Paraguay Travel Scams Guide - Stay Safe

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Taxi Fare Inflation

Meter Rigging

common

In Paraguay, taxi drivers in urban areas often rig meters to run faster than normal, turning a standard 50,000 PYG ride from the airport to a hotel into a 100,000 PYG charge by manipulating the device mid-journey; this is prevalent in traffic-heavy zones like highways leading to Asunción.

How to Avoid This Scam

Agree on a fixed fare in advance using local phrases like '¿Cuánto cuesta hasta [destination]?' to confirm in Guaraní or Spanish
Opt for registered taxis with visible company logos or use apps like Uber, which are available in major cities and charge standard rates starting at 20,000 PYG
Carry exact change in smaller denominations to avoid drivers claiming they can't provide change for inflated amounts

Fake Taxi Impersonation

occasional

Drivers posing as legitimate taxis, often unmarked vehicles near bus terminals, target tourists by offering rides at 'discounted' rates, then demanding double the agreed price upon arrival, such as charging 80,000 PYG for a 40,000 PYG trip to a rural site like the Jesuit Ruins.

How to Avoid This Scam

Only use taxis from official stands or hotels, and verify the driver's ID badge as required by Paraguayan law
Book through hotel services where fares are regulated, typically adding a small 10,000 PYG service fee
Avoid hailing taxis on the street in areas like Asunción's city center, opting instead for ride-hailing apps with GPS tracking

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ATM Skimming at Banks

Skimmer Device Installation

occasional

Criminals in Paraguay attach skimming devices to ATMs in high-traffic areas like shopping malls or near the Central Bank in Asunción, capturing card details and PINs; victims might withdraw 500,000 PYG only to find fraudulent charges later, with devices often placed on older ATMs in less-monitored spots.

How to Avoid This Scam

Inspect the ATM for any loose parts or overlays before use, especially in public areas, and cover the keypad when entering your PIN
Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when security is present, as many in Asunción have guards who monitor for suspicious activity
Opt for cardless withdrawals via mobile apps from local banks like Banco Itaú, which are less prone to skimming and allow limits up to 1,000,000 PYG per transaction

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Market Distraction Theft

Pickpocketing in Crowds

common

At Mercado 4 in Asunción, thieves work in teams to distract tourists with questions about directions or fake spills, then steal wallets or phones from bags; this often occurs near food stalls where crowds are dense, targeting items worth up to 500,000 PYG in value.

How to Avoid This Scam

Wear a cross-body bag or money belt under clothing when navigating Mercado 4, as local advice emphasizes avoiding backpacks in busy aisles
Stay alert to groups of people approaching you and politely decline interactions, using phrases like 'No gracias, estoy de prisa' to deter them
Visit during off-peak hours, such as early morning, when the market is less crowded and vendors are more likely to assist in watching for thieves

Overcharged Street Food Vendors

common

Vendors at Asunción's Costanera promenade inflate prices for tourists, charging 50,000 PYG for a tereré drink that locals pay 10,000 PYG for, by claiming it's a 'special tourist blend' or using misleading signage.

How to Avoid This Scam

Ask for the local price by inquiring '¿Cuánto cuesta para locales?' to compare and negotiate down
Purchase from established stalls with posted prices, which are common along the promenade and often accept card payments to avoid haggling
Observe what locals are paying and buy in groups to leverage bargaining power, as Paraguayan culture values community negotiations

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Counterfeit Goods Sales

Fake Electronics Deals

common

In Ciudad del Este's shopping district near the Friendship Bridge, vendors sell counterfeit electronics like phones or cameras, claiming they are genuine brands at 'discounted' prices (e.g., a fake iPhone for 2,000,000 PYG that fails shortly after purchase), often in makeshift stalls.

How to Avoid This Scam

Verify products with serial numbers and original packaging before buying, as local authorities recommend checking against official importer lists
Shop at reputable stores in the main mall areas, which offer warranties and are regulated, typically charging fair prices starting from 1,500,000 PYG for real items
Avoid street vendors and use credit cards for purchases over 100,000 PYG to enable chargebacks if the item is counterfeit

Border Crossing Overcharges

occasional

Near the Brazil-Paraguay border in Ciudad del Este, unofficial guides charge excessive fees for 'assistance' with customs, demanding 200,000 PYG for forms that are free, by claiming mandatory tips or expedited services.

How to Avoid This Scam

Handle border processes independently using official government apps or kiosks, which provide free guidance in Spanish and Guaraní
Join group tours from licensed operators in the city center, where fees are capped at 50,000 PYG per person for legitimate assistance
Be wary of unsolicited offers and report suspicious behavior to border police, who patrol the area frequently

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Festival Ticket Fraud

Fake Carnival Entry

occasional

During Encarnación's annual Carnival in February, scalpers sell counterfeit tickets outside the main venue on San Pedro Avenue, charging 150,000 PYG for fakes that get confiscated at the gate, preying on tourists unfamiliar with the event.

How to Avoid This Scam

Buy tickets only from official booths or the event website, which offers secure online options in advance for as low as 50,000 PYG
Verify ticket authenticity by checking for holograms and matching the event's official app descriptions before purchase
Arrive early with a local guide who knows the area, as community groups often provide free tips on spotting genuine vendors during the festival

Overpriced Boat Rides

common

Along the Paraná River beaches in Encarnación, boat operators inflate prices for tourists, charging 100,000 PYG for a short ride that locals get for 30,000 PYG, by claiming peak demand or exclusive access to viewing spots.

How to Avoid This Scam

Negotiate fares directly and ask for a receipt, using local customs like sharing the boat with others to reduce costs
Book through hotel-affiliated services, which standardize prices and often include the ride in packages for around 50,000 PYG
Visit during weekdays when demand is lower, allowing for better bargaining based on the operator's posted rates