Money in Paraguay
Paraguay uses the Paraguayan guaraní. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- PYGParaguayan guaraní
- Symbol
- ₲
- Tipping
- Appreciated
Paying in Paraguay
Notes carry large numbers. Carry cash outside Asunción.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Carry cash for buses, taxis, markets, small cafes and rural stops, since smaller businesses often do not take cards. Daily purchases are normally settled in guaranies.
- ATMs
- ATMs are concentrated in bank branches, shopping centres, airports and central districts. Hello Travel reports a local operator fee of roughly PYG 10,000 to 50,000 per foreign-card withdrawal, and Journey Latin America warns machines sometimes do not work and limits may be lower than at home.
- Foreign currency
- US dollars are the easiest foreign currency to exchange, mainly in Asuncion and Ciudad del Este, and some tourist-area hotels and operators quote in dollars.
- Exchanging money
- Use established exchange houses in central Asuncion and bring your passport. Hello Travel advises against airports, hotel desks and street exchangers.
- Watch out for
- GOV.UK says to exchange only at registered banks or licensed bureaux de change, because counterfeit notes are a known risk on the street and at airport arrivals. Cash or travellers cheques of US$10,000 or more must be declared on entry (GOV.UK).
Tipping in Paraguay
Around 10% in restaurants if no service charge is added.
Appreciated: Tipping isn't required, but a tip or rounding up is welcome.
Sources checked: Hello Travel, Journey Latin America, GOV.UK Foreign Travel Advice (entry requirements), World Travel Guide, Intrepid Travel, Wonderful Wanderings.
Convert to and from PYG
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5,915 PYG | 6,627 PYG | 7,937 PYG |
| 10 | 59,151 PYG | 66,266 PYG | 79,373 PYG |
| 50 | 295,754 PYG | 331,331 PYG | 396,863 PYG |
| 100 | 591,508 PYG | 662,662 PYG | 793,726 PYG |
| 500 | 2,957,540 PYG | 3,313,310 PYG | 3,968,632 PYG |
What each amount is worth in PYG. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Paraguay use?
Paraguay uses the Paraguayan guaraní (PYG).
Do you need to tip in Paraguay?
Appreciated. Around 10% in restaurants if no service charge is added.
Can you pay by card in Paraguay?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Carry cash for buses, taxis, markets, small cafes and rural stops, since smaller businesses often do not take cards. Daily purchases are normally settled in guaranies.
Are there ATMs in Paraguay?
ATMs are concentrated in bank branches, shopping centres, airports and central districts. Hello Travel reports a local operator fee of roughly PYG 10,000 to 50,000 per foreign-card withdrawal, and Journey Latin America warns machines sometimes do not work and limits may be lower than at home.