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Travel Advice for Bolivia

Climate

The climate of Bolivia is typical of a high-altitude location, with contrasting cold nights and warm days. It is suitable to wear summer as well as warmer clothes and to dress in layers to quickly adjust to changing conditions. Include a rain jacket as well. La Paz has an average daytime high of 14°C (57°F) and an average night-time low of 1°C (34°F). Warmer clothing is necessary at night, and particularly in the Altiplano, including La Paz, Oruro, Potosi and Uyuni. Santa Cruz has a tropical climate, although it can get chilly from June through September. The rainy season lasts from November to March (summer months) and is longer in the north.

Best time to visit

Bolivia boasts a diverse climate attributed to its varied geography and altitude. The dry season, spanning from May to October, is generally regarded as the optimal time to visit. During this period, pleasant temperatures and reduced rainfall make it an ideal time to explore destinations such as Lake Titicaca, La Paz, and Uyuni.

However, the rainy season offers its own enchanting spectacle on the surface of the Salar de Uyuni. This natural wonder transforms into a magnificent mirror, reflecting the sky and clouds above. The allure of this unique phenomenon attracts many Asian travelers. The flooded salt flats provide an opportunity to witness captivating optical illusions caused by the absence of a visible horizon. It's important to note that during this time, access to Fish Island, located in the middle of the Salar, may not be possible. Additionally, the road conditions for venturing further south to the Red and Green lagoons, which involve gravel roads, may not be favorable.

Furthermore, it's important to consider that rates at the "salt hotels" tend to be higher during the rainy season due to increased demand from Asian visitors who come to experience this spectacle.

Currency

  • Bolivia's official currency is the Boliviano.
  • It is advisable to carry some USD cash, including small denominations like 1 USD bills, for tipping at restaurants, drivers, or for assistance with luggage at luxury hotels.
  • USD is widely accepted in many hotels, shops, restaurants, and bars throughout the country, however, in small shops where you buy a bottle of water or other small items, you will be asked to pay in local currency. Entrance fees to museums and national parks can only be paid in local currency.
  • For a secure currency exchange, we recommend visiting 'Casas de cambio' or exchange houses. These establishments provide a reliable and regulated environment for exchanging currencies.
  • Another option for obtaining cash is to use ATMs that can be found in major cities like La Paz, Santa Cruz, Uyuni, Copacabana and Sucre (may not be readily available in smaller towns).
  • Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in Bolivia.
  • Alternatively, you can exchange your USD at banks or hotels, although these options may offer less favorable exchange rates and may incur transaction fees.

Tipping

  • Porters at hotels and airports appreciate 1 US dollar for 1 piece of luggage.
  • Service charges are usually not added in most restaurants.
  • A tip of 10-15% or leaving change indicates satisfaction with the service.
  • Taxi drivers are not typically tipped as the price is negotiated beforehand.
  • Consider rounding up the agreed-upon price for taxi drivers who have provided exceptional service.
  • For tours, consider tipping the guide and/or driver 10-15 US dollars per day to show appreciation for good service.

Top Restaurant Recommendations

La Paz

  • Gustu $$$ - Plating Bolivia's larder
  • Imilla Alzada $$ - Pizzeria &  microbrewery
  • Popular Cocina Boliviana $$ - Latin, contemporary
  • Vienna $ - International kitchen with an Austrian touch

Visas

  • Verify if a visa is required to enter Bolivia by checking the Bolivia Immigration website.
  • If visiting high-risk endemic areas, provide a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.
  • US citizens must pay a reciprocity fee of $160 upon entry.
  • Check specific requirements for your country as Bolivia groups countries based on different criteria.
  • A summary of Bolivia's visa requirements can be found here.
  • We recommend that you contact the Bolivian consulate closest to your country for the most up-to-date information regarding visa applications.

Immunizations

  • Recommended vaccinations for most travelers include hepatitis A, typhus, and tetanus.
  • Malaria is not a risk in the high plateau region of Bolivia due to its altitude.
  • Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for travelers to the Bolivian Amazon: Madidi Park, Noel Kempff Park, Department of Beni, Department of Pando, and some regions of Santa Cruz.

e-SIM Cards

Bolivia is serviced by three major mobile network operators that offer 4G services:

  • Entel
  • Tigo
  • Viva

Each provider offers prepaid SIM card packages that can be conveniently purchased at their official stores, authorized resellers, and kiosks located in major cities. It's important to note that when buying a prepaid SIM card, you may be required to present your passport and mobile phone.

For travelers in a hurry who have a device compatible with e-SIM, a user-friendly website called

offers a seamless experience for purchasing and activating e-SIM cards. They provide detailed instructions to guide you through the process.

Keep in mind that network coverage in remote areas and rural regions, such as Uyuni, may be limited.

Time zone

GMT- 4 hours

Taxis

  • We suggest making use of 'radio taxi' for taxi services in La Paz.
  • Look for the telephone number and the name of the taxi company on the vehicle's roof.
  • Preferably, request a taxi by phone and note down the taxi's registration number and telephone number.
  • You can also make use of taxi-hailing apps such as Uber and Indrive

Electricity

  • Power outlets in older buildings in La Paz are typically 110/220v, while the rest of the country uses 220v at 50 Hz.
  • It is recommended to inquire at the hotel to confirm the power supply.
  • Bolivia uses both flat and round two-pin plugs, specifically type A and type C plugs.

Altitude Sickness

  • Altitude sickness is common in Bolivia due to its high elevation, with much of the country above 3,050 m (10,000 ft).
  • Individuals with diabetes, heart or chest complications should seek medical advice before traveling to Bolivia.
  • Avoid physical exertion and alcohol during the first few hours in high-altitude areas.
  • Consume light food and drink plenty of water, including local coca tea, which is recommended for altitude sickness.
  • Jeeps in Uyuni carry emergency oxygen, and hotels in Uyuni and the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve have oxygen tanks available to assist guests with altitude sickness.

Top Restaurant Recommendations

La Paz

  • Gustu $$$ - Plating Bolivia's larder
  • Imilla Alzada $$ - Pizzeria &  microbrewery
  • Popular Cocina Boliviana $$ - Latin, contemporary
  • Vienna $ - International kitchen with an Austrian touch

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