Good Manners and Social Taboos

Males are expected to open doors for women in Paraguay. They should also put out their cigarettes, turn off their phones during dates or appointments, and assist them to their seats. None of these actions are intended to be flirtatious, but rather to be a gentlemanly courtesy gesture. In Paraguay, it is customary to position yourself so that your back is not facing another person. If a person's back is facing another person, he or she must excuse himself or herself.

The least a host can offer a visitor is a glass of water. Several other kinds of drinks can be offered. Do not eat during meetings. If you must eat, you should offer whatever you are eating to your guest. If you are the guest and you are offered food, you must accept. Hats and sunglasses should not be worn indoors. It is considered bad manners to sneeze, cough or yawn without covering your mouth with your hand or with a handkerchief. Blowing your nose at a table is frowned upon.