Paraguay consulate has a nice scam going on. I sent them everything according to their website for a single entry visa for 65 bucks. They got the stuff on Monday and I decided to verify they got my passport and they confirmed they did. Then he told me it costs 100 and not 65 to which I say I just want the single entry and checked that right next to where it says it's 65 on the form. The guy said they only offer $100 visas and that if I wanted my passport I would have to send 35 more. So I did...I guess I at least get a multi entry...

Sucks, but is this a nationality issue? It seems alot of S. American countries stick it to the USA due to our own policy.

Yeah, more or less. I just think it's cheap that they clearly state everything on their website and forms saying it's 65 only to send it in and it not be. They didnt call me about it, just let my passport sit there until I called. He also said 75% of the people have to send in more money after their passport is sent in. I wanted to make some comments about it but refrained as I wanted my passport back in a timely manner. Oh well.

FWIW, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay (I think Ecuador but not 100% on it) always charge.

Argentina and Chile charge only if you fly international into Santiago or Buenos. If you cross by land, it is free. I was understanding Argentina costs regardless until a week ago when I found out differently, which makes me happy that I'm starting in Uruguay.

Peru, Uruguay, Colombia, Venezuela are free as of now. Venezuela is the one that surprised me being free.

For the record....they have had my passport for 15 business days so far. They told me it would take 7 business days max. I have called them 2 times a week for the last two weeks to see how things were going. Every time, they have told me they would send it tomorrow. On Wednesday morning, they said it is all done, they just need a signature for it from the head consulate guy...he said he could get it today. I have exactly two weeks before I am leaving and starting to get nervous they wont send my crap. I have resorted to telling the guy I am leaving next week to speed up the process (which should have been done a week+ ago). He said he would send it out by Thursday....which he hasnt since I have a tracking thing on the package and can tell when it is sent. This is seriously starting to piss me off and worrying me. If it isnt sent by next week, I may have to call a visa service in LA...or a friend out there....to go out there and force them to give it up. How hard is it to run an efficient consulate? If you say a time frame, and I seriously doubt they have that much business, then stick to it. Especially if you say will have it out by a certain date....

Ill call again tomorrow morning and see what excuse they have this time. I dont want to piss them off because I need my passport back, but I dont know what else I can do...

Paraguay? Going to visit Larissa?

I dont know who Larissa is but this may be part of my plan now

GIS "Larrisa Riquelme". She's gained worldwide attention for some select photos during last year's World Cup.

Now that you mention it....yes I do know and I approve.

Does Argentina charge if you fly out of Buenos? Or just into it?

If they do, a lot of times it's included in the tickets. Flying in, it's $140. If you go by bus/ferry from Uruaguay or Brazil, it's free. So fly into Montevideo and make your way to BA. If they do charge and exit tax, it's likely to be no more than $25 like most of south America...

FWIW, I am getting my passport today (according to the tracking on it).

So, a quick review....took 3 1/2 weeks to get it (including the mailing) after it saying it should take 7 business days. They dont quote the right price online. They are nice when you call, but will always tell you they will send it "tomorrow". If, for whatever reason you need a visa for Paraguay, be sure you have enough time to send it in.