Arriving in a new country brings excitement, and often some uncertainty. Your new destination is Paraguay. That means Silvio Pettirossi International Airport most likely will be your first point of contact. What can you expect upon landing? How is the service? Are basic amenities available? This guide will help you prepare!
Travellers often notice the friendliness of airport staff, and the warmth of the climate if it is the warm season. They also see modest facilities compared to larger airports, and signs in Spanish. Silvio Pettirossi Airport is not chaotic or noisy. The atmosphere is calm, functional, and accessible. Though small, and not the most modern, the airport in Luque, near Asunción, is well organised and efficiently managed. Signage is in Spanish, English, and Guaraní, Paraguay’s indigenous language.
Immigration and customs at Silvio Pettirossi
The immigration process is straightforward and quick. Officials check passports and request documents like visas, accommodation proof, or onward tickets. You should have a valid passport, a visa if needed, and, coming from certain countries, a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Customs clearance usually takes ten to fifteen minutes, unless more flights arrive at once.
After leaving arrivals, passengers find currency exchange for dollars or euros to guaraníes. SIM cards from Claro, Tigo, and Personal are sold. Taxi services and apps like Uber, Bolt, and Muv are available. Free luggage trolleys, cafés, minimarkets, limited free Wi-Fi, and tourist information are provided. The airport has VIP lounges such as Itaú, Sudameris, and Gold. Popular cafés like Juan Valdez, Havanna, and Alvica offer Paraguayan dishes, and international snacks.
Airport staff offer cordial, respectful, and informal service. Not everyone speaks English, but people genuinely try to help. The experience is simple and human. Silvio Pettirossi International Airport reflects Paraguayan warmth and unpretentious hospitality. It has a calm, leisurely pace, and a modest but efficient facility. Shops sell crafts like traditional ñandutí (meaning “spider web” in Guaraní language), giving visitors a glimpse of local culture. Ñandutí is a traditional Paraguayan lace known for its intricate, spiderweb-like pattern.
Useful tips for first-time travellers
Common mistakes include not carrying cash in guaraníes (Paraguay’s national currency), or US dollars, because some taxi services do not accept cards. Visitors often forget to check visa requirements before travel. Not having a local contact number or Paraguayan SIM card is another problem. Many assume all airport services are in English, but most staff speak only Spanish.
Visitors are often surprised by staff friendliness, the airport’s proximity to downtown Asunción, and the relaxed pace. Basic advice: exchange money at the airport, but compare rates. Buy a local SIM card to stay connected. Keep an open and friendly attitude. Be ready for informal procedures compared to other countries.
Landing in Paraguay: an authentic welcome
The airport is not just an entry point, but it also represents the country. For those landing in Paraguay, it is often their first contact with a friendly, humble, and welcoming society. The calm environment, personal attention, and cultural touches provide an honest glimpse of local life. Your journey begins with warmth, humanity, and a smile that foreshadows what is to come.
For more information, you can follow asuairport on Instagram. Also read: Faster Border Control At Paraguayan Airports With New Screening System.
