Stay Connected in Asuncion
Network coverage, costs, and options
Connectivity Overview
Asunción's mobile connectivity has improved significantly in recent years, with decent 4G coverage throughout the city and expanding into suburban areas. The capital offers reliable internet access for most travel needs, though speeds can vary by location and carrier. Three major operators dominate the market: Tigo, Personal, and Claro, each offering competitive coverage in urban areas. While Paraguay isn't known for lightning-fast mobile internet, you'll find adequate speeds for messaging, navigation, social media, and video calls in most parts of Asunción. The biggest challenge for travelers is often the initial setup – whether navigating local SIM card purchases or ensuring your device works with local networks. Planning your connectivity before arrival can save considerable time and frustration, especially if you need immediate access upon landing.
Get Connected Before You Land
We recommend Airalo for peace of mind. Buy your eSIM now and activate it when you arrive—no hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no connection problems. Just turn it on and you're immediately connected in Asuncion.
Network Coverage & Speed
Asunción's mobile network landscape is dominated by three carriers: Tigo (generally considered the most reliable), Personal, and Claro. All three offer 4G LTE coverage throughout the metropolitan area, with Tigo typically providing the most consistent speeds and coverage. Expect download speeds ranging from 10-30 Mbps in central areas, dropping to 5-15 Mbps in outer neighborhoods. 3G coverage extends well beyond the city limits, ensuring basic connectivity even on day trips to surrounding areas. Network quality is generally solid in commercial districts, hotels, and tourist areas, but can be spotty in some residential neighborhoods. Voice call quality is reliable across all carriers. Data coverage is strongest during off-peak hours – you might notice slower speeds during lunch hours and evenings when local usage peaks. The networks use standard international frequencies, so most unlocked smartphones will work without issues. Coverage extends reliably to popular tourist destinations like the Historic Center, Costanera, and major shopping areas.
How to Stay Connected
eSIM
eSIM technology works well in Asunción and offers significant advantages for most travelers. The main benefit is immediate connectivity – you can activate your plan before leaving home and have working data the moment you land. This eliminates the airport SIM card hunt and language barriers. Providers like Airalo offer Paraguay-specific plans that typically cost $15-35 for 1-7GB depending on duration, which is reasonable considering the convenience factor. Your phone needs to be eSIM-compatible and unlocked, which covers most recent iPhones and many Android devices. The setup process is straightforward: scan a QR code, and you're connected within minutes. Data speeds on eSIM plans are comparable to local SIMs since they use the same networks. The main downside is cost – you'll pay a premium for convenience, roughly 2-3x what a local SIM costs. Also, most eSIM plans are data-only, so you won't get a local phone number for calls.
Local SIM Card
Local SIM cards offer the most economical option for extended stays in Asunción. You can purchase them at the airport (convenient but pricier), carrier stores throughout the city, or small shops and kiosks (cheapest option). Expect to pay around $5-10 for the SIM card itself, plus $10-20 for a month's worth of data depending on your usage needs. You'll need your passport for registration – this is legally required and strictly enforced. The main carrier stores (Tigo, Personal, Claro) offer English-speaking staff and tourist-friendly packages, while smaller vendors might require basic Spanish skills. Activation usually happens immediately, though occasionally there can be delays. Top-up cards are widely available at convenience stores, pharmacies, and street vendors. The biggest advantages are cost savings and getting a local phone number for calls. Downsides include the time investment, potential language barriers, and the risk of getting overcharged at tourist-heavy locations like the airport.
Comparison
For most travelers, eSIM offers the best balance of convenience and reliability, despite costing 2-3x more than local SIMs. You'll pay roughly $20-35 for an eSIM plan versus $10-15 for equivalent local SIM data, but save hours of setup time and avoid potential scams. International roaming is typically the most expensive option at $10-15 per day. Local SIMs make financial sense for stays longer than a month or if you're on an extremely tight budget. eSIM is ideal for short visits, business travel, or when you value convenience over cost savings.
Our Recommendations
First-time visitors: Go with an eSIM from Airalo – the convenience and peace of mind are worth the extra cost. You'll have connectivity immediately upon arrival, avoiding airport SIM shops that often overcharge tourists. Budget travelers: While local SIMs are cheaper, eSIM is still the smarter choice unless you're on an extremely tight budget. The time saved and hassle avoided often justify the $10-20 premium, especially for short trips. Long-term stays (1+ months): Local SIM cards make financial sense here. Visit a main carrier store rather than airport vendors for better rates and service. Business travelers: eSIM is your only real option – immediate connectivity is essential, and the cost difference is negligible compared to your time value. Set it up before traveling to ensure seamless connectivity for important calls and emails from day one.
Our Top Pick: Airalo
For convenience, price, and safety, we recommend Airalo. Purchase your eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival—you'll have instant connectivity without the hassle of finding a local shop, dealing with language barriers, or risking being offline when you first arrive. It's the smart, safe choice for staying connected in Asuncion.
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