What it is (Charles Schwab International) - A U.S. brokerage account that lets you invest in U.S. markets. - Comes with a Charles Schwab checking account and Visa debit card. - Debit card is famous for worldwide ATM fee rebates and no foreign transaction fees. ✅ Pros for Expats in Paraguay - ATM rebates – Any fee you pay at a Paraguayan ATM is refunded monthly. - No FX fees – Card charges in guaraní have no extra 2–3% surcharge. - $0 U.S. stock/ETF trades – Easy way to keep investing abroad. - No minimums, no monthly fees – Open with any amount. - Strong protections – FDIC insurance for cash, SIPC for investments. ⚠️ Cons to Watch Out For - Eligibility check – Paraguay is currently supported, but availability may change. - Delayed ATM rebates – You pay upfront; refund comes later. - Not a local bank – Can’t pay bills in guaraní; still need a PY bank account. - Foreign exchange costs – Conversion uses Visa rates; no rebates for Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). - Card shipping – Replacements may take time in Paraguay. 📑 Requirements - U.S. citizens → Passport + SSN + proof of Paraguayan address. - Non-U.S. citizens in Paraguay → Passport + cédula (or RUC) + proof of address. - Online application takes ~15 minutes. Upload scans and wait for approval. 💡 Pro Tips - Always decline DCC at ATMs (don’t let machine “charge in USD”). - Pair with a local bank for bills and guaraní expenses. - Use Schwab for cash access + investing, Meru/UZPay as optional fintech bridges. - Keep a backup card in case of delays. ✨ Bottom Line For expats in Paraguay, Schwab is the best card for withdrawing cash cheaply and investing in U.S. markets. Pair it with a local bank for daily life in guaraní, and you’ll cover all bases. Full Article here: Complete Guide Charles Schwab International