Bolivia Travel Tips

The national currency of Bolivia is the boliviano (Bs), which is tied to the US dollar. One boliviano is equal to 100 centavos. Notes can be found in denominations of: Bs200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins come in denominations of Bs5, 2 and 1 as well as 50, 20 and 10 centavos.

Foreign currency can be exchange at major hotels and casas de cambio (exchange booths). American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in most major hotels and restaurants, but are often not accepted at smaller establishments. ATMs are available in most of the larger towns and cities and offer a safe and convenient way to obtain your money; however, they are not available in rural areas. If you are taking traveller’s cheques, it is adviseable to take them in US dollars, as pound sterling cheques can sometimes be difficult to exchange.

Banking hours are generally from 08:00 to 12:00 and 14:30 to 18:00 Monday to Friday, although some banks open from 09:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays.

There are no restrictions on the import or export of either local or foreign currency, although currency is subject to declaration.

The following goods may be imported into Bolivia without incurring customs duty by people aged 18 years and over: 400 cigarettes and 50 cigars or 500g of tobacco; three litres of alcoholic beverages; personal gifts up to the value of US$1,000.

220 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style two-pin circular plugs or Japanese-style two-pin flat plugs are used.

Outbreaks of yellow fever have occurred in the Yungas (La Paz department) as well as in the Chapare (Cochabamba department). Travellers should ensure that they have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate before travelling to these areas.

Some areas of Bolivia also have a malaria risk. The recommended malarial tablet is chloroquine chemoprophylaxis, along with mosquito repellent. If you are travelling to northern Bolivia, it is recommended that you take mefloquine, doxycycline or atovaquone. The disease mainly occurs in the benign vivax form, but falciparum malaria occurs in Beni and Pando, especially within Guayaramerín, Puerto Rico and Riberalta. There is a much lower-risk of malaria in Cochabamba and Chuquisaca.

Cases of cholera have been diagnosed in areas of Bolivia, making vaccination essential. Typhoid is also a risk, especially outside of the main cities. Up-to-date vaccination advice is important before you travel here, as is the update of all standard vaccinations such as tetanus.

Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis A and B are also recommended. Be aware of the dangers of altitude sickness, especially in the highlands. Time should be taken to adjust to the high altitude, especially upon arrival in the Altiplano cities.

Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should be boiled, bottled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should always be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and advised, as long as it is mixed with sterilised water. Avoid all dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish that is served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise carry increased risk and should be avoided in the smaller towns and suburbs. Fruit and vegetables should always be cooked and fruit should be peeled.

There is no reciprocal health agreement with the UK and because of this, medical insurance is highly recommended. You will not find many hospitals outside of the main cities that are in line with international standards, so this should be taken into account when travelling. La Paz is home to a good hospital with English-speaking staff, as is Santa Cruz.

Medical Emergencies: 911

Spanish is the official language of Bolivia. There are also 39 other languages spoken in different regions of the country. Half of the population speaks an indigenous language as first language with the consequence that Bolivian Spanish differs in vocabulary and pronunciation depending on where you are in Bolivia.

Most visits to Bolivia are trouble-free, but all travellers should be aware of the global risk of terrorism and should remain alert and attentive. In addition to this threat, random bouts of social unrest have been known to affect main tourist areas as well as national and international travel. There is frequent risk of public protests and strikes throughout the country.

Express kidnappings are a risk to all travellers and it is therefore essential that you exercise caution when you arrive in Bolivia. Even more care should be taken when travelling around the country and safety instructions should be heeded.

There is also the risk of petty crimes such as pickpocketting and bag-snatching. To prevent yourself from becoming a victim, you should never flash expensive jewellery, belongings or cash around in public and avoid carrying large amounts of money. All valuables that you do not need should be locked away in your hotel safe. Always hold on to your bags and never leave any belongings unattended. Thieves target vulnerable tourists in crowded areas, especially on public transport and at popular tourist sights. The most important advice is to be alert and aware of your surroundings.

Police: 911

Local Bolivian people living in the main cities do not practice any social conventions that are abnormal to western countries and the usual courtesies should be observed at all times. Native people do however have many rituals and etiquettes that may appear strange. The best thing to do is to embrace all that you see, as their cultural traditions are completely unique and will not be seen anywhere else in the world.

It is frowned upon and considered an insult to refer to the indigenous tribes as Indians and they should be called Campesinos instead. Western dress and diet are gradually being adopted by many Campesinos, although many still wear traditional dress.

In the cities, a suit and tie for men and dress for women should be worn to all formal occasions and at all other time, casual wear is suitable. Smoking is accepted unless otherwise indicated.

It is the norm to add 10 per cent as a tip to the 13 per cent service charge added to hotel and restaurant bills. Porters also expect tips for each piece of luggage, while taxi drivers do not normally expect to be tipped.

The country code for Bolivia is: +591. Internet access is available in large cities and resorts, and you will find internet cafés in the main towns.

GMT -4

Every traveller to Bolivia must have a passport that is valid for at least one year from the date of arrival in Bolivia. Visas are not required by citizens of the UK, US, Australia, Canada or many other countries within the EU, provided that you are travelling as a tourist.

Tourist visas are valid for 30 days but can be extended for up to 90 days (although this is dependent on your nationality). Specific-purpose visas are valid for 30 days and can be renewed for up to 90 additional days at the immigration office in La Paz.