South America·Paraguay

Is Asunción Safe for Tourists in 2026?

Asunción is moderately safe for tourists. Our database records 14 documented scams, of which 3 are rated high severity. Most visitors complete their trip without incident, but specific risk areas and scam types are well-documented and worth reviewing before arrival.

Moderately Safe

Overall verdict

14

Scams documented

3

High severity

Overall verdict

Moderately Safe

Safe with standard precautions

Scams documented

14

High severity

3

Medium severity

9

Top risk type

Street Scams

Priority warnings

High-severity risks in Asunción

These are the most serious documented scams — rated high severity based on frequency, financial impact, and confirmation across multiple sources.

Mercado 4 Bag Snatching on Motorbike

high

Around Mercado 4, Asuncion main informal market, motorbike riders operate in pairs and snatch bags, phones, and cameras from pedestrians walking on the pavement. The approach is from behind and the theft takes seconds, making pursuit impossible. Avenida Pettirossi and surrounding streets are known hotspots for this pattern.

How to avoid: Carry bags on the shoulder away from the road and keep phones in a front pocket or zipped compartment. Avoid using your phone while walking along kerbside pavements near Mercado 4. If you are targeted, do not resist — the physical risk is higher than the value of most stolen items.

Where: Avenida Pettirossi and surrounding streets adjacent to Mercado 4 in central Asuncion, and along Avenida Republica Argentina approaching the market from the south

False Police Officer Shakedown

high

A person in plain clothes or partial uniform near the Palacio de Gobierno and the downtown pedestrian zone stops tourists claiming to investigate counterfeit guarani or drug activity, demanding wallet and passport inspection. Paraguay has no legal basis for a plainclothes officer to conduct a street wallet inspection, and the goal is to extract cash or demand a bribe to avoid a fabricated fine.

How to avoid: Real Paraguayan National Police wear full uniform and carry ID. Ask to walk together to the nearest comisaria if you are stopped. Genuine officers accept this; scammers refuse. Keep a decoy wallet with a small amount of cash separate from your main funds.

Where: Around Plaza de los Heroes and the Palacio de Gobierno on Avenida Mariscal Lopez, and along the downtown pedestrian zone on Calle Palma near the main tourist hotels

Express Kidnapping by Pirate Taxi

high

Unlicensed taxis near the Aeropuerto Internacional Silvio Pettirossi and the downtown hotel zone pick up lone travelers and drive to an ATM, forcing the victim to withdraw guarani or dollars under threat before releasing them. Incidents are more common after dark and target travelers arriving late at the airport without a pre-arranged transfer.

How to avoid: Book airport transfers through your hotel or a licensed radio taxi service called in advance. Avoid unmarked vehicles at the airport kerbside. Sit in the back seat, keep your phone accessible, and share your live location with someone before departure. Do not use taxis that solicit you in the arrivals hall.

Where: Outside the arrivals terminal of Aeropuerto Internacional Silvio Pettirossi in Luque (15km from Asuncion), and late-night pickup spots around hotels on Avenida Mariscal Lopez in the Villa Morra district

By traveler type

Is Asunción safe for you specifically?

Scam risk varies by traveler profile. Different types of visitors face different documented threats in Asunción.

Solo travelers

Higher risk

Solo travelers are more frequently targeted because they lack the deterrent of a group. Stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share itineraries with someone at home, and avoid deserted areas at night.

First-time visitors

Higher risk

Unfamiliarity with local pricing, transport, and norms makes first-time visitors prime targets. Read the full scam database for Asunción before arrival — knowing what scams exist is the single most effective protection.

Families with children

Lower risk

Families with children are less commonly targeted for scams involving nightlife or bar areas. Standard precautions apply: use vetted transport, keep documents secured, and brief children on not accepting gifts from strangers.

Budget travelers

Higher risk

Budget travelers spending time in hostels, using street food, and booking last-minute tours face increased exposure to accommodation scams, fake tour operators, and currency exchange fraud.

Where risk concentrates

Areas to be cautious in Asunción

These locations are specifically cited in documented scam reports for Asunción. Exercise heightened awareness in these areas.

Ciudad del Este Counterfeit Electronics Return Fraud

Indoor market buildings along Avenida San Blas and Calle Pai Perez in Ciudad del Este, particularly in the multi-floor electronics bazaars near the main bus terminal

medium

Mercado 4 Bag Snatching on Motorbike

Avenida Pettirossi and surrounding streets adjacent to Mercado 4 in central Asuncion, and along Avenida Republica Argentina approaching the market from the south

high

Guaraní Currency Confusion

Mercado 4, downtown commercial streets along Palma and Estrella, and informal exchange booths near the bus terminal

medium

Airport Taxi Overcharging

Silvio Pettirossi International Airport, Luque, approximately 15km northeast of central Asunción

medium

Mercado 4 Pickpocketing

Mercado 4, between Pettirossi Avenue and Dr Francia Street, central Asunción

medium
Risk breakdown

What types of scams occur in Asunción?

Street Scams

Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas.

4

29% of reports

Taxi & Transport

Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists.

2

14% of reports

Tour & Activities

Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping.

2

14% of reports

Money & ATM Scams

Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons.

2

14% of reports

Restaurant Scams

Inflated bills, hidden charges, tourist menus, and food service tricks.

1

7% of reports

Accommodation Scams

Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud.

1

7% of reports

Online Scams

Fraudulent booking sites, phishing, fake reviews, and digital cons targeting travelers.

1

7% of reports

Other Scams

Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors.

1

7% of reports

How serious?

Severity breakdown for Asunción

3 High — 21%
9 Medium — 64%
2 Low — 14%
Before you go

Quick safety checklist for Asunción

01

Before booking any tour or activity in Asunción, verify the operator has verifiable reviews on multiple platforms.

02

Street Scams scams are the most documented risk in Asunción — review those warnings specifically before you arrive.

03

Use app-based transport rather than street taxis, especially near Asunción's main tourist attractions.

04

Keep a physical copy of your passport, travel insurance policy number, and embassy contact in a separate location from originals.

05

If you are approached by someone offering unsolicited help, tours, or currency exchange, politely decline and walk away.

06

Report any scam to local police and to your country's embassy. Even if recovery is unlikely, reports help maintain accurate travel advisories.

Common questions

Is Asunción safe — answered

Is Asunción safe for tourists in 2026?
Asunción is moderately safe for tourists based on our database of 14 documented scams. 3 of those are rated high severity. The most common risks are street scams, taxi & transport, tour & activities. Millions of tourists visit Asunción safely each year — preparedness is the key differentiator.
Is Asunción safe for solo travelers?
Asunción has documented scams that specifically target solo travelers. Key advice: stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share your itinerary with someone at home, use app-based transport at night, and avoid isolated areas after dark. Review the full scam list for Asunción before traveling alone.
What are the most dangerous areas in Asunción for tourists?
Based on documented incident reports, the highest-risk areas in Asunción include: Indoor market buildings along Avenida San Blas and Calle Pai Perez in Ciudad del Este, particularly in the multi-floor electronics bazaars near the main bus terminal. Avenida Pettirossi and surrounding streets adjacent to Mercado 4 in central Asuncion, and along Avenida Republica Argentina approaching the market from the south. Mercado 4, downtown commercial streets along Palma and Estrella, and informal exchange booths near the bus terminal. These areas are associated with street scams, money & atm scams, taxi & transport incidents.
Is Asunción safe at night?
Nighttime risk in Asunción is primarily concentrated around bar and nightlife districts, where overcharging, spiked drink incidents, and fake police are more common. Using official or app-based transport after dark and staying in well-lit, populated areas reduces risk significantly.
Is Asunción safe for female travelers?
Asunción is broadly accessible for female travelers with standard precautions. General guidance: use verified accommodation with secure entry, avoid sharing ride details publicly, dress in line with local customs to reduce unwanted attention, and keep emergency contacts accessible. Travel communities like r/solotravel and r/TravelHacks have current firsthand reports.
What scams should I watch for in Asunción?
The top documented scams in Asunción are: Ciudad del Este Counterfeit Electronics Return Fraud, Mercado 4 Bag Snatching on Motorbike, Guaraní Currency Confusion, Airport Taxi Overcharging, Mercado 4 Pickpocketing. The full database covers 14 individual scams across 8 categories. Reviewing each scam's description and avoidance tips is the most effective pre-trip preparation.
Should I get travel insurance for Asunción?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for any trip to Asunción. Beyond scam-related losses, insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and theft — all documented risk categories here. Look for policies that include 24/7 emergency assistance and explicit coverage for mugging or pickpocketing. Compare policies on comparison sites before purchasing.
Is Paraguay safe to visit in 2026?
Paraguay as a whole is a popular tourist destination with documented scam activity across multiple cities. Asunción specifically has 14 documented scams with a moderately safe safety rating. Check the full Paraguay country guide for a regional overview and safety comparisons across all covered cities.

Editorial note: This safety assessment for Asunción is based on 14 verified scam reports in the Before You Go database, compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Safety conditions change — always cross-reference with current government advisories before travel. Read our methodology →