Is Asunción safe? 🇵🇾

Asunción presents a mixed but manageable safety picture for travelers. Petty crime, particularly bag snatching by motorbike-riding thieves in pairs, is actively reported around Mercado 4 and Avenida Pettirossi, where pedestrians are advised to keep bags away from traffic and phones secured. Plainclothes individuals impersonating officials near government buildings to demand wallet inspections have been documented, a scam with no legal basis in Paraguay. After dark, certain outskirts and the oldest city center near the port see increased risk, though violent encounters remain rare. Travelers consistently report feeling secure in daylight, especially in well-lit, expat-frequented neighborhoods like Villa Morra and embassy districts, but advise heightened vigilance at night.

Official guidance varies: the U.S. and UK advise normal precautions, while Canada recommends a high degree of caution, reflecting nuanced risks. Street scams extend to unmetered taxis overcharging in congested zones, making fare agreement or meter use essential. Pickpocketing remains prevalent in crowded markets and bus terminals, necessitating front-pocket storage for valuables. Despite these concerns, Asunción lacks the widespread gang violence seen in regional counterparts, and most visits conclude without incident when basic precautions are observed. The city’s stable political climate and visible police presence contribute to overall security, though corruption and institutional weaknesses persist beneath the surface.

To stay safe, avoid displaying valuables openly, use hotel safes for passports and excess cash, and resist the urge to use phones while walking kerbside near known hotspots. Insist on taxi meters or pre-agreed fares, particularly from airports and terminals. Stick to well-lit, populated areas after dark, and consider avoiding the port vicinity and poorly lit outskirt avenues entirely at night. While Asunción is not crime-free, its risks are largely opportunistic and avoidable with standard urban awareness, making it a viable destination for cautious travelers.