Destinations / Paraguay
Driving in Paraguay as a visitor
Usually yes. Paraguay expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Paraguay expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 911 |
| Top speed limit | 110 km/h rural highways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in PYG. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Lights | Headlights on highways during the day. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.0% alcohol tolerance. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Paraguay
At the pump
State firm Petropar and private chains sell Nafta (Kape 88, Oikoite 93, Aratiri 97) and Diesel (Pora and Mbarete), with regular petrol around USD 1.09/litre; cards are widely accepted in cities.
After a crash
Call 911 for police and the SEME ambulance service on 141; leave the vehicles in place for a serious crash until the Policia Nacional/Caminera files a report, which is required for insurance and rental claims.
Sources: petropar.gov.py · globalpetrolprices.com · internationaldriversassociation.com · internationaltravelpermits.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Paraguay?
Usually yes. Paraguay expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Paraguay accept?
Paraguay recognises the 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Paraguay ask for one?
Asunción desks request an IDP for non-Latin-script licences.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.