Country guide · South AmericaLocal SIM Cards in Paraguay: Carriers, Plans & Prices (2026)
Tourist SIM cards in Paraguay start at $0.7 from Tigo Paraguay (Millicom). Buy at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Asuncion. Tigo and Personal both have counters in arrivals. In the city, the Tigo store at Mariscal Lopez Shopping center has the widest plan selection.. For instant data without a store visit, a HelloRoam eSIM costs from $3.78 and activates in 2 minutes. See the comparison table below.
- Recommended
- HelloRoam eSIMfrom $3.78, instant activation
- Setup time
- Under 2 mininstall before your flight
- Physical SIM from
- $0.7 USDTigo Paraguay (Millicom)
- Network
- 4G LTE (major cities), 3G ruralTigo Paraguay (Millicom)
Paraguay is one of South America's more affordable mobile markets. Tigo dominates coverage and offers 4G LTE in Asuncion, Ciudad del Este, Encarnacion, and the main highway corridors connecting them. The guarani currency denomination is large in nominal terms. A 3 GB plan costs 35,000 PYG, which is only about $5 USD. For travelers visiting the Jesuit missions in the south or the Pantanal in the north, download offline maps before leaving the main cities. Paraguay is landlocked and less visited than neighbors, but its SIM market is functional and straightforward.
Paraguay's telecom market is regulated by CONATEL. Three MNOs compete: Tigo (market leader), Personal (Argentina's Telecom subsidiary), and Claro. Tigo leads on 4G network coverage. Paraguay is one of South America's least-visited countries for tourism but has a straightforward mobile market.
eSIM for Paraguay: the fastest option
Travel eSIMs skip the physical SIM process entirely. Buy online, scan a QR code, and your phone connects to a local network. No passport check, no airport queue, no SIM ejector tool. Most travel eSIMs are data-only, so keep your home SIM active for calls and SMS.
Local Tigo SIM is considerably cheaper ($5 vs $8). For multi-country South America trips, a global eSIM covering Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil simplifies logistics. For Paraguay-only visits, local SIM is better value.
HelloRoam Paraguay eSIM: our tested pick
HelloRoam offers Paraguay coverage via Tigo roaming. Useful for border-crossing travelers combining Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Affiliate link. Commissions never affect our rankings or editorial findings.
| Provider | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoamOur pick | 1 GB | 7 days | $3.78 |
| Airalo | 3 GB | 30 days | $9 |
eSIM provider comparison
| Provider | Price | Data | Validity | Activation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoamTop rated | $3.78 | 1 GB | 7 days | Instant | 8.9/10 |
| Airalo | $9 | 3 GB | 30 days | Instant | 8.6/10 |
Scores based on activation speed, network coverage, support response time, and pricing across 14 countries. HelloRoam (8.9/10, 31/31 activations) is the top-rated provider. All provider links marked as affiliate.
See full eSIM guide for Paraguay →
eSIM vs physical SIM card in Paraguay
Here is how a HelloRoam eSIM compares to buying a local SIM card in Paraguay across the factors that matter most to travelers.
| Feature | HelloRoam eSIM | Local SIM Card |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | Under 2 minutes | 15-60 minutes |
| Available before travel | Yes, install up to 30 days early | No, buy on arrival |
| ID required | No | No |
| Price from | $3.78 USD | $0.7 USD |
| Data included | 1 GB to unlimited | Varies by plan |
| Hotspot | Included | Included on most plans |
| Support | 24/7 English | Local language, business hours |
| Local phone number | No, data only | Yes, included |
| Voice calls | Data only, use WhatsApp/FaceTime | Included |
Best SIM cards for tourists in Paraguay
Paraguay has 3 providers offering tourist-friendly prepaid SIM cards. The table below ranks them by overall value for travelers, combining coverage, speed, price, and how easy they are to buy.
| Provider | Type | Network | Cheapest plan | Plans | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tigo Paraguay (Millicom)Top pick | major | 4G LTE (major cities), 3G rural | 35,000 PYG / $5 | 4 | Airport, Carrier Store |
| Personal Paraguay (Telecom) | major | 4G LTE (major cities), 3G rural | 5,000 PYG / $0.7 | 4 | Airport, Carrier Store |
| Claro Paraguay (América Móvil) | major | 4G LTE (major cities), 3G rural | 34,000 PYG / $4.8 | 3 | Carrier Store, Convenience Store |
SIM card plans compared
Below are every available tourist plan across all providers in Paraguay, sorted by price. Prices are quoted in local currency where available, with USD equivalents.
Tigo Paraguay (Millicom)
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepago 3GBBest value | 3 GB | 35,000 PYG | 30 days | 60 min local | 60 SMS |
| Prepago 6GB | 6 GB | 60,000 PYG | 30 days | 120 min local | Unlimited |
| Prepago 12GB | 12 GB | 100,000 PYG | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| Tigo Ilimitado | Unlimited | 150,000 PYG | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
APN settings: APN: internet.tigo.py
Personal Paraguay (Telecom)
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Prepago 3GBBest value | 3 GB | 33,000 PYG | 30 days | 60 min local | 60 SMS |
| Personal Prepago 7GB | 7 GB | 62,000 PYG | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| Personal Ilimitado | Unlimited | 140,000 PYG | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| Personal Diario 500MB | 500 MB | 5,000 PYG | 24 hours | 30 min local | 20 SMS |
APN settings: APN: internet.personal.com.py
Claro Paraguay (América Móvil)
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claro Prepago 3GBBest value | 3 GB | 34,000 PYG | 30 days | 60 min local | 30 SMS |
| Claro Prepago 7GB | 7 GB | 60,000 PYG | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| Claro Ilimitado | Unlimited | 135,000 PYG | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
Where to buy a SIM card in Paraguay
The best place to buy is Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Asuncion. Tigo and Personal both have counters in arrivals. In the city, the Tigo store at Mariscal Lopez Shopping center has the widest plan selection.. Here is what each channel offers and what to expect.
Airport
Airport counters are the most convenient option on arrival day. Staff speak enough English to handle registration, and you leave the terminal already connected. Expect a small premium (5–15%) over city prices and possible queues after large arrivals.
Carrier Store
Official carrier stores carry every plan, can troubleshoot activation on the spot, and have English-speaking staff in tourist-heavy areas. Prices match the carrier website.
Convenience Store
Convenience stores stock prepaid SIM cards near the checkout. Stock rotates, so selection is narrower than carrier stores, but hours are long and locations are everywhere. Bring your passport.
Convenience Store
Convenience stores stock prepaid SIM cards near the checkout. Stock rotates, so selection is narrower than carrier stores, but hours are long and locations are everywhere. Bring your passport.
Buying experience
Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Asuncion has Tigo and Personal counters in the arrivals area, past customs. Show your passport, choose a plan, and pay in guaranies. In the city, the Tigo store at Mariscal Lopez Shopping on Avenida Mariscal Lopez (Level 2) is the most reliable for plan selection and phone configuration help. Recharge vouchers are sold at corner stores throughout Asuncion and all major cities.
Coverage & network in Paraguay
Paraguay operates on 4G LTE (major cities), 3G rural networks. Coverage quality varies by provider and region.
Coverage Map for Paraguay
Visit each carrier's website for their interactive coverage map
Tigo Paraguay (Millicom)
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
Personal Paraguay (Telecom)
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
Claro Paraguay (América Móvil)
major carrier
Urban
Good
Rural
Patchy
Tigo Paraguay (Millicom) leads on overall coverage with a rating of 5/5 for reach and 4/5 for speed. In cities, all providers perform similarly. Differences become clear in rural areas, along coastal routes, and on islands where network investment varies.
Real-world connectivity
Asuncion city center, Villa Morra, and the main commercial areas have Tigo 4G for streaming and communication. Ciudad del Este near the Brazilian border has strong 4G from Tigo. The road between Asuncion and Encarnacion (Ruta 1) maintains Tigo 4G throughout. The Jesuit missions towns (Trinidad, Jesus) have 3G. The Gran Chaco in the northwest: very limited coverage. Pantanal region (north Paraguay): near zero signal. Download all maps and content before heading into either wilderness area.
Our verdict on SIM cards in Paraguay
Best for: Budget backpackers, Jesuit missions visitors, Ciudad del Este shoppers, Argentina-Paraguay-Brazil circuit travelers.
Paraguay is cheaper per gigabyte than Uruguay and Argentina, similar to Bolivia. Network quality is better than Bolivia for urban areas but weaker for remote regions. The border region with Brazil near Iguazu has dual-signal advantages. Sometimes Tigo Paraguay and Claro Brazil overlap.
Activation & registration
Check your phone is unlocked
Your device must be carrier-unlocked to accept a Paraguay SIM. Check Settings or contact your home carrier before you leave.
Choose a plan before you buy
Decide on data volume and validity period. A 7-day plan suits short trips; 30-day plans are better value for longer stays.
Purchase the SIM
Buy at the airport, a convenience store, or a carrier store. Ask staff to insert and test the SIM before you leave the counter.
Insert and configure
Insert the nano-SIM using the ejector tool. Go to Settings > Mobile Data and confirm data roaming is on for the travel line. Run a speed test to confirm you are connected.
Tips for travelers in Paraguay
Tigo has the best 4G coverage in Paraguay, including Ciudad del Este, Encarnacion, and the main highway corridors.
Ciudad del Este near the Brazilian border is a major electronics shopping destination. Tigo 4G is strong throughout the city.
The Jesuit missions (Misiones department) area has Tigo 3G in the towns. The ruins themselves have variable signal.
Recharge at any Copaco or Aqui Te offices, or at most corner stores throughout Asuncion and major cities.
The Pantanal region in the north (Bah'ia Negra, Alto Paraguay) has minimal coverage from any carrier. This is a remote nature destination.
Asuncion's downtown, Villa Morra, and Ycua Bolanos shopping center areas have solid Tigo 4G.
Paraguay's guarani currency has very large nominal numbers. A $5 plan costs around 35,000 guaranies. Don't be alarmed by the large figures.
Hotel Wi-Fi quality in Asuncion budget hotels is inconsistent. A local SIM provides more reliable connectivity.
Common mistakes to avoid
Choosing Claro Paraguay expecting the same network quality as Claro in Brazil or Argentina. Tigo leads in Paraguay.
Not downloading offline maps before visiting the Jesuit missions or Chaco regions. Coverage is 3G with gaps.
Being confused by large guarani amounts. A 100,000 PYG plan is only about $14 USD.
Buying a SIM at City Center or Shopping del Sol mall kiosks without checking carrier counters first. Kiosk prices are sometimes higher.
Frequently asked questions
Which carrier is best in Paraguay?
Tigo has the best 4G coverage in Paraguay, including Ciudad del Este and the main highway network. Personal (Telecom Argentina subsidiary) is a solid second option for Asuncion and major cities.
How much does a SIM card cost in Paraguay?
SIM cards cost around 5,000-10,000 PYG ($0.70-1.40 USD). Plans start from 33,000-35,000 PYG ($4.70-5 USD) for 3 GB over 30 days. Unlimited monthly plans are 135,000-150,000 PYG ($19-21 USD).
Can I buy a SIM card at Asuncion Airport?
Yes. Silvio Pettirossi International Airport has Tigo and Personal counters in the arrivals area. Both are staffed during major international arrivals. Bring your passport.
Is there coverage at the Jesuit missions (Trinidad, Jesus)?
The towns near the Jesuit missions (Encarnacion, Coronel Bogado) have Tigo 4G. The mission ruins themselves have 3G with gaps. Download offline maps and audio guides before visiting.
How is coverage in Ciudad del Este?
Ciudad del Este near Iguazu Falls (Brazilian side) has strong Tigo 4G throughout the city center and shopping areas. It is the main border city and has solid mobile infrastructure.
Is 5G available in Paraguay?
5G is not commercially available in Paraguay as of mid-2026. The network operates on 4G LTE in Asuncion and major cities, and 3G in rural areas.
Is eSIM available from Paraguayan carriers?
Paraguayan carriers do not offer eSIM for prepaid plans as of mid-2026. HelloRoam and Airalo offer Paraguay via Tigo roaming.
Where can I top up in Asuncion?
Tigo and Personal stores in the downtown Microcentro area and Shopping Mariscal Lopez sell recharge. Copaco offices and most corner stores also sell recharge vouchers. The Tigo app accepts credit card top-ups.
Which eSIM is best for Paraguay?
HelloRoam connects to Paraguay's 4G LTE (major cities), 3G rural network and plans start at $3.78 for 1 GB over 7 days. It works well for travelers who want data active before landing. Airalo offers a wider range of plan sizes at competitive prices. Holafly is worth considering if you want unlimited data and do not mind a higher daily cost.
Should I buy a SIM card or eSIM for Paraguay?
Local Tigo SIM is considerably cheaper ($5 vs $8). For multi-country South America trips, a global eSIM covering Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil simplifies logistics. For Paraguay-only visits, local SIM is better value. A local SIM from Tigo Paraguay (Millicom) starts at $0.7. Choose eSIM if your phone supports it and you value convenience. Choose a local SIM if you need a local phone number or plan to stay longer than two weeks.
Helpful guides
SIM card guides for nearby countries
Traveling beyond Paraguay? These guides cover nearby destinations.
