Best Paraguay SIM Cards for Tourists: Updated Prices & Where to Buy

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.

I. Where to Buy a Tourist Paraguay SIM card? 

Visitors can purchase a SIM card for Paraguay online or from local SIM shops.

1. Buy prepaid Paraguay eSIM online before departure

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.

• Pros: Get your eSIM before you leave, avoiding airport queues or searching for stores upon arrival, easily accessible before your vacation, and convenient.
• Cons: Requires a phone that supports eSIM cards. Upon arrival, internet access may be required for the activation process. Specialized vendors may only offer Paraguay.

2. Buy physical Paraguay SIM card at Paraguay airports

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. 

• Pros: Purchase and activation are usually straightforward, allowing you to connect immediately.
• Cons: Airport kiosks might offer a limited selection of data plans compared to what you might find online or in city stores. Prices at airport kiosks might be slightly higher than other options.

3. Buy physical Paraguay SIM card in Mobile Network Operator Stores

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.

• Pros: The widest range of designs and options. Opportunity to ask inquiries, compare plans directly with representatives, and perhaps get better offers than airports.
• Cons: It may take some research to find a store, especially in smaller towns. Basic Spanish language abilities may be useful for conversation.

4. Buy physical Paraguay SIM card in Authorized Retailers

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.

• Pros: Often in handy locations, particularly in tourist areas. Plans may be similar to those offered by operator stores.
• Cons: Selection may be more limited than at operator stores. Before making your purchase, double-check the plan specifics and cost.

► Our recommendation:

• If you have an eSIM-compatible phone and prioritize convenience, consider buying a Paraguay eSIM online before your trip for immediate activation upon arrival.
• If you haven’t planned ahead, purchasing a Paraguay SIM card from nearby retailers is a convenient and cost-effective option.

II. What Are The Best SIM Cards for Tourists?

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:

1. Best Tigo Paraguay SIM card Plans and Price

• 2 GB data for 4 days = 11,000 PYG – $1.5 USD
• 2 GB data for 5 days = 13,000 PYG – $2 USD
• 3 GB data for 7 days + unlimited calls = 16,000 PYG – $2.3 USD
• 4 GB data for 7 days = 16,000 PYG – $2.3 USD
• 4 GB data for 10 days = 25,000 PYG – $3.6 USD
• 4 GB data for 15 days = 35,000 PYG – $5 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = 65,000 PYG – $9.5 USD

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. 

2. Best Claro Paraguay SIM card Plans and Price 

• 2 GB data for 7 days = 22,000 PYG – $3.2 USD
• 3 GB data for 7 days = 27,000 PYG – $3.9 USD
• 4 GB data for 7 days = 16,000 PYG – $2.3 USD

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. 

3. Best Personal Paraguay SIM card Plans and Price

A personal prepaid sim card is free, and you can register and activate one of the following packages right immediately in the store:

• 3 GB data for 3 days = 11,000 PYG – $1.5 USD
• 4 GB data for 10 days = 25,000 PYG – $3.6 USD
• 4 GB data for 15 days = 35,000 PYG – $5 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = 65,000 PYG – $9.5 USD

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.

III. Do I Need to Buy a SIM Card for Paraguay Travel?

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

IV. What to Prepare to Buy Prepaid SIM cards in Paraguay?

To buy a prepaid SIM card in Paraguay, prepare the following:

• Passport: Required for identification and registration of the SIM card.
• Local Address: Some vendors may ask for a local address, such as your hotel.
• Visit Authorized Retailers: Prepaid SIM cards are available at:
  • Authorized retailers
  • Mobile network operator stores
  • Some convenience stores
• Choose the Right Plan: Consider plans based on:
  • Data allowances
  • Call minutes
  • Validity periods
  • Carriers (e.g., Tigo, Claro, Personal) and their latest offers

V. What Types of Paraguay SIM Cards Are Available For Tourists?

There are two types of SIM cards for Paraguay in terms of form:

• Physical SIM card
• eSIM card

In each type, there are two popular plan options for tourists:

• Data-only plans
• Voice, text and data plans

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. 

VI. Paraguay eSIM – Alternative to Physical SIM Cards to Get Internet in Paraguay

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:

• Buy it from Paraguay mobile network carriers offering eSIM services for tourists: require passport verification upon purchase

• Buy it from online eSIM provider. this is a hassle-free experience on buying SIM for Paraguay. No passport presentation, no SIM delivery.

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.

VII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Paraguay?

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:

• Tigo: Tigo offers prepaid SIM cards with plans that typically have validity periods ranging from 7 days to 30 days. These plans include various data, call, and text options.
• Claro: Claro provides prepaid SIM cards with plans that usually last between 7 days and 30 days. These plans come with different amounts of data, local call minutes, and texts.
• Personal: Personal offers tourist SIM cards with plans that also generally range from 7 days to 30 days. These plans include a combination of data, calls, and texts.

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.

VIII. How to Use Paraguay Prepaid SIM Cards and eSIM

This guide covers how to install and activate both traditional SIM cards and eSIMs for tourists in Paraguay:

1. Using prepaid Paraguay SIM Cards for tourists

Complete these steps to get your Paraguay SIM card ready to use:

• Step 1 – Locate the SIM card slot and Insert the SIM: The SIM card slot is usually a small tray that ejects with a SIM ejector tool. Carefully identify the correct size (standard, micro, or nano) and put the Paraguay SIM Card into the tray.
• Step 2 – Restart your mobile device: Turn your phone completely off, wait 30 seconds, and then power it back on for SIM detection.
• Step 3 – Connect to the mobile network: Once you see your carrier’s name displayed (it should match the company you bought the SIM card from), enable “Mobile Data” or “Cellular Data” to browse the internet.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’re all set to explore Paraguay with a working internet connection.

2. Setting up and activating Paraguay eSIM 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to set up and activate Paraguay eSIM online, all before your trip:

• Step 1 – Check compatibility: Make sure your device supports eSIM technology.
• Step 2 – Get your eSIM: Visit an online seller of Paraguay eSIM then choose and purchase a data plan. 
• Step 3 – Install the eSIM: Scan the QR code to install the eSIM then set the eSIM as your primary data connection.
• Step 4 – Connect to the Internet: Turn on Data Roaming and mobile data (upon arrival) to use the internet in Paraguay.

IX. FAQs about Paraguay SIM card

X. Conclusion 

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.