Bolivia Travel Information

Language

Spanish is the official language, but only 60 to 70 percent of the people actually speak it, and then often only as a second language. The rest speak Quechua or Aymara.

The official currency is the Boliviano (BOB), which is divided into 100 centavos, and is tied to the U.S. Dollar. Money can be exchanged at exchange bureau called casio de cambios in the main centers, at banks and hotels. Banking facilities are good in the main cities and ATMs cater for Visa, Cirrus and MasterCard. Many hotels and other tourist-oriented institutions accept U.S. Dollars. Major credit cards, including MasterCard, Diners, Visa and American Express, are accepted in the bigger hotels, restaurants and shops. Travelers checks can be exchanged in casio de cambios in the major cities and are best taken in U.S. Dollars to avoid additional charges.

It's a good idea to exchange money for the Boliviano before boarding your Bolivia flights. Upon arriving in Bolivia, tourists will want common currency for taxi drivers and any last minute purchases before arriving at hotels.

Communications

The international access code for Bolivia is +591. The outgoing code depends on what network is used (e.g. 0010 for Entel, or 0013 for Boliviatel), which is followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the U.S.). The area code for La Paz is 2, but the access code to make a call within the country from another area also depends on what network is used (e.g. (010)2 for Entel, or (013)2 for Boliviatel). Mobile phones operate on a GSM network; the network operators are Entel SA, Telecel and Nuevatel PCS. Internet cafes are widely available in La Paz and other tourist areas.

Tipping

A service charge is normally added to restaurant and hotel bills but it is customary to add a 5 to 10 percent tip. Hotel porters also expect a small tip. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped unless they are hired for a full day, in which case 10 percent is acceptable.

Safety

Street protests and strikes often affect La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz as well as the regions of the Central Highlands (Altiplano) and the Yungus. Main tourist centers may be affected and visitors should keep up to date with current conditions. Strikes also often disrupt transport to and from the international airport in La Paz and to the regions.

Health

A yellow fever vaccination is strongly advised, as outbreaks do occur, and it is a requirement for those entering from infected areas. Typhoid and Hepatitis A immunisations are recommended. Altitude sickness is the most common complaint in Bolivia with much of the country lying above 10,000ft. This is particularly relevant to diabetics, those with heart complaints or chest problems, who should seek advice before traveling to Bolivia. Malaria is prevalent in some parts of the country. Sanitation and hygiene are poor in some areas so be wary of what is eaten; avoid under-cooked meat and unpeeled fruit and vegetables, and only drink bottled water. Medical insurance is strongly recommended.

Electricity

230 volts, 50Hz. Both flat and round two-pin plugs are used.

Back to topp

Back to previous page

Enter your destination

You are here

Flight News

Catch up on the latest flight news

Useful Links

Useful links for Bolivia

Bolivia Flights and Travel Guide

Page sections

Language

Money

Communications

Tipping

Safety

Health

Electricity

Top flight deals

Travel Tips

Read expert tips on getting the most out of travel

Contributors to this guide: Word Travels, World Airport Guide, Cheapflights

Contributors

Wordtravels.com

World Airport Guides

Cheapflights.com

Sponsored Links

Guides

Popular Flight Guides:

Find Cheap Flights to:

Supplementary navigation

I am in USA

Accessibility options