How To Use Cell Phone In Paraguay: Traveler’s Guide To Stay Connected

Whether you are an experienced tourist or this is your first trip to Paraguay, staying connected is essential. This detailed tutorial on how to use cell phone in Paraguay will help you remain connected and avoid roaming fees. It covers international plans, local frequencies and networks, phone compatibility, and your available connectivity options. 

I. Highlights of Phone Compatibility, Frequencies and Networks in Paraguay

It’s crucial to understand the cell phone networks and frequencies that are in use in Paraguay before traveling there. 

1. Phone compatibility

Mobile networks and carriers in Paraguay use 2 GSM bands, 3 UMTS bands, and 2 LTE bands. 

• 2G: GSM 850 MHz and 1900 MHz (most phones from the last decade will have these)
• 3G: UMTS 850 MHz and 1900 MHz (common for most smartphones)
• 4G LTE: AWS 1700/2100 MHz and 700 MHz (4G availability might be limited in rural areas)

2. Frequencies

Paraguayan mobile networks operate on specific frequencies.The following frequencies are supported and used in Paraguay:

• Bands 4G: B2 (1900), B3 (1800), B4 (1700/2100 AWS 1), B26 (850), B28a (700)
• Bands 3G: B2 (1900), B5 (850), B8 (900)
• Bands 2G: B2 (1900), B5 (850)

3. Major networks

Three significant Paraguay network providers are Claro, Tigo and Personal. They provide 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE but not 5G.

II. Will My Cell Phone Work In Paraguay?

It depends. It is dependent upon your phone’s model, brand, and country of origin in addition to the bands and frequencies it can support and the network standard. However your phone needs to meet some basic requirements including: 

• You should be able to utilize SIM cards from local Paraguayan carriers with your unlocked phone.
• Make sure it has VoLTE capabilities for better 4G network call quality.

As you prepare for your trip, it’s important to check network compatibility by contacting your mobile carrier or the device’s maker to use cell phone in Paraguay. Below are the frequencies of some carriers in Paraguay: 

• Tigo: GSM 850, GSM 1900 (PCS), UMTS B5 (850)
• Claro: GSM 900, UMTS B2 (1900 PCS)
• Personal: GSM 850, UMTS B2 (1900 PCS), UMTS B5 (850), LTE B2 (1900 PCS)

III. Do I Need An International Plan to Use Cell Phone in Paraguay? 

It depends. Whether you require an international plan to use cell phone in Paraguay depends on your usage and preferences. 

Here are some situations where an international plan might be advantageous:

• Convenience: You may use your phone as soon as you arrive in Paraguay, without having to find a retailer to purchase a local SIM card. 
• Familiarity: You can keep your current phone number and data package, which may be easier to manage if you’re unfamiliar with Paraguayan mobile companies or do not speak Spanish.
• Predictable costs:  An overseas plan can provide predictable pricing for phone calls, texts, and data consumption. This can help you budget your travel spending. To avoid surprises, make sure to check the Paraguay-specific rates.
• Limited Data Usage: If you only plan on using your phone minimally for calls, texts, or occasional internet browsing, an international plan with a small data allotment might be sufficient and potentially cheaper than buying a local SIM card with a larger data package.

Based on your demands, select the appropriate option:

• Regular users and budget-conscious: The local SIM card comes out on top.
• Short Stay & Convenience: An eSIM with a data package would be perfect.

Additional factors to consider:

• Duration: eSIMs may be more advantageous for brief stays, but local SIM cards are better for longer stays.
• Data consumption: Local SIM cards with higher data packages will be more cost-effective for heavy data users.
• Comfort level with Spanish: Using a local SIM card shouldn’t be a problem if you are at ease browsing Spanish menus.

IV. What Are Options To Use Cell Phone In Paraguay For Tourists?

There are three popular options to use cell phone in Paraguay, which are: eSIM, international SIM card and pocket wifi. 

1. eSIM Plan for Paraguay

eSIM is an easy choice for temporary data requirements. 

Suitable for: 

• Visitors who use compatible devices, look for an easy method to use data during a short trip.
• Those who prefer not to go through the trouble of getting a local SIM card.

Where to buy eSIM for Paraguay: Buy online, through eSIM resellers/providers for the best convenience 

Pros: 

• Convenient choice for compatible phones
• You can do without a physical SIM card
• For short-term use, providers such as Maya Mobile and Esimatic offer data packages, frequently without a phone number.

Cons: May be harder to find than local SIM cards and requires a suitable phone.

2. International SIM card for Paraguay

For regular use cell phone in Paraguay, this is the most affordable choice. Major carriers such as Personal, Claro, and Tigo offer prepaid SIM cards with data and minutes upon arrival.

Suitable for:

• Travelers who plan on using their phone frequently in Paraguay for calls, texts, and data.
• Those seeking a familiar method of maintaining contact while utilizing their current phone number.

Where to buy a SIM card for Paraguay: Purchase in advance online or hold off until you get to the airport, convenience stores, or cell phone store in Paraguay. 

Pros: 

• The least expensive choice for regular use
• Major carriers such as Personal, Tigo, and Claro provide prepaid plans that include minutes and data
• When you visit their locations, you can purchase a SIM card.

Cons: May need locating a store and understanding Spanish offerings, though there may be options in English.

3. Pocket WiFi

A pocket wifi is a portable gadget that functions similarly to a tiny router.

Suitable for: 

• Tourists who wish to use several devices (such as phones, computers, and tablets) to access the internet at once.
• Those who require a mobile internet solution in places where Wi-Fi coverage is poor. 
• Those who would rather keep their current SIM card or get a local SIM card.

Where to rent pocket wifi for Paraguay: It can be sent to your hotel or any other address you specify. If you make your reservations in advance, you may be picked up at the airport.

Pros: Offers portability for use anywhere with cellular coverage and is convenient for sharing internet with many devices.

Cons:  

• Needs to buy or rent the gadget
• Has battery life restrictions
• Data plans may have caps
• Needs to be compatible with the area in which it will be used

V. Will My Local Network Work In Paraguay?

The answer is most likely possible. Your local network will be able to operate in Paraguay as long as you have an unlocked phone and a roaming agreement with a Paraguay carrier. This is the most expensive option, though, so you can end up with a big bill. Using your home network in another nation usually results in roaming fees, which may be rather expensive for calls, messages, and data.

VI. Gigago eSIM – An Alternative To Get Internet In Paraguay With Your Cell Phone

eSIMs are taking over as the best solution for staying online abroad. They’re easy to use, budget-friendly, and secure, making them perfect for travelers in Paraguay. Let’s explore the reasons why you might choose them:

• Skip the hassle: Buy your eSIM online and scan the QR code to install the SIM before you even leave home. When you land in Paraguay you will have the Internet right away.
• Explore everywhere: Stay connected all over Paraguay with nationwide coverage.
• Save big: Stay connected without the outrageous roaming charges.

Travel smart with Gigago Paraguay eSIM. Enjoy stress-free internet access throughout Paraguay with Gigago eSIM coverage. You can choose from various eSIM plans, ranging from $9.50 – $38.50 , minimum is 1 GB for 7 days at $9.50 , all offering local Paraguay rates. 

Overall, Gigago eSIM is one option that saves time and money on mobile internet compared to traditional options when you arrive in Paraguay.

VII. Extra Tips To Use Cell Phone in Paraguay

Here is some extra tips for using your phone in Paraguay:

• Unlock Your Phone: Make sure your phone isn’t locked to easily use a Paraguay SIM card.
• Check Compatibility: Make sure your phone works in Paraguay by checking compatibility with local cellular frequencies before you travel.
• Use Wi-Fi Whenever Possible: Wi-Fi is widely available in Paraguay, especially in hotels, restaurants, and cafes.  Using Wi-Fi can help you avoid using up your data allowance and incurring roaming charges.
• Save Money on Mobile Data: Consider grabbing a prepaid Paraguay SIM card or a convenient eSIM before arrival.
• Download Essential Apps: Keep yourself on track and connected with navigation, translation, and transportation apps.

VIII. FAQs about Use Cell Phone in Paraguay

IX. Conclusion 

You now have a basic understanding of how to use a cell phone in Paraguay. Take use of the advice given to ensure you have the greatest trip to Paraguay. Get an eSIM from Gigago if your phone is compatible with them to enjoy fantastic internet service in Paraguay.