TRAVEL GUIDE
Paraguay
POLITICAL SITUATION
Paraguay has a presidential and bicameral parliamentary system. The president is popularly elected for a five-year term and he appoints the cabinet. The National Congress has two
chambers – the Chamber of Deputies (lower house) having 80 members and the Chamber
of Senators (upper house) having 45 members. The government is democratically elected,
though political chicanery is occasionally reported. There is stability in the country and the
elected representatives effectively hold power.
RULE OF LAW
The Paraguay National Police (PNP) is responsible for maintaining internal security and
public order. Lack of professionalism and adequate resources are impediments to the unit's
quick and effective response to any situation. Furthermore, the PNP's alleged involvement
in criminal activities and solicitation of bribes have marred their reputation. If involved in a
serious incident, contact your local diplomatic representation for support. The judiciary is
independent in Paraguay. However, the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land, cannot be seen as politically neutral, despite its relatively independent position, as political criteria play a role in the appointment of judges. The two main obstacles to the smooth functioning of the Paraguayan judiciary are a lack of professionalism and corruption, and public
confidence in the judicial system is low.
POPULATION:
15,730,977
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INDEX (HDI):
HDI is 0.669 (2011), ranked 111 out of
187, indica ng low human development.
CORRUPTION
Paraguay has one of the highest rates of political and social corruption in Latin America,
and this plays an important role in inhibiting the smooth functioning of administrative activities. It is present in almost all sections of society, but is particularly prevalent in politics, the
judiciary and administrative bodies. The main reasons for the high rate of corruption are low
wages, slow economic growth, cronyism and political favouritism, at the expense of meritocracy. Travelling personnel may face demands by the police for dubious fines and bribe.
NATURAL DISASTERS
Floods occur occasionally during the summer (December-March) as a result of heavy rainfall. Paraguay is also prone to droughts, especially during the winter (June-September).
SOCIAL UNREST
Demonstrations are common in Paraguay, though major outbreaks of social and labour
unrest are rare. Political and labour demonstrations take place occasionally, almost always
in Asunción. Rural land reform and redistribution remains a sensitive issue; landless groups
have staged intermittent land invasions, roadblocks and demonstrations in Asunción, as
well as the departments of San Pedro, Alto Paraná, Caaguazu and Guaira. Some of these
protest actions have ended in violent clashes with police. In June 2012, at least 17 people,
including eight police officers, were killed and around 80 others injured in clashes between
the security forces and armed landless agricultural workers in the city of Curuguaty
(Canindeyú department). The unrest led to the impeachment of President Fernando Lugo,
which, in turn, triggered a series of disruptive and unruly rallies, particularly in Asunción.
CRIME
Petty crime poses the main risk to business visitors, and a common method of street robbery involves groups of children mobbing travellers and stealing their valuables. While foreign visitors are not specifically targeted, they are vulnerable because of their perceived
wealth. In the event of being accosted by a criminal, assume that your assailant is armed
and do nothing to antagonise or resist them. Criminals have also been known to use incapacitating drugs to rob or assault victims. Luggage is occasionally pilfered at airports, and
travellers should never leave bags unattended and always carry valuables in hand baggage.
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UNDER-5 MORTALITY RATE:
25 per 1,000 live births. Paraguay ranks
87 in the world.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE:
Guarani, Spanish
Most businesses speak English
OFFICIAL CURRENCY:
Guaraní (PYG)
Easy to exchange US dollars
CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED:
Credit cards are accepted by some big
hotels and restaurants in Ouagadougou.
General Tips
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Paraguayans are almost always friendly and courteous to foreigners. Visitors are unlikely to receive poor service on account of their
nationality, race or creed (though indigenous Amerindians can experience mistreatment).
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Handshakes are exchanged, even in social settings. Be sure to shake hands and say good-bye to everyone individually when leaving.
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For businesswomen, it is advisable to maintain a polite but constant physical distance from men in all situations – even, for example, from taxi drivers. In most cases, social standing rather than personal security is at risk.
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Smoking is prohibited in some areas. Ask about rules before smoking.
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Business visitors will be expected to dress smartly. Suits are appropriate business attire for both men and women.
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Many people start work early (07.30-08.00), and it can be more productive to arrange meetings at the beginning of the working day.
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Visitors should be courteous but friendly. It is common for men and women meeting for the second or third time to kiss on the
cheeks.
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Decisions are almost always made at a high level.
Informal dress and sportswear are appropriate in most situations.
Avoid photographing military installations.
Business Tips
Although business people may speak English, some knowledge of Spanish will be appreciated and useful.
Appointments are important and should be scheduled in two to four weeks in advance.
The hour of an appointment is not to be taken too literally. It is often best to schedule a meeting half an hour ahead of the required
time and confirm the details in advance.
At the first meeting, it is customary for all present to shake hands. However, it may be considered rude if one woman does not greet
another with a kiss.
When dining out with business partners, the most senior people present – according to age as well as rank in the company – should
be placed at the head of the table.
Carry business cards in Spanish, and consider translating other materials to Spanish. The exchange of business cards forms an
important part of the meeting.
Keep formal records of all transactions. Verbal agreements are only declarations of intent, and in no way constitute legally binding
agreements.
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STANDING TRAVEL ADVICE
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Normal travel can continue.
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Carry a photocopy of your passport at all times and anticipate spot-checks, particularly after dark. Treat members of the security
forces you encounter with patience and respect.
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Taxis are a suitable means of transport in urban areas. If undertaking travel outside of urban areas, hire a private vehicle and driver;
ensure you are confident in the quality of your vehicle prior to departure.
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Road conditions and driving standards are poor; do not self-drive unless very familiar with local conditions. Undertake cross-country
travel during daylight hours only and with adequate communications systems, spares and fuel. Drive defensively at all times.
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Be aware that in the event of a road traffic accident, the police may detain one or more parties involved for questioning; do not overreact if detained.
Rail travel is not suitable for business personnel. Travel by bus is a suitable means of travel, though journey times can be long.
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Exercise heightened caution in the tri-border area with Brazil and Argentina due to increased risk of crime and incidental risks posed
by drug smuggling activity.
EMBASSY OF CANADA
3 Professor Ramirez at Juan de Salazar,
Asunción
Paraguay
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Phone: +595 21 227207
Fax: +595 21 227208
Email: honconpy@ go.com.py