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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Paraguay

Season-Specific Clothing

Asunción's humid subtropical climate means packing for warmth and humidity, or for cooler, drier conditions depending on the season.

Recommendations

  • Summer (Dec-Feb): Lightweight, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen), loose-fitting Short-sleeved shirts, shorts, light dresses, skirts. A Compact umbrella is useful.
  • Autumn/Spring (Mar-May, Sep-Nov): Mix of light and slightly warmer clothing. Long-sleeved shirts, light sweaters, or cardigans for evenings. Convertible pants for flexibility.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Layers are important. Long pants, sweaters, and a medium-weight jacket. A scarf for cold snaps.

Cultural & Activity Attire

Dress is generally relaxed for everyday wear. For visiting religious sites like churches or cathedrals, dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees. A Light scarf is good for this purpose.

Specific Attire

  • Hiking/Walking: Light, breathable clothing for movement. Sturdy, Comfortable walking shoes or Light hiking shoes.
  • Swimming: Standard Swimwear for hotel pools or recreational river areas.
  • Formal Events: Smart casual wear (collared shirts for men, dresses or smart trousers for women).

Footwear Recommendations

Walking Shoes

Comfortable walking shoes are highly useful for exploring the city. You will do a lot of walking, especially in the historic center.

Highly Recommended

Sandals/Flip-Flops

Ideal for hot weather, casual use, and around hotel pools. Comfortable sandals are a good choice.

Casual Wear

Closed-Toe & Waterproof

Closed-toe shoes are good for evening wear or protection. If traveling in the rainy summer, Waterproof shoes help on wet streets.

Rainy Season

Essential Documents

Useful Papers

Having both physical and digital copies of your documents is important for a smooth and secure trip.

  • Passport & Visa: Carry valid passport (6+ months validity). Have photocopies and digital copies stored separately.
  • Health Documentation: Yellow Fever certificate (if applicable). List of prescription medications with generic names and doctor's note.
  • International Driving Permit: Required for renting a car if your license is not in Spanish.
  • Reservations: Printed and digital copies of flight itineraries, hotel bookings, and pre-booked tours.
  • Travel Insurance Policy: Printout of details, policy number, emergency contacts, coverage summary. Digital copy also.
  • Emergency Contacts: Written list of family/friends at home, embassy/consulate in Asunción, travel insurance emergency number.
  • IDs for Discounts: Student/Senior/Press IDs (e.g., ISIC) can offer discounts at some attractions.
  • Document Organizer: A small, compact Travel document organizer keeps everything tidy and secure.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Paraguay uses 220V electricity, 50Hz frequency, and Type C (two round pins) and Type I (three flat pins) plug types.

Tech Items

  • Power Adapter: A Universal travel adapter with USB ports is highly recommended.
  • Mobile Phone: An unlocked GSM phone is necessary for a local SIM card. Local providers include Tigo, Claro, Personal. Airalo is also an option for eSIM.
  • SIM Card: Purchase local Prepaid SIM cards at kiosks or official stores. Passport registration is needed.

Photography & Apps

A good camera and useful apps will enhance your travel experience and memories.

Essential Tools

  • Camera Equipment: DSLR, mirrorless, or high-quality Smartphone. Extra batteries and memory cards are useful. A weather-resistant Camera bag.
  • Portable Chargers: High-capacity power bank for devices.
  • Recommended Apps: Google Maps (offline), Moovit, Waze for navigation; Google Translate (offline); Uber/Bolt for ride-sharing; WhatsApp for communication.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Use services like Google Drive or Dropbox to back up photos and document copies regularly.

Physical Backup

An External hard drive or USB stick for critical files adds security.

VPN Service

Consider a VPN service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure internet access on public Wi-Fi.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Medications

A well-stocked health and wellness kit helps you address minor issues and stay comfortable.

Kit Contents

  • Standard Items: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers like Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen, allergy medication, antacids, anti-diarrhea medication like Imodium. A Compact travel first aid kit is a good base.
  • Prescription Medications: Bring enough supply in original containers with labels. Doctor's note for controlled substances.
  • Over-the-Counter: Cold/flu remedies, eye drops, antiseptic cream, personal medications.

Protection & Hydration

Protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes, and ensure safe water consumption.

Protection

Special Health Concerns

Altitude Sickness

  • Not a concern for Asunción itself, as the city is at a low elevation.
  • If visiting higher-altitude regions in South America after Asunción, consider appropriate remedies.
  • Consult your doctor about altitude medication if planning high-altitude travel.

Motion Sickness

  • Motion sickness medication could be useful for long bus journeys if you are susceptible.
  • Pack Motion sickness medication if you know you are prone to it.
  • Bring any preferred brands, as local availability may vary.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

For light hikes in parks or nearby hills, certain gear can enhance comfort.

Rental Decisions

Consider renting certain items versus bringing them based on quality and local availability.

  • Car Rentals: Agencies are available in Asunción if self-driving is preferred.
  • Bicycles: Some hotels or specialized shops offer bicycle rentals for leisure rides.
  • Bring specialized gear if you have specific quality needs (e.g., custom Hiking boots).
  • Otherwise, renting locally can be practical.

Destination-Specific

No notably unique items are needed specifically for Asunción beyond standard travel gear. Cultural immersion needs openness more than specific equipment.

  • No notably unique items are needed.
  • Local experiences mainly require cultural openness.
  • Focus on general travel comfort and utility.
  • The destination is about connection, not specific gear.

Rent vs. Buy Decision Matrix

Advantages of Renting Locally

  • Reduces luggage weight and bulk.
  • Avoids potential customs issues with certain equipment.
  • Access to locally appropriate equipment.
  • Cost-effective for short-term use.

Considerations for Bringing Your Own

  • Quality and fit are guaranteed with your own gear.
  • Can be more cost-effective for long-term trips.
  • Familiarity and comfort with personal equipment.
  • Avoids potential availability issues locally for specialized items.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

A few extra items can greatly improve your travel comfort and security.

Essential Additions

Sustainable Travel Items

Bring reusable items to help reduce your environmental footprint during your travels.

Eco-Friendly Choices

  • Reusable Water Bottle: Helps reduce plastic waste and saves money. Purchase large bottles for refilling.
  • Reusable Shopping Bag: A collapsible Reusable shopping bag for markets or general shopping.
  • Reusable Utensils: Useful for street food to avoid plastic waste.
  • Quick-Drying Towel: A small, Quick-drying towel can be useful for hostels or unexpected situations.

Packing Efficiency

Packing Cubes

Organize clothes and items efficiently.

Light Packing

Simplifies travel and movement.

Versatile Clothing

Maximizes outfit options.

Double-Check List

Confirm all necessities are included.

Regional Essentials

Items to Consider

  • Personal hygiene essentials that may be difficult to find locally.
  • Specific brands of shampoo, conditioner, contact lens solution, or feminine hygiene products.
  • Avoid searching for specific items upon arrival; pack what you rely on.

General Travel Comfort

  • A good book or e-reader for downtime.
  • Headphones for music or podcasts on journeys.
  • A secondary payment method (e.g., another credit card) as backup.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack light to simplify travel. A packing cube system organizes your clothes and belongings efficiently. This makes finding items easier and maximizes space.