After securing our mid-term housing and unpacking our duffel bags, we entered a new phase of our journey in Paraguay: acclimating to everyday life. This is the part no one really prepares you for — the quiet, ongoing process of figuring out where to go, what to say, and how to feel at home in a place where everything is unfamiliar.
We weren’t just adjusting to a new country. We were adjusting to a new rhythm — one that required patience, curiosity, and a whole lot of trial and error.
The Everyday Puzzle: Finding Our Places
It took time to discover our preferences for the everyday essentials. Each outing was a mini adventure — sometimes frustrating, sometimes delightful, always educational.
The brands are unfamiliar. The signs are in Spanish. The systems are different. And while Paraguayans are incredibly kind and patient, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Grocery Stores: We wandered through chains like Superseis, Stock, and La Bomba, learning which carried our favorite staples and which had the best produce. At each of them, we struggled with how the cuts of meat were not familiar. We played games of Charades with the chicken ladies when seeking fresh poultry pieces. At checkout, we were asked, “¿Necesita factura?” — a question about whether we needed a tax invoice. At first, we just smiled and nodded. Then, not understanding what this “RUC” thing they were asking for, eventually, we learned to say “No, gracias solo ticket por favor” or “ticket no mas” and then eventually were part of the group of people giving our RUC for tax benefits.
Pharmacies: Picking up medicine came with its own vocabulary. We were often asked for our “número de cédula” — our national ID number. Initially, as foreigners without one yet, we had to explain, sometimes awkwardly, that we didn’t have one. Over time, we learned how to navigate the system with confidence, and eventually we had that cedula number and understood that it was the key to discounts at some chains.
Local Markets: Visiting the mercado was a sensory experience — vibrant colors, fresh produce, and friendly vendors. We learned that we could negotiate for the best prices, how to ask for exactly what we needed, and that in general, that the mercado was not exactly our cup of tea, and instead preferred certain supermarket chains. You may have a different preference.
Restaurants & Cafes: We explored everything from traditional Paraguayan comida típica to international cuisine. We found our favorite lomitería, our go-to café for quiet mornings, and the best spots for family dinners. Menus were a language lesson in themselves, and we were always pleasantly surprised at the bill at the end of the meal!
Parks & Plazas: These became our sanctuaries — places to walk, relax, exercise and let our children play. We discovered which ones were stroller-friendly, which had shade, and which felt safest during different times of day.
Gyms & Malls: We tried out different gyms, learning which ones had flexible memberships and which offered classes we could follow. Malls like Paseo La Galería and Shopping del Sol became familiar landmarks — not just for shopping, but for socializing and cooling off in the summer heat.
Service Stations: Even getting fuel was a learning curve. We had to figure out how to ask for a full tank (“Lleno, por favor”), how to pay, and which stations to stick to for the best chances of decent quality fuel. It was also a pleasant surprise to learn that fuel-ups are full service and that generally, warm food, cold drinks, a social atmosphere and clean bathrooms are part of the Paraguayan service station experience, day or night.
Churches & Community Spaces: Finding a spiritual home was important to us. We visited several churches before settling into one that felt welcoming and aligned with our values. And though Paraguay is heavily Catholic, there is freedom of religion and expression here, so there are many other Christian denominational and non-denominational churches, as well as other type of places of worship available to choose from.
Hospitals & Clinics: Navigating healthcare was one of the most intimidating parts. We ventured down the path of the universal, free, public system, researched clinics, asked for recommendations, visited private hospitals and slowly built a list of trusted providers for everything from pediatric care to dental checkups. We’ve even had two children here, so we are VERY familiar with the healthcare systems here and have a few English-speaking doctors on deck!
Movie Theaters: A simple night out required learning how to book tickets, choose seats, and understand the difference between dubbed and subtitled films. Eventually, we found our favorite theater — and even learned how to ask for mixed butter and sweet popcorn!
These are just a few examples of typical places and errands you may have taken for granted, that then have to be rethought out, planned, and relearned. This list was by no means exhaustive, as we’re sure you are wondering where some other important places may be.
Language, Culture, and the Learning Curve
Even mundane errands became cultural lessons. We learned how to greet people warmly, how to ask for help, and how to respond when things didn’t go as planned. Early on, we leaned on Duolingo and Google Translate HEAVILY. We made mistakes — plenty of them — but each one brought us closer to feeling truly at home.
For non-Spanish speakers, this phase can be especially daunting. The brands are unfamiliar. The signs are in Spanish. The systems are different. And while Paraguayans are incredibly kind and patient, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. For us, full immersion for years in Paraguay has not made us Spanish scholars, but it has given us a very practical fluency, that allows us to make friends, socialize and get things done in this unique dialect of Spanish, or Castellano.
That’s Why We Offer Personalized Acclimation Services
We’ve lived this journey. We know what it’s like to stand in a grocery store, unsure of what to say. We know how confusing it can be to find a doctor, a gym, or a café that feels right. And we know how much easier it is when someone walks with you.
Our Paradise in Paraguay concierge service includes, but is not limited to:
Tailored recommendations based on your lifestyle, family needs, and preferences
Custom acclimation tours to help you explore your neighborhood and discover your go-to spots
Personalized guidance on navigating daily errands, phrases, and cultural norms
Support for non-Spanish speakers, including translation help and practical tips
Whether you’re just settling in or preparing to make the leap, we’re here to help you feel at home — faster, easier, and with far less stress.
Ready to start your acclimation journey with confidence?
👉 Book a concierge consultation with us here — and let’s explore your new life in Paraguay, together.
Peace and Blessings to you all,
— Ramon & Paradise
