Choosing a reliable way to stay connected is essential when visiting Paraguay or any other country.
This post will explain why getting a Paraguay SIM card is the best alternative when compared to using pocket WiFi, roaming with your local carrier, or depending on free WiFi. You will learn about travel SIM cards for Paraguay, including top network providers, recommended SIM plans for travelers, costs accordingly, and better alternatives.
In this article
Visitors can purchase a SIM card for Paraguay online or from local SIM shops.
Several online retailers offer eSIMs compatible with Paraguay’s mobile networks. To save time when you get to Paraguay, the eSIM will be bought and activated online using a QR code or mobile app.
One option for getting a SIM card in Paraguay is to buy it upon arrival at Asunción or Silvio Pettirossi International Airport. You can look for booths operated by Paraguay’s major mobile network providers – Tigo and Personal – within the arrivals terminal.
Major Paraguayan cities such as Asunción, Ciudad del Este, and Encarnación usually have separate storefronts for Tigo and Personal, the two primary mobile network operators.
Look for authorized retailers who sell mobile phone devices and services in Paraguay. These could be convenience stores, electronics stores, or kiosks with Tigo or Personal branding.
► Our recommendation:
Best SIM card packages in Paraguay for tourists are offered by three major mobile network operators that offer prepaid services: Tigo Paraguay, Claro Argentina, Personal Paraguay.
The following is some packages of those carriers:
Insight: While Tigo’s prepaid plans offer some flexibility, their data allowances tend to be on the lower side. To avoid running out of data, consider topping up your account with extra credit. This way, your data plan will automatically renew when you reach your limit, keeping you connected. For travelers, Tigo exclusively offers physical prepaid Paraguay SIM card; eSIM cards are not available.
Insight: You must pay 10,000 PYG ($1.5 USD) at Claro to register your prepaid SIM card. Claro SIM Card offers various packages for tourists, you can choose the data and price that suits your needs.
A personal prepaid sim card is free, and you can register and activate one of the following packages right immediately in the store:
Insight: There are no e-sim cards available for tourists; Personal only provides conventional prepaid sim cards.
► Our recommendation: The major operators all offer stable high-speed 4G/5G networks. Choosing the appropriate plan length and size ensures that you have access to inexpensive Internet while visiting Paraguay.
Yes. getting a SIM card is a popular way to easily access mobile data in Paraguay. The following table will explain why Sim Card in Paraguay is the best choice when comparing to other options:
| Feature | SIM Card | Free WiFi | Roaming Charges | Pocket WiFi |
| Cost | Affordable, especially with prepaid plans | Free to access, but locations can be limited | Expensive | Renting a device can add up, plus daily data charges |
| Convenience | Functions everywhere in Paraguay where there is mobile coverage. For maps, calls, and texts, use data | Need to find a WiFi hotspot, which can be unreliable or crowded | Require setup and additional charges from your carrier | Need to carry and charge an extra device |
| Data Speed | Faster and more dependable than free WiFi | Speeds can vary depending on location and how many people are using it | Depends on your carrier’s roaming agreement | Speeds can vary depending on the device and network |
| Making Calls & Texts | Included in most prepaid SIM card plans | Not possible with WiFi | Expensive with roaming charges | May require international calling add-ons |
Pro tip: For individuals who don't need to communicate via phone calls or text messages, a data-only SIM package is advised. This is another affordable choice for visitors to Paraguay. Make sure your phone is unlocked to use a Paraguay SIM card.
To buy a prepaid SIM card in Paraguay, prepare the following:
There are two types of SIM cards for Paraguay in terms of form:
In each type, there are two popular plan options for tourists:
The best option for you will depend on your needs and priorities. Here’s a quick comparison about types of Paraguay SIM cards to help you decide:
| Category | Type of SIM Card | Description | Pros | Cons |
| Form | Physical SIM | The typical plastic SIM card is put into the device. | Universal compatibility. Familiar technology. | Needs a hardware slot in the device. |
| eSIM | A digital SIM card integrated in compatible devices. | There’s no need for a physical SIM. More convenient. | Support for devices and networks is currently limited. | |
| Function | Data-only SIM | Only 4G/LTE data is supported, no voice or SMS. | More affordable. Suitable for data-only use. | Cannot make calls or send texts. |
| Voice & data SIM | Regular SIM for call, SMS, and data. | Full functioning. Flexible for long-term use. | Requires registration. Not suitable for short journeys. | |
| Tourist SIM | Networks offer prepaid SIMs. Higher data means no registration. | Perfect for tourists. Simple setup without documentation. | Validity and data are frequently limited. |
► Our Recommendation: While conventional SIMs are more compatible, eSIMs provide digital ease. Data-only SIMs are inexpensive but limited. Tourist SIMs eliminate registration hassles but have data limits, making them ideal for short-term use in Paraguay. Voice SIMs require registration, making them unsuitable for short travels.
With eSIM technology, accessing the internet while traveling to Paraguay has become much easier. Multiple network providers now offer eSIMs, which automatically install upon arrival. You do not need to deal with finding a local Paraguay SIM card shop or WiFi hotspots upon arrival.
Other benefits of eSIM like easy switching between network carriers, saving time searching for physical SIM cards or waiting for delivery.
To buy eSIM for Paraguay, you can buy choose between two options:
Buying eSIM from eSIM provider is more recommended than the later. The suggested name is Gigago, a trusted website offers eSIM options for more than 200 countries and territories in the world.
Gigago has a variety of data plans for travelers in Paraguay, with Gigago Paraguay eSIM options ranging from 1 GB for 7 days at a budget-friendly price of $9.50 . Prices start around $9.50 – $38.50 , so no matter if you’re a light internet user on a short trip or a heavy user staying longer, Gigago has a plan to fit your needs.
Overall, eSIMs offer significant advantages in terms of cost and time when it comes to arrival and using mobile networks in Paraguay. However, you need to note that new generation smartphones often support eSIM, but locked phones or low-end devices will not be able to use it. Please check if your device is compatible before purchasing a travel eSIM.
The duration of a tourist SIM card in Paraguay can vary depending on the carrier and the specific plan you choose. Here are some typical options from major carriers:
In summary, most tourist SIM cards in Paraguay are valid for periods ranging from 7 to 30 days, depending on the carrier and the specific plan you select.
This guide covers how to install and activate both traditional SIM cards and eSIMs for tourists in Paraguay:
Complete these steps to get your Paraguay SIM card ready to use:
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’re all set to explore Paraguay with a working internet connection.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to set up and activate Paraguay eSIM online, all before your trip:
Remember: If you do not remove your home SIM card from your device, double-check roaming charges are disabled to avoid unexpected bills.
Paraguay has three major mobile network operators: Tigo, Personal, and Claro.
Claro is the best option in Paraguay. This carrier stands out in Paraguay for its fast internet speeds, making it a great choice for travelers.
Yes. To activate your new Paraguay SIM card and add credit, you’ll need to show a valid passport. It’s a legal registration requirement.
In Paraguay, internet speeds averaged around 17.5 Mbps on mobile data and 68 Mbps for fixed broadband connections.
To summarize, an international/travel Paraguay SIM card is required for travelers to Paraguay to stay connected during their stay. Users who purchase SIMs from Paraguay’s travel SIM providers can benefit from low-cost data plans, seamless service across the country, and, of course, no roaming charges. When compared to roaming with foreign plans, Paraguay SIM cards offer far better value for a lower cost.
Personal is a reliable Paraguay telecommunications company. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through Personal SIM cards and eSIM, ensuring you stay connected throughout your Paraguay adventure.
With the connectivity choices provided by this cellular mobile operator, consumers can rely on dependable mobile data and telephony to stay connected while traveling. A common question among visitors to Claro is how to obtain and activate a Claro Paraguay SIM card and eSIM. You may find comprehensive instructions on how to utilize SIM cards from this network carrier in this post.
Tigo is a major mobile network provider in Paraguay which offers reliable mobile data and calling services. If you wonder how to get Tigo SIM cards or eSIM as a traveler, this guide provides clear instructions on using Tigo’s network while you’re in Paraguay.
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