Want to avoid last-minute ATM runs. Do most hostels in Paraguay take card payments at check-in
Hostels in Asunción are modern and mostly take card. But when I crossed to Encarnación, the hostel told me “cash only” despite listing card acceptance online. ATMs worked, but fees were high. Paraguay is one of those places where you should assume you’ll need both. If avoiding ATM runs matters, stock guaraníes in Asunción.
My hostel in Asunción near Plaza Uruguaya processed my Visa quickly, no issue. In Coronel Oviedo, though, it was cash only. Paraguay’s hostels are inconsistent outside major cities. ATMs are available, but reliability is shaky in smaller towns. If you’re hopping around rural Paraguay, always have cash backup - otherwise you’ll be running to find an ATM last minute.
Paraguay surprised me - Asunción hostels were very card-friendly, but in Ciudad del Este, two budget hostels asked for cash. I had to use a Banco Itaú ATM near the bus station, which was crowded. If avoiding ATM runs is your goal, you’ll manage fine in the capital, but countryside stays require cash. Keep a stash so you don’t get caught out.
In Asunción, every hostel I tried happily accepted card at check-in. But when I went to Encarnación, they asked for cash in guaraníes. ATMs from Banco Itaú and BBVA are widely available in cities, but smaller towns sometimes only have one machine, and it’s not always working. Paraguay is still pretty cash-heavy once you leave Asunción. To avoid last-minute ATM runs, have guaraníes ready before leaving the capital.