0
  • No products in the cart.
Total:$0.00
 

Etiquette in Paraguay

Home > International Etiquette Tips  > Etiquette in South America > Etiquette in Paraguay

Paraguay, a landlocked country in South America, has a population of over 6.6 million people.

The official languages are Spanish and Guaraní. Most writing is done in Spanish.

Paraguay is a representative democratic republic, with a multi-party system and separation of powers in three branches. The President is head of state and head of government.

Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Paraguay, with close to 90% of the the population following Catholicism. 6.2% is evangelical Christian, 1.1% identify with other Christian sects, and 0.6% practice indigenous religions.

The currency is Guaraní (sign: ₲).

Greetings & Gesture Etiquette

It is traditional to greet everyone with a firm handshake. Close male friends may embrace, men may kiss a woman and female close friends usually kiss each other upon arrival.

Close friends of either sex may walk arm in arm.

There are several gestures that are important to be aware of when visiting Paraguay:

  • The U.S. “O.K.” sign  (thumb and forefinger in a circle) should be avoided. This gesture with a bent wrist is considered obscene.
  • The U.S. “thumbs up” means “O.K.”
  • Winking has sexual connotations.
  • Tapping your chin with the top of your index finger indicates that you don’t know something.
  • Tilting your head backwards means “I forgot”.

Sit only on chairs, not ledges, tables, or other things and only place feet on footstools or rails. Posture is also very important so remember not to slump.

As in much of Latin America, conversations occur in much closer quarters than in the U.S. Even though you may feel as though your personal space is being invaded, avoid backing away.

Our large, non-profit educational group for marketing executives looked for someone knowledgeable on the topic of business etiquette and one name kept rising to the top, Cynthia Lett. Her talk was amazing. Since we were limited by time, she focused on the critical aspects of business interactions. Cynthia is a tremendous resource for any company or organization looking for a protocol course.

Andrew Rose

Director of Marketing and Business Development Naden/Lean, LLC

I hired Cynthia to become an etiquette consultant. She was knowledgeable on every subject and I learned quite a but about the business from her. Many years later she continues to be a resource to me.

Lisa M. Grotts

The AML Group, San Francisco, CA

I can truly say without a doubt, Cynthia Lett consistently delivers quality and professionalism as an international expert in etiquette and protocol. I highly recommend The Lett Group to anyone wanting to get the right information from the very best!

Irene Zucker

President VerbaCom® Executive Development

Cynthia Lett was the top-rated speaker at several international Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) events. She possesses vast knowledge and practical experience in international protocol and etiquette. As a speaker, Cynthia is wonderful at engaging an audience with real examples and practical tools for helping them deal with intercultural protocol and etiquette situations. I would highly recommend her for educational events for any group.

Edward Potter

Association Director Association Management Group, McLean, VA

Cynthia is one of the top business etiquette professionals in the DC area. I recommend Cynthia Lett for your business etiquette needs.

Marva Goldsmith

President & Chief Image Officer

Cynthia is the consummate etiquette and protocol professional. She founded ISPEP to develop and enhance the standards of our profession because she cares so deeply about what we do and the quality of service clients receive.

Hilka Klinkenberg

 Founder/President