Everything You Need to Know About SIM Cards, Internet Providers, and Coverage
Whether you’re relocating, investing, or simply visiting Paraguay in 2025, staying connected is essential. Fortunately, the country’s telecommunications infrastructure has seen significant improvements, with affordable data plans, expanding 4G coverage, and the recent arrival of Starlink satellite internet. From the bustling capital of Asunción to rural communities, you now have a wide range of mobile and broadband options to stay online.
In this expert guide, you’ll discover:
- The top mobile network providers in Paraguay (Tigo, Claro, Personal)
- Best SIM card options for tourists, expats, and long-term residents
- Pricing and plan comparisons for prepaid and postpaid services
- Availability of fiber-optic internet, mobile 4G, and satellite broadband
- The latest on eSIMs, pocket Wi-Fi, and coverage recommendations
In recent years, Paraguay’s telecommunications sector has undergone a quiet but impressive transformation. Once known for slow connections and limited infrastructure, the country now offers reliable and increasingly fast internet and mobile services, especially in urban hubs like Asunción and Ciudad del Este. With competitive pricing, modern infrastructure upgrades, and expanding fiber-optic and 4G coverage, Paraguay is positioning itself as one of the most affordable countries in South America for digital connectivity.
This evolution is particularly relevant for:
- Digital nomads and remote workers seeking stable internet with low cost of living
- Investors and entrepreneurs needing dependable communication tools
- Expats and long-term residents looking for flexible mobile plans
- Travelers who rely on mobile data for navigation, translation, and bookings
Additionally, the introduction of Starlink satellite internet in 2023 has opened the door for high-speed connectivity in remote and rural areas previously underserved by traditional providers. This shift is creating a more level playing field for those living outside major cities, enhancing business opportunities, education access, and overall quality of life.
Whether you’re managing a business, streaming content, or navigating the country with Google Maps, this guide will help you choose the best mobile and internet setup in Paraguay for 2025—quickly, reliably, and cost-effectively.
Mobile Network Operators in Paraguay (2025 Overview)
Paraguay’s mobile network is primarily served by three major operators: Tigo, Claro, and Personal. Each provider offers competitive pricing, prepaid and postpaid plans, and varying levels of coverage, making it essential to choose based on your specific needs and travel habits.
Here’s an in-depth look at each operator and what they offer in 2025:
Tigo – Best for Nationwide Coverage
Tigo is Paraguay’s largest and most widely used mobile provider. It offers the most extensive coverage, including rural areas and remote regions, making it the ideal choice for those traveling outside of major cities.
Key features:
- Strong 4G LTE signal across the country
- Prepaid and postpaid plans with generous data allowances
- Affordable packages for both short-term and long-term use
- Also offers home internet (fiber) and bundled services
Popular plans:
- 2GB (1 day): Gs6,000 (~$0.75)
- 5GB (8 days): Gs26,000 (~$3.25)
- Postpaid 50GB plan: Gs150,000 (~$18.75)
- Postpaid 150GB plan: Gs250,000 (~$31.25)
Ideal for: Digital nomads, rural travelers, and users who need consistent coverage countrywide.
Claro – Reliable Urban and Rural Connectivity
Claro is another strong player in the Paraguayan telecom market, with good coverage in both urban and semi-rural areas. It’s often favored for its stable connections and easy access to SIM cards in local shops and kiosks.
What sets Claro apart:
- Competitive prepaid plans for light to moderate data users
- Easy SIM activation and top-ups across the country
- Strong international brand presence for those used to Claro in other Latin American countries
Example plans:
- 1GB (2 days): Gs10,000 (~$1.25)
- 4GB (15 days): Gs50,000 (~$6.25)
- Postpaid 25GB plan: Gs120,000 (~$15)
- Postpaid 100GB plan: Gs300,000 (~$37.50)
Best for: Tourists in cities, casual users, and expats who want stable service at a fair price.
Personal – Great Urban Speeds & Fiber Internet
Personal is known for fast speeds in urban areas and offers some of the best fiber-optic home internet services in Paraguay. While its rural coverage is more limited compared to Tigo, it shines in city centers like Asunción, Luque, and Encarnación.
Highlights:
- Urban-focused mobile and home internet packages
- Very competitive pricing on fiber connections
- Available prepaid and postpaid mobile plans
- Fast activation and great service in malls and commercial areas
Plan examples:
- 1GB (1 day): Gs6,000 (~$0.75)
- 2.5GB (3 days): Gs15,000 (~$1.90)
- Postpaid 60GB plan: Gs200,000 (~$25)
- Fiber Internet: 200Mbps for Gs140,000 (
$17.50), 400Mbps for Gs250,000 ($31.25)
Recommended for: Residents living in urban areas, streamers, and anyone needing high-speed internet for work or entertainment.
Which Mobile Operator Should You Choose in Paraguay?
| Need | Best Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best rural coverage | Tigo | Most towers and nationwide reach |
| Best urban 4G speed | Personal | Strong city performance + fiber |
| Balanced coverage & value | Claro | Reliable in cities and outskirts |
Before choosing, always consider:
Whether you need bundled home + mobile service
Your data needs (daily use vs. streaming/work)
Areas where you’ll be living or traveling
Expert Tips for Using Mobile and Internet Services in Paraguay
To help you get the most out of your connectivity in Paraguay—whether you’re visiting for a few weeks or planning a long-term stay—here are pro tips based on local experience and 2025 telecom trends:
1. Make Sure Your Phone is Unlocked
Before arriving, double-check that your device is unlocked for international use. Many carriers sell phones locked to a specific network, which would prevent you from using a Paraguayan SIM card.
2. Bring Your Passport for SIM Registration
All mobile providers in Paraguay require ID to activate a SIM card, even prepaid ones. A passport is sufficient for tourists and foreigners. No passport = no SIM card.
3. Buy SIM Cards in Malls or Official Stores
Avoid buying SIMs from street vendors. For reliable activation and English-speaking staff, go to official Tigo, Claro, or Personal stores, often located inside shopping malls like Paseo La Galería or Shopping del Sol.
4. Top-Up Credit Is Easy and Widely Available
You can recharge your phone at:
- Any pharmacy, convenience store, or gas station
- Mobile apps (Tigo Money, Claro App)
- Online top-up services with international credit cards
5. Prepaid vs. Postpaid – Choose Based on Your Stay
- Short stay (1–30 days)? → Prepaid is flexible and fast to set up.
- Long stay (1+ months)? → Consider postpaid for better data deals, but you may need proof of local address or residency.
6. Going Off the Grid? Choose Tigo
If your plans include road trips, nature parks, or remote towns, Tigo offers the best rural signal. Claro and Personal are stronger in cities.
7. No 5G Yet – 4G Is the Standard
As of 2025, Paraguay does not offer 5G. Most urban areas have solid 4G LTE; some rural zones may drop to 3G or even 2G.
8. Use Pocket Wi-Fi or eSIMs for Multi-Device Travel
Traveling as a group or working on the go? Rent or buy a Miowifi pocket router (connect up to 5 devices). For modern phones, eSIMs offer hassle-free data without swapping cards.
9. No SIM Cards at the Airport – Wait Until You’re in the City
Unlike some countries, Paraguayan airports don’t sell SIM cards at arrival terminals. Use free airport Wi-Fi temporarily, then head to a shopping mall to purchase and activate your SIM.
10. Living in the Countryside? Consider Starlink
If you’re based outside the main cities and need reliable, high-speed internet, Starlink satellite internet (available in Paraguay since late 2023) may be your best option. Ideal for rural professionals and expat families.
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