Joel Chury
@FreeRangeJoel
Canadian expat in Paraguay
Forum posts
50
Contacts
1
About me
Canadian
Lives in Asuncion
Speaks English, Spanglish
Registration: 29 August 2012
The Hell That Is Banking in Paraguay
Here's my latest piece on the pain of banking in Paraguay as an entrepreneur. Let's just say I don't recommend starting a business in Paraguay until they smarten up on their banking practices... suite.io/joel-c/6ne42z7 Read More
SCARY: The Top 5 Things I Took for Granted Before Moving to Paraguay
It's been a while since I posted here, but I figured it might be worthwhile to share my latest article with you all. I'd already written about things I'd missed from back home for another publication, but that was more of a ... Read More
Looking for Asuncion Hotel Recommendations by Kevin4822
Hi, I'm considering moving to Paraguay and in October I'm taking a trip down to Asuncion. I've done some research, but I want others opinions on the best hotels for a cheap price range. I've found two potential hotels: [b]Hotel Casa ...
Also... another Vancouverite?! How awesome is that? Read More
Looking for Asuncion Hotel Recommendations by Kevin4822
Hi, I'm considering moving to Paraguay and in October I'm taking a trip down to Asuncion. I've done some research, but I want others opinions on the best hotels for a cheap price range. I've found two potential hotels: [b]Hotel Casa ...
Hello Kevin, It depends on what you're looking for. I've stayed at the Hotel Palmas del Sol which is alright, and quite cheap. However, for a MUCH better bang for your buck, I'd highly recommend staying at AlanUK's recommendation... El Jardin de ... Read More
vitamins/medicines checked upon arrival in Paraguay? by jaguar57
What was your experience with this in the airport once you arrived? Did they trash all bottles that had their cap seal broken? Did they require prescriptions for medicines you were bringing in? thanks!
It should also be noted that many items that would require a prescription back home, can be acquired down here without one. Perhaps to find the generic name for each drug, and see if it can be found down here. Paraguay has a couple large pharma ... Read More
Places to visit in Paraguay by Julie
Hi, For the ones living in Paraguay, what would you suggest to discover the country? When you have friends or family visiting you, where do you go with them? What are the must-see places in Paraguay, the tourist sites? How to visit the country in ...
Disagree! :) I think that there is plenty to do here. - Sit atop of Planta Alta on a beautiful Paraguayan night under the stars - Gaze upon the Presidential Palace from across the street at Casa Clari - Drive out to Aregua and buy some art - ... Read More
Anybody know anyone who has naturalized as a Paraguayan?? by brandwach
Thanks I am curious. Also I am particularly interested to hear if anyone knows of anyone else who has naturalized in PY while living outside of PY for the majority of the time. thanks
Most of the expats here aren't rushing to get naturalized. It's a dubious task. A question was asked, and the community didn't have the answers the person wanted. So be it. As for the other stuff about other providers... if someone wants to pay a ... Read More
Looking for a reliable lawyer for Cedula/citizenship by Michael_D
Hi everyone! I'm trying to find a lawyer that can help me through the process of getting the cedula and eventually after some years the citizenship. I have been reading a lot about this topic, and it seems realistic. I am currently working in ...
You forgot to link it, Lonnie... ;) Read More
Earn Dollars, Spend and Live on Guaranis
I've been a telecommuter for the past 3 years, and after securing my methods of getting paid without hassle, I was able to move to Paraguay. I've already met quite a few expats that do the same, however, there are still those out there that insist ... Read More
5 Nutrition Tips for Eating Healthy in Paraguay
Hola! For those that are new to Paraguay, you may find the whole grocery shopping experience to be quite different than back home. While the first stages of your experience will most likely revolve around the many amazing restaurants that the ... Read More
Housing in Paraguay
After our adventures in trying to find a place to live, my wife wrote a pretty helpful guide to Finding a Rental Home in Asuncion, Paraguay. Feel free to give us feedback if you think there should be something added, or if something is incorrect. ... Read More
Moving To Paraguay by Paraguayan
Hi, Have a couple of questions to ask about paragauay, residence. 1. I know that if i want to apply for residence in Paraguay i need to legalise my birth cert and etc, but what do i do if there is no Paraguay embassy in my country (Singapore), ...
You're set for 90 days. The multi entry Visa is your only option these days, as of November. I must've been one of the last people to get a multi-entry in Canada before the change. They kicked the price up to $150 for us, from $100. This new system ... Read More
Paraguayan Internet, Use, Structure, Growth, ,I-Commerce, etc. by Mike.M
A few days ago I read an article, I think by Mabel Renhardt?, lamenting the sad state of Paraguayan internet usage,... less than Haiti. It was an old article, before the Haitian earthquake, looong before. But here are some new ...
I get GREAT internet where I live (just outside of Asuncion in Fernando). My speeds are pretty much exactly what I pay for, especially since it appears that none of my neighbours are using wifi in their homes. I can hog all the download speed I ... Read More
Cerveza Selection - What kind of beers can I look forward to? by FreeRangeJoel
So, from our limited amount of research so far, we've learned that wine is quite cheap, and that a night out at a pub won't bankrupt you the way it does here in Vancouver. I always love to try different beers whenever I travel... so are there any ...
Tha Big E Did you try Astoria's Red Ale? It really scratches the itch. That said, since our arrival in February, new beers have taken hold in this country. After the first month we got a little sick of lagers and pilsners. Back home light coloured ... Read More
NEW REQUIREMENT FOR FBI REPORTS
We had to do something similar with our RCMP reports in Canada. First we had to have them notarized, then sent to the Department of Foreign Affairs, and then sent to the Embassy to be legalized. Worked out though... right Jeronimo? ;) Read More
Hotel Accomodation in Asuncion
Upon our arrival, my wife, my 10 m/o son, and I all stayed at a great little B&B that recently opened called El Jardin de Montserrat. We truly loved it, as we stayed there for all of February. The setting was so "tranquilo" and the family running it ... Read More
Income taxes in Paraguay
Seconded... Keep those transfers under $10k and you should be fine. Paying your taxes back home in the US is another matter. Read More
Looking for a reliable lawyer for Cedula/citizenship by Michael_D
Hi everyone! I'm trying to find a lawyer that can help me through the process of getting the cedula and eventually after some years the citizenship. I have been reading a lot about this topic, and it seems realistic. I am currently working in ...
Jeronimo Finestra is who we are using. He and his partner are quite reliable, and make sure that you aren't missing anything on your documents. There are tiny things that can go wrong, and since they do this multiple times a week, they know what to ... Read More
New visa on arrival. by vlynn
I noticed there is no longer visa applications on the Paraguayan embassy website for Canada, instead there is a notice for a visa on arrival. I was wondering if anyone else has done this and what the procedure was and if after obtaining it if one ...
We have used the new system. We literally arrived like 10 days ago. It was quite easy, however, it took a long time after arriving. If you have someone picking you up from the airport, like your hotel or another driver, be sure to let them know that ... Read More
Neighbourhoods: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly...
Thanks for the recommendation. Those neighbourhoods seem to be the ones we're zeroing in on. We'll see what lays ahead. We'll be staying at a nice B&B type hotel near Del Sol. Should be a great intro to our new life. Three weeks to go. Read More
Cerveza Selection - What kind of beers can I look forward to? by FreeRangeJoel
So, from our limited amount of research so far, we've learned that wine is quite cheap, and that a night out at a pub won't bankrupt you the way it does here in Vancouver. I always love to try different beers whenever I travel... so are there any ...
Many thanks! That said, I'm working on a venture that might result in a new microbrewery. If I can't find the beers I like... I'm gonna make'em! Read More
Neighbourhoods: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly...
From what I gathered, I believe that the GOOD are plentiful, as there are a lot of nice places to live in Asuncion. Carmelitas, Barrio Jara, Barrio Trinidad and Villa Morra are all high on my list. Read More
5 good reasons for living in Paraguay by Julien
Hi, if someone asks you the best reasons for making the choice to live and stay in Paraguay, what would be your top 5? Thanks in advance for participating, Julien
I've visited Paraguay only once, but I will be returning for good in the new year. The top five reasons I can think of from that encounter are: 1. Friendly people, both in the local community, and in the expat community 2. Delicious and affordable ... Read More
In search of a notary in Mexico
Hello all, Normally I'm over in the Paraguay forum, but I have a favour to ask of the Mexico forum. I'm looking for a notary in Mexico that is fluent in reading/speaking english that I can send a clients documents to to be notarized. It doesn't ... Read More
Renouncing original citizenship
Nope. I work for a company that helps people obtain secondary citizenships in PY. You don't have to renounce your previous citizenship to get it. Also, if you read the way it is written in PY law, I believe it actually states that you also have to ... Read More
Criteria for acquiring PY citizenship by ThaiFood
I was always under the impression that their was no requirement of minimum time from permanent residency to PY citizenship except completing three yrs of permanent residency. A law firm of PY told me today that to get citizenship apart from many ...
I doubt that a border officer is going to be looking at these stamps very critically. You're right in that it's on the books, but I highly doubt it's enforced. I've heard the same about military service. Again, it's on the books, but rarely if ever ... Read More
Neighbourhoods: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly...
Hello again... We'll be looking at accommodations, and eventually checking out where we'd like to live in Asuncion. Could any of you provide feedback on what are the good neighbourhoods, and which are the ones to avoid? What we'll be looking for ... Read More
Driving license in Paraguay by Armand
Hi all, Can a foreigner take the driving test in Paraguay? What are the formalities to get a drivers licence in Paraguay? Do you need special or extra documents being an expatriate? How much does it cost? Thank you for participating ...
Wouldn't mind seeing this bumped up, since it wasn't answered. Also, does a driver's license from somewhere else work? For instance, my British Columbia driver's license doesn't expire until 2015... so would I be good until that expires? Read More
FBI REPORTS FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCY APPLICATION by Jfinestra
Dear Friends: Recently Migration Office, has been rejecting FBI Reports that don´t have the FBI Seal and are not duly signed. Please make sure, before you request it to mention that the Report is going to be used for international purposes and ...
To add onto this... please remember that FBI Reports EXPIRE. After it is issued, you've got 90 days to use it. So don't sit too long on these when you get them. Read More
Cerveza Selection - What kind of beers can I look forward to? by FreeRangeJoel
So, from our limited amount of research so far, we've learned that wine is quite cheap, and that a night out at a pub won't bankrupt you the way it does here in Vancouver. I always love to try different beers whenever I travel... so are there any ...
I guess I'll have to get a little more used to lagers, as I'm definitely more of an ale guy. The darker or hoppier the better. Whether or not I'll like the beer down there?... I guess there's only one way to find out! :) Read More
GOOOOOOOOOAL!!! - Let's Talk Football Teams by FreeRangeJoel
So in reading DiscoveringParaguay.com, I realize that I'm gonna need to pick a team, if I'm to fit in. Given that I'm a Libertarian, and see the move to Paraguay as a boost in our family's level of freedom (pay raise, less taxes etc.)... I'm ...
Perhaps it's not necessarily a first-year activity but for the expats that are a little more seasoned? Read More
GOOOOOOOOOAL!!! - Let's Talk Football Teams by FreeRangeJoel
So in reading DiscoveringParaguay.com, I realize that I'm gonna need to pick a team, if I'm to fit in. Given that I'm a Libertarian, and see the move to Paraguay as a boost in our family's level of freedom (pay raise, less taxes etc.)... I'm ...
Interesting. Perhaps not a first-year activity for a new expat, but something to build up to. Read More
GOOOOOOOOOAL!!! - Let's Talk Football Teams by FreeRangeJoel
So in reading DiscoveringParaguay.com, I realize that I'm gonna need to pick a team, if I'm to fit in. Given that I'm a Libertarian, and see the move to Paraguay as a boost in our family's level of freedom (pay raise, less taxes etc.)... I'm ...
I've also read about hooliganism (particularly about a Cerro vs Libertad game that involved a Cerro fan throwing a flare at a linesman)... http://inbedwithmaradona.com/journal/2011/12/13/violence-reigns-in-paraguay.html Is this as bad as it seems ... Read More
Cerveza Selection - What kind of beers can I look forward to?
So, from our limited amount of research so far, we've learned that wine is quite cheap, and that a night out at a pub won't bankrupt you the way it does here in Vancouver. I always love to try different beers whenever I travel... so are there any ... Read More
Hotel Accomodation in Asuncion
How does the Hotel Bavaria stack up? At like $66 for a double apartment a night, and a pool... it looks like a healthy B+... Thoughts? Read More
Shipping a car down from Canada... worth it? by FreeRangeJoel
I'm sure that this has been answered in the past somewhere, but I thought I'd ask this question anyway... Is is worth having our car shipped down from Canada? Or should we sell it and pick up a new one in PY? Ours is a mid-sized sedan (Mitsubishi ...
PARTS!!! I totally didn't even think about that. I have a bad enough time getting Mitsubishi parts here in Canada, let alone in Paraguay. Thanks for the added thought on that. What are the most common makes and models that are driven down there? ... Read More
GOOOOOOOOOAL!!! - Let's Talk Football Teams by FreeRangeJoel
So in reading DiscoveringParaguay.com, I realize that I'm gonna need to pick a team, if I'm to fit in. Given that I'm a Libertarian, and see the move to Paraguay as a boost in our family's level of freedom (pay raise, less taxes etc.)... I'm ...
How are these types of allegiances defined? Do certain parts of town cheer for a team based on geographical proximity to the team's Stadium? Are the teams divided by social status (example: In baseball the Chicago Cubs are more for upper-class ... Read More
Height and clothing selection
Thanks! How do you get around the shoe problem? My shoe size is an 11 US Male. I'm thinking I may stock up on footwear prior to my departure. Read More
GOOOOOOOOOAL!!! - Let's Talk Football Teams
So in reading DiscoveringParaguay.com, I realize that I'm gonna need to pick a team, if I'm to fit in. Given that I'm a Libertarian, and see the move to Paraguay as a boost in our family's level of freedom (pay raise, less taxes etc.)... I'm ... Read More
Height and clothing selection
Hello again! Hope I'm not offending anyone with the constant questions, but this seems to be such a great resource so far... Here goes with another question! My parents went on a trip to Colombia back in 1994, and one of the big things that they ... Read More
Shipping a car down from Canada... worth it? by FreeRangeJoel
I'm sure that this has been answered in the past somewhere, but I thought I'd ask this question anyway... Is is worth having our car shipped down from Canada? Or should we sell it and pick up a new one in PY? Ours is a mid-sized sedan (Mitsubishi ...
Well that makes the decision easier. The car is 12 years old. Good to know. Thanks! Guess I will be selling the car to a family member after all. :) Read More
Shipping a car down from Canada... worth it?
I'm sure that this has been answered in the past somewhere, but I thought I'd ask this question anyway... Is is worth having our car shipped down from Canada? Or should we sell it and pick up a new one in PY? Ours is a mid-sized sedan (Mitsubishi ... Read More
Bringing babies to Asuncion
My wife and I are very seriously considering moving to Asuncion, PY, soon. An opportunity has arose that will be hard to turn down. The catch is, we have a 4 month old son. Now, we've already broken the news to his grandparents, and they are sad ... Read More
Banking in Paraguay by Yud
Hello dear members, Can you recommend some financial institutions i.e. Commercial Banks in Paraguay? [b]What about their facilities they offer?[/b] For example: [i][Internet Banking, Credit Facilities, ATM's machine availability throughout the ...
Does the $5k deposit prevent them from taking their time with your application, or do you recommend more? Also, how long do you have to leave that $5k untouched? What if that money can be used to fly you out if you change your mind? Read More
Cost of living in Paraguay by expat.com
Hi everybody, It would be very useful to talk about the cost of living in Paraguay. Don't forget to mention where in Paraguay you are living. How much does it cost to live in Paraguay? > accommodation prices > public transportation fares (tube, ...
In order to get some comparables for living situations, can someone provide me with the link that gets me to some classifieds? Is there a useful site to look at when considering what kind of homes we'll have to choose from to rent? Read More