Is Paraguay Safe for Digital Nomads?

Short answer: Yes.

After experiencing Paraguay first-hand, and interviewing locals, we at Fluido Spanish School concluded that Paraguay is safer than the neighboring countries in the region, especially for expats and digital nomads.

Where is Safe in Asunción

Not every neighborhood in Asunción is safe, but in general, it's a safer city than many others in Latin America. Other cities, like Lima, Perú, have 1-3 neighborhoods where expats feel comfortable living. Asunción has 5-10 neighborhoods that are absolutely fine for expats to live in. The best of these neighborhoods include Villa Morra, Recoleta, Las Lomas and more. 

The historical center of Asunción is fine during daytime, but can be seedy at nighttime. Expats certainly could live there, but they'd need to be cautious at night time, and avoid using their phones in public. 

The Dr. Ricardo Brugada neighborhood is usually called Chacarita and should be avoided. It's unfortunately the most dangerous neighborhood in Asunción, and appears like a favela or shantytown. Chacarita is next to the historical center.

Traditional People

In general, Paraguayans are a traditional people. The woman in the video suggests that Paraguay is so safe because of this. She mentions that they are people of God. The native language of Guaraní has been preserved well in the countryside, but most city dwellers speak Spanish.

Trust

One of the men in the video explains the self-fulfilling prophecy of trust. He feels safe sitting in the street, because he trusts that he's safe. It does appear that Paraguayans have a strong national unit and trust one another. It feels as if they are one people, not divided like other countries are.

Cuidacoches

Certain parking spaces, especially in the historic center, are considered territory by informal workers called cuidacoches. Cuidacoches expect people parking their cars to pay them, and will guard the car against break-ins in return. However, some speculate that the cuidacoches are more so demanding this protection money, and may just be guarding the cars from themselves.

Cuidacoches are not common in the expat bubble around Villa Morra, but are seen in Paseo Carmelitas at nighttime.