Learn Spanish Abroad - Travel Information about Bolivia
If you want to travel to Bolivia, there are some things you should know:
When to go?
Bolivia lies in the southern hemisphere; winter runs from May to October and summer from November to April. The most important climatic factor to remember is that it's generally wet in the summer and dry in the winter. While the highlands and altiplano can be cold in the winter and wet in the summer, the only serious barrier to travel will be the odd road washout. In the tropical lowlands, however, summer can be miserable with mud, steamy heat, bugs and relentless downpours. Travel is difficult, and services may be stifled by mud and flooding. Also consider that the high tourist season falls in the winter (late June to early September), due not only to climatic factors, but also to the timing of European and North American summer holidays and the fact that it's also Bolivia's major fiesta season. This means that both overseas visitors and lots of South Americans are traveling during this period.
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Money and Costs
Costs
Overall, prices are slightly lower here than in neighboring countries. The biggest cost in any trip to Bolivia will be transportation, especially getting to the country (and, to a lesser extent, getting around, as the distances involved are great).
While ultrabudget travelers can get by on less than US$15 per day, most people will spend between US$25 and US$50. Visitors who want to enjoy the best Bolivia has to offer can easily travel comfortably for US$150 a day (this would include hire of private transportation).
Avoid over-bargaining with local people for goods and services just for the sake of it. While Bolivians themselves might bargain among their friends at markets, bargaining is not a common cultural practice. In any case, be realistic about how much you are actually saving. A few bolivianos can be worth a great deal more to the locals than for you. If you feel uncomfortable about pricing issues, ask locals for a ball-park idea of what you can expect to pay for something, including taxis. Always agree on food, accommodations and transportation prices beforehand to avoid any unpleasant situations.
Money
Atms
Sizeable towns have cajero automaticos (ATMs) – usually Banco Nacional de Bolivia, Banco Mercantil and Banco de Santa Cruz. They dispense bolivianos in 50 and 100 notes (sometimes US dollars as well) on Visa, Plus and Cirrus cards, but in the past, many Europeans have reported trouble using their cards. In smaller towns, the local bank Prodem is a good option for cash advances on Visa and MasterCard (3% to 5% commission charged) and many are meant to be open on Saturday mornings; the hours and machines are often unreliable.
Exchanging money
Visitors fare best with US dollars (travelers have reported that it’s difficult to change euros). Currency may be exchanged at casas de cambio (exchange bureaux) and at some banks in larger cities. You can often change money in travel agencies and sometimes stores selling touristy items. Cambistas (street moneychangers) operate in most cities but only change cash dollars, paying roughly the same as casas de cambio. They’re convenient after hours, but guard against rip-offs and counterfeit notes. The rate for cash doesn’t vary much from place to place, and there is no black-market rate. Currencies of neighboring countries may be exchanged in border areas and at casas de cambio in La Paz. Beware, too, mangled notes: unless both halves of a repaired banknote bear identical serial numbers, the note is worthless.
International transfers
The fastest way to have money transferred from abroad is with Western Union (www.westernunion.com). A newer, alternative option is through Money Gram (www.moneygram.com), which has offices in all major cities – watch the hefty fees, though. Your bank can also wire money to a cooperating Bolivian bank; it may take a couple of business days
Traveler’s checks
Changing traveler’s checks in smaller towns is often impossible. You’ll usually be charged a commission of up to 5% (slightly lower in La Paz). American Express is the most widely accepted brand, though with persistence you should be able to change other major brands.
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Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1800. Some banks open Sat 0900-1300.
Currency
1 Boliviano (BOB; symbol Bs) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of Bs200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of Bs5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20 and 10 centavos.
The Boliviano is tied to the US Dollar.
Exchange Rate Indicators
| Date |
Apr 09 |
| £1.00= |
$b10.34 |
| $1.00= |
$b7.03 |
| €1.00= |
$b9.33 |
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Visa and Passport
Passport required?
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
Visa required?
| British |
No/ 3 |
| Australian |
No/ 3 |
| Canadian |
No/ 3 |
| USA |
Yes/ 1/2/3 |
| Other EU |
No/ 1/ 3 |
Return Ticket required?
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
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Passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except the following, provided traveling for tourist purposes:
(a) 1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, Romania and the USA. 2. Nationals of the US are advised that on 1 January 2007 the Bolivian president decreed that all US citizens wishing to enter Bolivia, for any purpose, would now require a visa. The Bolivian Foreign Ministry are currently formulating procedures to implement this. US nationals wishing to enter Bolivia are advised to contact the nearest Bolivian embassy or consulate for further information.
Note: (a) 3. All nationals traveling on business do need a Specific Purpose visa. (b) Nationals not requiring a tourist visa are usually allowed to stay for a period of 30 to 90 days; check with the embassy (or consular section at embassy). (c) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirement.
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist/Transit: Cost depends on nationality; enquire at the embassy (or consular section at embassy).
Validity
Tourist visas are valid for 30 days but can be extended for up to 90 days (depending on nationality) from the date of entry. Specific Purpose visas are valid for 30 days and can be renewed for 60 or 90 additional days at the immigration office in Bolivia. Student visas are valid for 60 days. Transit visas are valid for 15 days.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy)
Working Days Required
One to two for nationals requiring tourist visas without special authorization. Approximately six weeks for all other nationals requiring tourist visas and special authorization from the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Language
Spanish is the official language, but only 60 to 70% of the people actually speak it, and then often only as a second language. The other main languages are Quechua and Aymar.
Health
Vaccinations
| |
Special Precautions |
| Diphtheria |
Sometimes |
| Hepatitis A |
Yes |
| Malaria |
Sometimes* |
| Rabies |
Sometimes |
| Tetanus |
Yes |
| Typhoid |
Yes |
| Yellow Fever |
Yes** |
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Inoculation regulations can change at short notice. Please take medical advice in the case of doubt. Where 'Sometimes' appears in the table above, precautions may be required, depending on the season and region visited |
* Risk varies from area to area (as does resistance to preventative drugs); check before travel.
** A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers over one year of age.
Food and Drink
Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should be boiled or otherwise sterilised. All branded milk products are pasteurised; powdered or tinned milk is also available. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other Risks
Vaccinations for tuberculosis and hepatitis B are also sometimes recommended. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), commonly known as altitude sickness, can affect anyone and care should be taken. Allow time to acclimatise to high altitude, especially upon arrival in Altiplano cities.
Health Care
Medical insurance is strongly recommended. In case of a medical emergency, La Paz has several reliable, private clinics, such as Clinica Alemana and CEMES.
Security
Sadly, Bolivia no longer lives up to its reputation as one of the safest South American countries for travelers. Crime against tourists is on the increase, especially in La Paz and, to a lesser extent, Cochabamba, Copacabana and Oruro (especially during festival times). Scams are commonplace and fake police, false tourist police and ‘helpful’ tourists are on the rise. Be aware, too, of circulating counterfeit banknotes.
Apply common sense and take precautions that apply elsewhere. All tourists should be careful when selecting a travel guide and never accept medication from unverifiable sources. Women tourists should be cautious when traveling alone. If possible try to take "radio taxis" private cabs by calling them since there have been some incidents at night of fake cabs taken from the streets that are used to steal their occupants and raping women tourists. Women tourists never take a unregistered taxi or fake cab even if they offer you cheaper price. It is a good idea to register with the consulate of your country of residence upon entry into the country.
There is a strong tradition of social protest in Bolivia: demonstrations are a regular occurrence and this can affect travelers. While generally peaceful, in the past few years these have been more threatening in nature at times: agitated protestors throw stones and rocks and police occasionally use force and tear gas to disperse crowds. Bloqueos (roadblocks) and strikes by transportation workers often lead to long delays. Be careful using taxis during transportation strikes – you may be at the receiving end of a rock which people pelt at those who are not in sympathy with them.
The rainy season means flooding, landslides and road washouts, which in turn means more delays. Getting stuck overnight behind a landslide can happen; you’ll be a happier camper with ample food, drink and warm clothes on hand.
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Electricity
110 and 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European two-pin (circular) plugs or US-style, two-pin (perpendicular flat) plugs.
Social Conventions
Normal social courtesies in most Bolivian families and respect for traditions should be observed. Remember to refer to rural Bolivians as campesinos rather than Indians, which is considered an insult. Female campesinos still adhere to their traditional dress. A suit and tie for men and dress for women should be worn for smart social occasions. Casual wear is otherwise suitable. Smoking is accepted unless indicated otherwise. Time keeping is poor.
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