Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Cerro Muralla inside Cerro Corá Park for panoramic jungle views
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Parque Nacional Cerro Corá (Hiking, historical monuments, and river swimming)
- National Parks Nearby
- Cerro Corá National Park (45 mins drive; Entry free/small fee for camping)
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- Loop around Laguna Punta Porã (1.2 km paved path)
- Birdwatching Locations
- Wetlands surrounding the Aquidabán River
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Designated camping zones in Cerro Corá National Park
Essentials
- City
- Pedro Juan Caballero, Amambay Department, Paraguay
- Population
- Approx. 122,000 residents
- Internet Speed
- Average 40-60 Mbps on fiber; Copaco and Tigo are primary providers
- Currency & Banking
- 1 USD ≈ 7,350 PYG (Paraguayan Guarani); Brazilian Real (BRL) widely accepted at 1 BRL ≈ 1,480 PYG
- Tap Water
- Not recommended for drinking; buy bottled water like Seltz (15,000 PYG for 20L)
- Power
- 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C / Type I sockets
- SIM Card
- Tigo or Personal; approx. 50,000 PYG ($7) for 10GB data plan
- Banking for Expats
- Banco Continental, Sudameris, and Itaú; Revolut works at ATMs but local fees apply
- Accommodation
- Mix of border hotels and gated residential areas like Terrazas
- Cashless Friendly
- Moderate; large malls (Shopping China) accept cards, but local markets require cash
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb options available; average $35-$50 per night for whole apartments
- Budget Accommodation
- Hotel Amambay (approx. 220,000 PYG/night) or Hotel Eiruzú
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Downtown (Centro) near the border line for shopping access
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- Barrio General Díaz or San Gerardo for quieter residential vibes and better fiber optic availability
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- No dedicated coworking; 'Shopping China' Food Court or 'Planet Outlet' are common laptop-friendly spots
- Best Cafe for Work
- Café de la Plaza (Av. Tte. Herrero); quiet mornings with reliable Wi-Fi and strong espresso (12,000 PYG)
- Networking Events
- Local events usually organized via 'Cámara de Comercio de Amambay'
- Social Events for Expats
- Expats in Paraguay Facebook Group; informal meetups at 'La Choperia' on weekends
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- Bolt is the dominant ride-hailing app; short trips cost approx. 15,000 - 25,000 PYG
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- Not standard; most residents use motorcycles (motos). Local rental shops are informal.
- Best Beach Nearby
- No ocean access; 'Ojo del Mar' in Bella Vista Norte is a natural lake approx. 100km away
- Top Regional Airline
- Paranair (flights from Pedro Juan Caballero Airport PJC to Asunción)
- Top International Airline
- LATAM or Gol (via Ponta Porã International Airport (NON) just across the Brazilian border)
- Highway Access
- Ruta PY05 connecting to Concepción and Asunción
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- Terminal de Ómnibus de Pedro Juan Caballero (Calle Brasil)
- Public Transport Passes
- No unified pass; pay cash (approx. 3,500 PYG) to the driver of local buses
- Regional Travel
- NSA (Nuestra Señora de la Asunción) buses to Asunción (approx. 140,000 PYG for Cama seat)
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Hospital Viva Vida (Ruta V); private facility with modern equipment
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Espacio Vida Yoga (private studio in Barrio Centro)
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Strong Gym (approx. 180,000 PYG/month); well-equipped with free weights
- Laundry Services
- Lava Ya (Calle Curupayty); approx. 50,000 PYG per load for wash and dry
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- PedidosYa (extensive coverage for local snacks and pizza)
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Sopa Paraguaya or Pira Caldo (fish soup) at 'Restaurante Porasá'
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Limited; 'Green Food' offers salad bowls and wraps near the university area
- Best Dessert Spots
- Heladeria Amandau (Multiple locations; try the Dulce de Leche Granizado)
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Mercado Municipal de Pedro Juan Caballero for fresh produce and meat
- E-commerce/Online Store
- Shopping China's online portal or local WhatsApp-based sellers
- Grocery Delivery
- Supermercado Stock (Online ordering available via website or app)
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- Av. Dr. Francia (the 'line' between Paraguay and Brazil) features various 'Choperias'
- Local Brewery
- Cervepar (Main distributor for Pilsen/Brahma); craft beer found at 'Cervecería Tercer Tiempo'
- Wine Bars
- D'vinos Wine Store (Located inside Shopping China; offers tastings)
- Street Food Stalls
- Asado stands near the bus terminal; Lomito Arabé is a local favorite (20,000 PYG)
- Popular International Cuisine
- Zhu (Chinese cuisine) or various Brazilian Churrascarias across the street in Ponta Porã
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Shopping China (World-renowned duty-free); Laguna Punta Porã
- Museums & Art Venues
- Museo Regional del Amambay (Local history and Chaco War artifacts)
- Historical Sites
- Cerro Corá National Park (35km away; site of the final battle of the Triple Alliance War)
- Religious Sites
- Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro
- Annual Events
- Expo Amambay (Agriculture and trade fair held in September/October)
- Cultural Districts
- The International Border Line (Av. Dr. Francia) where cultures blend
- Theater Venues
- Salón Auditorio de la Gobernación de Amambay
- Local Markets
- Feria Libre (farmers market) on weekend mornings
- Music Scene
- Live Polka and Sertanejo (Brazilian country) at local bars
- Street Art
- Murals on the walls of the Public Library/Gobernacion
- Cooking Classes
- Informal classes at the UNINTER University (culinary arts program)
- Art Galleries
- Centro Cultural Carlos Colombino
- Historic Buildings
- The old Customs House (Aduana) building
- Local Heritage
- Yerba Mate culture; everyone carries a 'Termo' for Tereré (cold mate)
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- AEX Paraguay or DHL (near Shopping China)
- Tech Repair Services
- PJC Celulares (Barrio Centro) for screen and battery repairs
- Table Tennis Spots
- Social clubs like Club Amambay often have facilities
- Language Classes
- CCPA (Centro Cultural Paraguayo Americano) for Spanish and English
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Biblioteca Municipal (Calle Natalicio Talavera)
- Community Centers
- Centro de Convenciones de la Gobernación
- Gaming Lounges
- Planet Games (inside Shopping China area)
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- Hotel Casino Amambay (Slots and table games on the border)
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $800 per m² ($32,000 for 40 m²)
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $550 per m² ($22,000 for 40 m²)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $750 per m² ($45,000 for 60 m²)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $500 per m² ($30,000 for 60 m²)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $700 per m² ($56,000 for 80 m²)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $450 per m² ($36,000 for 80 m²)
- Corporate Tax
- 10% (Fixed rate for IRE)
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 8% for residents, 15% for non-residents
- Tax System
- Territorial Tax System (Income earned outside Paraguay is generally not taxed)
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 10% (IRP - Personal Income Tax)
- VAT
- 10% (5% for certain pharmaceuticals and basic foods)
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- None
- Property Tax
- Very low; approx. 0.3% to 1% of the cadastral value annually
- Property Transaction Tax
- Approx. 2-3% (Total of notary fees and transfer taxes)
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- Excellent; Paraguay offers 0% tax on foreign-sourced income for tax residents