🌍 Overview
Asunción, the capital city of Paraguay, is a hidden gem for digital nomads. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural surroundings, Asunción has become a popular destination for remote workers looking for a unique and affordable experience. As a digital nomad who has lived in Asunción for several months, I can attest to the city’s charm and hospitality. The city’s laid-back atmosphere, delicious food, and warm weather make it an ideal place to settle in and get some work done. Asunción digital nomads will find that the city offers a great balance of relaxation and productivity, making it an excellent choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of more touristy destinations.
Asunción for remote workers is a great option due to its relatively low cost of living, fast internet speeds, and growing expat community. With a monthly rent of $309 for a one-bedroom apartment, Asunción is an attractive option for digital nomads on a budget. The city’s internet speed of 48 Mbps is also relatively fast, making it easy to stay connected and get work done. Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or remote employee, Asunción has everything you need to thrive as a digital nomad.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
Asunción has several neighborhoods that are perfect for digital nomads, each with its own unique character and charm. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Loma Grande: This upscale neighborhood is located in the heart of the city and offers stunning views of the Paraguay River. Loma Grande is home to many high-rise apartments, restaurants, and cafes, making it a great option for digital nomads who want to be close to the action.
- Villa Morra: This trendy neighborhood is known for its bohemian vibe and is a popular spot for artists, musicians, and writers. Villa Morra is filled with colorful street art, independent coffee shops, and eclectic boutiques, making it a great place to find inspiration and creativity.
- San Bernardino: Located on the shores of Lake Ypacaraí, San Bernardino is a picturesque neighborhood that offers a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. With its stunning lake views, scenic hiking trails, and water sports, San Bernardino is a great option for digital nomads who love the outdoors.
- Catedral: This historic neighborhood is located in the heart of the city and is home to many of Asunción’s most famous landmarks, including the stunning Catedral Metropolitana. Catedral is a great option for digital nomads who want to experience the city’s rich history and culture.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Asunción is relatively low compared to other cities in South America. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for typical expenses:
- Rent: A one-bedroom apartment in a central neighborhood like Loma Grande or Catedral can cost around 2,500,000 PYG ($375 USD) per month. A three-bedroom apartment in a neighborhood like Villa Morra or San Bernardino can cost around 4,000,000 PYG ($600 USD) per month.
- Food: Eating out in Asunción can be very affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around 20,000 PYG ($3 USD) per person. Groceries are also relatively cheap, with a basket of basic items costing around 50,000 PYG ($7.50 USD) per week.
- Transportation: A monthly public transportation pass can cost around 100,000 PYG ($15 USD), while a taxi ride across town can cost around 50,000 PYG ($7.50 USD).
- Coworking: A monthly membership at a coworking space like Cubo Rojo or Hub Asunción can cost around 500,000 PYG ($75 USD) per month.
Internet & Coworking
Asunción has a growing number of coworking spaces and cafes with fast internet speeds. Some popular options include:
- Cubo Rojo: Located in the heart of the city, Cubo Rojo is a modern coworking space with fast internet speeds and a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and remote workers.
- Hub Asunción: Located in the trendy neighborhood of Villa Morra, Hub Asunción is a popular coworking space with a relaxed atmosphere and a range of amenities, including high-speed internet and meeting rooms.
- Café San Blas: This charming cafe is located in the historic neighborhood of Catedral and offers fast internet speeds and a cozy atmosphere, making it a great spot to get some work done.
Asunción has a growing digital nomad community, with many remote workers and entrepreneurs calling the city home. Some popular meetups and events for digital nomads include:
- Asunción Digital Nomads: This Facebook group is a great place to connect with other remote workers and entrepreneurs in the city, and to find out about upcoming events and meetups.
- Nomad Coffee: This weekly meetup is a great place to meet other digital nomads and remote workers, and to discuss topics related to entrepreneurship and remote work.
- Startup Asunción: This monthly event is a great place to meet other entrepreneurs and remote workers, and to learn about new startups and initiatives in the city.
Culture & Lifestyle
Asunción is a city with a rich culture and history, and there’s always something to do or see. Some popular activities and attractions include:
- Visiting the Catedral Metropolitana: This stunning cathedral is one of the city’s most famous landmarks, and is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and architecture.
- Taking a stroll along the Paraguay River: The riverfront is a beautiful place to walk and take in the views of the city, and there are many restaurants and cafes along the way to stop and grab a bite to eat.
- Trying traditional Paraguayan cuisine: Paraguayan food is a unique blend of Spanish, Italian, and indigenous influences, and is definitely worth trying. Some popular dishes include sopa paraguaya (a thick cornbread-like soup) and asado (a traditional barbecue).
- Dating and nightlife: Asunción has a lively nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. Some popular spots include Bar El Jardin and Club Arandú.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to obtain a tourist visa to enter Paraguay. The visa is relatively easy to obtain, and can be done at the airport or at a Paraguayan embassy or consulate in your home country. The cost of the visa is around $65 USD, and it’s valid for 90 days. It’s also possible to extend your visa for an additional 90 days, but you’ll need to apply for an extension at the immigration office in Asunción.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind when traveling to Asunción:
- SIM cards: You can buy a SIM card at the airport or at a phone store in the city. The cost is around 50,000 PYG ($7.50 USD), and you’ll need to provide your passport and a copy of your visa.
- Transportation: Taxis are a convenient way to get around the city, but be sure to use a licensed taxi and to agree on the price before you start your journey. You can also use public transportation, which is relatively cheap and efficient.
- Safety: Asunción is generally a safe city, but as with any city, there are areas that are safer than others. Be sure to avoid walking alone at night, and to keep an eye on your belongings at all times.
- Weather: Asunción has a subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is during the spring (September to November) or fall (March to May), when the weather is mild and pleasant.