas, mobile phone snatching on the street, petty theft in markets. Burglaries exist, especially in unsecured detached houses. Violent attacks targeting foreigners are rare but not non-existent — they generally occur at night in isolated or poorly lit areas.

This type of crime is not fundamentally different from what is found in any major city in the world, including Europe. Expatriates who apply common sense precautions generally live incident-free for years.

Organized crime: a subject that does not concern expatriates

Paraguay has a reputation — partly justified — as a hub for certain illicit trades, particularly along the border with Brazil (the Triple Frontera area around Ciudad del Este). But this organized crime operates in circles and geographical areas that have absolutely nothing to do with the daily lives of French-speaking expatriates living in Asunción. It's a parallel world that does not intersect with that of foreign residents in residential areas.

Security by neighborhood in Asunción

The safest neighborhoods

As detailed in our Asunción neighborhood guide, the areas where the vast majority of expatriates reside offer a high level of security:

• Villa Morra / Carmelitas: central neighborhoods with a strong presence of shops, restaurants, and embassies. The density of population and activity creates a naturally supervised environment. Private security is omnipresent in front of residences and businesses.
• Las Mercedes / Manorá: quiet residential neighborhoods with gated condominiums (secured residences) featuring 24/7 guard service, cameras, and access control. The feeling of security there is very high.
• Aviadores del Chaco / WTC: business district with enhanced security presence. Residential towers have sophisticated security systems.
• San Bernardino / Areguá: small towns where everyone knows everyone, with a low crime rate. The village atmosphere is reassuring.

Areas to avoid or frequent with caution

• The historic center (Centro) at night: the neighborhood empties after offices and shops close. Deserted streets attract opportunists. During the day, it's a lively and generally safe neighborhood.
• The bañados: flood-prone areas along the river, very disadvantaged neighborhoods. There is no reason for an expatriate to go there.
• Certain areas of Luque, Lambaré, and Fernando de la Mora: satellite cities with uneven neighborhoods. Recent residential areas are safe, but some older sectors should be avoided at night.
• Ciudad del Este and the border area: intense commercial dynamics but a more tense atmosphere, especially in the markets. It is not a recommended place of residence for new expatriates.

How expatriates live daily: the reality

Secured residences: the norm

The vast majority of French-speaking expatriates in Asunción live in condominiums — gated communities with 24/7 security, surveillance cameras, access control, and often shared amenities (pool, gym, green spaces). This lifestyle is the norm in Paraguay, not a luxury reserved for the wealthy. A 1-bedroom apartment in a secured condominium rents from 500 USD/month — much cheaper than an unsecured apartment in Paris.

Living in a condominium eliminates the vast majority of risks related to burglaries and provides considerable peace of mind, especially for families and retirees.

Daily commutes

Expatriates primarily travel by personal car or ride-sharing services (Bolt, Uber). Both modes of transport are safe and reliable. Ride-sharing trips are GPS traceable, which adds a layer of security. Public transportation (buses) is not recommended for expatriates, not due to serious safety concerns, but rather for comfort and reliability.

At night, most expatriates prefer ride-sharing to walking, especially outside well-lit central areas. This is a common sense precaution, not a sign of permanent danger.

Outings and social life

Bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues in popular neighborhoods (Villa Morra, Carmelitas, Paseo La Galería) are safe environments, frequented by the Paraguayan middle and upper classes and expatriates. People go out in the evening without apprehension, just as they would in Madrid, Lisbon, or Buenos Aires. Parking lots at shopping centers and restaurants are guarded, and most establishments have their own security agent.

Common sense precautions to apply

Basic rules

These precautions are not specific to Paraguay — they apply in any major city in the world, including Paris, Brussels, or Geneva:

• Do not display valuables: avoid walking with your latest iPhone in hand or wearing conspicuous jewelry in crowded areas.
• Be vigilant in markets and tourist areas: keep your bag closed and in front of you, as you would in Barcelona or Rome.
Avoid deserted streets at night: opt for well-lit and frequented thoroughfares, or take a ride-sharing service.
• Lock your car: do not leave anything visible on the seats, even an empty bag.
• Vary your routes: this is good advice anywhere in the world, not just in Paraguay.

Specific precautions for Paraguay

• Motochorros: this is the local term for thieves on motorcycles. They operate mainly in peripheral neighborhoods and target pedestrians walking with their phones visible. In residential areas, this phenomenon is rare but not non-existent. The solution: do not walk with your phone in hand on the street.
• Counterfeit bills: in markets and informal businesses, check the guaraní bills you receive. Large denominations (100,000 guaraníes) are the most counterfeited. Learn to recognize the security features of the bills.
• Real estate scams: the main risk for an expatriate in Paraguay is not physical — it's financial. Buying property without legal due diligence, trusting the wrong intermediary, or signing a contract without understanding it can be very costly. As we highlight in our real estate investment guide, professional assistance is your best protection.

Digital security: an often overlooked point

Public Wi-Fi

As anywhere in the world, avoid performing banking operations or entering sensitive passwords on public Wi-Fi networks in cafes and shopping centers. Use a VPN if you regularly work from shared spaces.

Bank fraud

Fraud attempts via SMS and phone calls exist in Paraguay. Never disclose your banking codes over the phone, even if the caller claims to be your bank. Paraguayan banks never ask for this information by phone. For secure financial management, consult our Paraguayan bank account page.

Security and family: the case of children

Schools

Asunción's private and international schools have strict security systems: controlled access, guards, exit protocols (only authorized persons can pick up children). The level of security in private schools is comparable to European standards.

Extracurricular activities

Expatriate children participate in sports activities (football, swimming, tennis, padel), music or dance classes in clubs and academies, all located in secure environments. The sense of security for families in Asunción's residential neighborhoods is generally high.

Teenagers

Expatriate teenagers go out with friends to shopping centers (Shopping del Sol, Paseo La Galería, Shopping Mariscal) which are safe and monitored places. Birthday parties and outings with friends usually take place in private spaces or secured establishments. The level of freedom for teenagers in Asunción is comparable to that in a medium-sized European city.

Available security services

The National Police

The Paraguayan National Police ensure public safety. Its effectiveness is variable — response times can be long and resources limited in certain areas. For expatriates, contact with the police is generally made via the emergency number 911. In case of theft, a police report (denuncia) is necessary for insurance claims.

Private security

The private security sector is highly developed in Paraguay. Guarding companies provide agents for residences, businesses, and events. Condominiums, shopping centers, and restaurants employ their own agents. This sector functions well and compensates for the limitations of the public sector.

Private ambulances

As mentioned in our healthcare system guide, private ambulance services (UCM, SEME) offer monthly subscriptions including emergency transport and rapid medical care. This is a service we recommend to all expatriates for the peace of mind it provides.

Insurance

Home and car insurance are available and affordable in Paraguay. They cover burglaries, material damage, and civil liability. Taking out comprehensive home insurance is an obvious precaution that every expatriate should take.

Comparison with other expatriate destinations

Criterion	Paraguay (Asunción)	Mexico (Mexico City)	Brazil (São Paulo)	Colombia (Medellín)	Portugal (Lisbon)
Homicide rate /100K	~7-8	~28	~20	~25	~0.8
Street theft	Moderate	High	High	High	Moderate
Secured residences	Norm	Common	Norm	Common	Rare
Expatriate feeling of security	Good	Variable	Moderate	Improving	Very good
Crime targeting foreigners	Low	Moderate	High	Moderate	Low

What French-speaking expatriates say

The unanimous verdict: "Better than we imagined"

The most frequent feedback from French-speaking expatriates in Paraguay is the same: "We expected much worse." Those who arrive with the clichés of dangerous South America discover a much more nuanced reality. In Asunción's residential neighborhoods, daily life is peaceful. Children play in the condominium gardens. Women walk alone during the day. Evenings at restaurants pass without any apprehension.

No one claims Paraguay is Switzerland in terms of security. But the vast majority of expatriates say they feel at least as safe as in Marseille, Brussels, or Naples — and often more so, thanks to secured residences and a less exposed lifestyle.

Security is not the only issue to face: discover our honest assessment of the disadvantages of Paraguay and how to deal with them.

Conclusion: security in Paraguay, a reality far better than the cliché

Security in Paraguay is neither a paradise nor a hell. It is a developing South American country, with the challenges that entails, but also with some of the safest residential neighborhoods on the continent. French-speaking expatriates who settle in Asunción under good conditions — residential neighborhood, secured condominium, common sense precautions — live a serene and pleasant daily life.

The real risk is not physical security — it's missing out on an extraordinary life opportunity due to outdated clichés. Paraguay offers a unique combination of advantageous taxation, low cost of living, and authentic quality of life. Don't let unfounded prejudices prevent you from enjoying it.

Questions about security and daily life in Paraguay? Contact our team for honest answers based on the real experience of the expatriates we support every day.