Banks: 08.45 to 15.00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08.00 to 12.00 and 14.00 to 18.00, Monday to Friday
Government Offices: 08.00 to 12.00 and 14.00 to 18.00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 08.00 to 12.00 and 14.30 to 19.00, Monday to Friday; 08.00 to 12.00, Saturday
Shops: 08.00 to 12.00 and 15.00 to 19.00, Monday to Friday; 07.30 to 13.00, Saturday

Encounters with violent crime unfortunately cannot be ruled out during a holiday in Asuncion; however, the likelihood is not especially high and visitors sticking to the beaten path and avoiding carrying or flashing expensive personal items in public can reduce their chances of incidents dramatically. Petty crime is fairly prevalent but with the same care and common sense, visitors can avoid being targeted.

220 volts 50 Hz; plugs have two round pins

Malaria and dengue fever are both present; visitors might wish to consider a course of prophylactics for the former and should make liberal use of insect repellant to reduce their exposure to both during their stay. A typhoid vaccination is also recommended. Tap water is considered safe to drink but bottled is a safer bet. The standard of healthcare in hospitals is adequate but may not compare with that in the US or EU.

Emergency services: 911

The national language of Paraguay is Spanish although indigenous Guarani is also spoken by some citizens. English speakers are rare but can usually be found in reputable hotels.

Paraguay uses the guarani (PYG) as its official currency with 1 PYG equal to 100 centimos, with the latter sub-unit no longer in use.

Visitors are permitted to bring a reasonable amount of alcohol, tobacco and other goods into the country. Provided volumes are within what can be deemed appropriate for personal use, duty payment is not necessary.

Paraguayans are reserved characters as a general rule and dislike conflict and confrontation, always opting for the path of least resistance where possible. Locals meet and greet each other with a handshake unless they are friends or family members, in which case a kiss on both cheeks is considered appropriate. Dress is generally conservative and relatively smart; suits are appropriate business attire.

UK visitors and those from other EU countries are permitted entry to Paraguay on a valid passport for stays of up to 90 days. Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia and the majority of other countries outside of South America, must apply for a visa from a Paraguayan embassy in their place of residence.

The main office of the Paraguay Tourist Board is located in the city centre and can be contacted at +595 21 494 110