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Paraguay: You've Not Seen High Prices:
It is evident that the comments about high prices are made by people who have never been to Japan, UK or europe for the most part.
IMHO (in my humble opinion) Paraguay is like many other places: some things are more expensive while other things are less expensive. A generalized, blanket statement is neither accurate or useful. This is like saying "rain today"; where and how much?
Regarding cellular service: tigo and claro services seem to be most popular. I've had "plans" on three continents and these cell companies all collude or use plans that require certain comittments, this is nothing new. Granted the north american companies have better rates due to a much larger market which allows more competitive pricing. The recharging of minutes seems to be better for me than some plan..." to each his own."
My family uses Paraguay Box for receiving items we've purchased online from the states. There has never been a problem and the cost is not much greater than the USPS, about $15 annual fee plus weight charge. You have a Miami street address, which is required by most US retailers. Also this company has several locations in the Gran Asuncion area as well as around the country.
Paraguay: Starting a Restaurant:
Congrats on making your decision to come on down. I'll gp against the grain so to speak regarding the type of food. Sure, local typical food is popular but have you thought of offering some favorites from the US? I'm not suggesting that you take on McD's or BK...they're truly not too good at hamburgers but have all the $ power and reputation. It would be nice to actually get a big 'ol juicy home made burger as an option. You could probably do other menu items as well. I've often yearned for a simple bowl of white gravy poured over milanesa ( local version of chicken fried steak )...with a baked potato loaded...they don't do the BP hete either. No irish stew, no gumbo, no spicy fried chicken, no real BBQ. I could go on and on with menu suggestions.
If you've been here,you know there are many choices. Yet there are no eaterys that even spotlight what has been mentioned. Of course there are not tons of us expats here, but we are at least in the hundreds, perhaps a few thousand.
The natives would have to help support your enterprise and would likely be more reluctant in dining...meaning the masses who have not been to the states. This is not to say they wouldn't like the food. They just seem slower in trying or liking new or foreign foods in my opinion. Maybe the folks here who ate my cooking at home just did so to be polite.
Paraguay: Survey about Healthcare in Paraguay:
My wife and I are in the group with Banco Regional using Sanatorio-Migone...and a host of physicians with a wide array of specialities including dental and vision. We receive complete testing far more thorough than in the states twice annually. Our primary physician is probably the most interested and concise doctor I've ever known. Although he is not too fluent in English, he understands fairly well. There are very fluent doctors in the plan with some trained or educated abroad. explains things completely and it's common that he spends over an hour with us on each visit. Our plan is the best offered and is about $10 usd less for both of us than mine alone in the US. That's around $350 or so monthly. They have indicated they offer what amounts to "major medical" coverage to individuals above age 70...of course subject to certain health conditions. We are very satisfied.
Global Expat Forum: my country is not Home anymore:
I know that feeling and sadly it's more common than you might think. We're in Paraguay and of course as you mentioned drugs are a problem...everywhere. Here things are seem to be economically more secure than up there, but the low price places are disappearing. That's to say living on a shoestring is not as common as you would hope. The almighty dollar has helped to drive inflation up but at least not as much or fast here.
Best bet and most important is to get jobs with contracts so your money will not be directly controlled by Uncle Sam. Teaching is ok and you can survive but nothing like in the US..much lower. There seem to always be positions in the schools which offer english especially the all english schools...several here in Asuncion.
Yet many things...services are far less costly. Medical included as well as food and utilities are more affordable. On the other hand suitable rent property is something that you'll need to have a realestate agent help you "hunt for". Safety and a quiet neighborhood are at the top of the list...of course cost.
If you come here, knowledge of Spanish is important,however you can make it and learn as you go. There are people here and there who understand something or completely and can and will joyfully speak to you in English.
Should you need more info we have a network of expats here. So don't hesitate.
Paraguay: You meet good people.:
Agreed about the Asuncion area. There are many expats and residents from other countries which include not only the US, but also France, Italy, UK etc. as well as Korea and Japan among others. More opportunity here as well with a strong and vibrant economic environment. A great deal of domestic and international invest going on so that means construction and jobs.
My family makes it fine on less money here. That's not to say that everything is cheap or lower priced, but generally you'll find it more affordable. There is just about everything here including malls and thousands of smaller, unique shops and businesses.
Of course safety and security are a concern every where and Paraguay is no different. As long as you choose an area which has proven to be safer you should be OK. Getting to know the neighborhood is invaluable as friends and other residents usually look out for one another as in our neighborhood...older and established. ..not on a heavily traveled street. There are plenty of properties for rent or for sale. Best bet is to know someone. I was lucky as my wife is a native of Asuncion and she has a huge family and network of friends and acquaintance s including get her association of school colleagues.
By all means learn Spanish or having a decent working knowledge of the language. You will need it.
Paraguay: Interested In Starting Christian Fellowship and Bible Study in 2014:
You may have noticed my post under the topic of a Quaker meeting...to make it a more encompassing statement, why not a social gathering for Christian fellowship and Bible study? Would start after the first of year. If there's interest, please contact me here.
Paraguay: Interested In Starting Quaker/Friends Meeting:
I am in Asuncion and interested in formation of a Friends (Conservative Quaker-Ohio Yearly Meeting) worship group leading to a meeting (initially in English) . If you're interested contact me.
Paraguay: I want to emmigrate to Paraguy:
Friend,
I've been in Paraguay for about one year, coming here from the US. It is a slower life but well worth the readjustment.
It is untrue that many Chinese are attacked or robbed. Also, most citizens are law abiding citizens and do not carry guns. As in other places, the criminals have guns. Relatively speaking, Paraguay is as safe as other places, USA included.
There are many asians here and they seem to mesh well in Paraguay. You should consider this place. If I am not mistaken there is a Chinese consulate.
Good luck.
Paraguay: Shopping Online-Shipping to Paraguay:
For the record, avoid trying to shop with Target online as they will not send anything to a parcel-package receiving address...(your USA address to forward those packages to Paraguay.. I had an a discussion explaining that I am a paying customer, identified myself and verified all info...then they told me they will not send to a business address with which you might have your own personal street address. For example in Miami or Sarasota, FL to forward your purchases.
Mark Target off your list of online shopping places, they simply do not want your business.
Paraguay: Apostilles?:
From personal experience; best to marry in USA and have multiple certified copies of your marriage license. It is lightning years ahead of marrying in Paraguay AND much less problematic as far as paper work and more fees to "legalize" and notarize papers.
There is a ton of paper work and time consuming travel from one agency to another here. In the states, Texas in particular, all you do is attest that you are legally able to marry, pay your license fee, wait three days and you're all set.
After you marry, get your license back from the county clerk, simply send to the Paraguayan consulate general office which is in charge of your marriage state. You can find this by searching online for Consulate General Paraguay. I think the fee to "legalize" (stamp and sign) is $35 usd.
Do this to avoid problems down here. Plus keep in mind any divorced person has a one year waiting period in Paraguay. Good luck!
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