Bolivia takes on a different dimension in the famous Uyuni salt flats. The Uyuni salt flats turn into a mirror as the four-wheeled tours resume, and with just a hint of water left, travelers are sure to take some of the most unforgettable photos. Tours that include the Red Lagoon, where you can see smoldering volcanoes and spot flamingos, are sure to leave travelers with unforgettable memories. The unique cityscape of La Paz will also leave a lasting impression.
1. Bolivia Quick Facts
Language Spanish
Religion Christianity
Currency Bolivian Boliviano (BOB, Bs.)
Visa require a visa.
Power Plugs 115/220/230 V 50 Hz(A/C Type)
Capital La Paz (Administration), Sucre (judicial)
ATM ATM are not recommended in South America due to incidents of card cloning.
Use card
Many small shops and restaurants don’t accept credit cards. If you want to use your card at a restaurant or store that accepts local currency or dollars, you’ll need to go to a fairly large establishment.
APP
Google Maps
mi teleferico
2. Packing for your trip
Air plain Ticket
Dollar Flight Club has made it easier and cheaper to buy flights to the Airport.
SIM card
Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to 200+ eSIMs (digital SIM cards) globally at affordable prices.
New member one-time use 15% discount coupon
10% discount coupon for multiple use by all members.
Pacsafe Pro safe 800 Luggage Lock
Good protection against snatchers or impulse thieves.
Universal Power Adapter
One of the most essential but most forgotten items in your travel gear? A power adapter!
Travel insurance
Prepare for risky situations Travel insurance can be a big help in the event of an emergency
GoPro HERO11
If you want to capture your own memories of your travels, GoPro is the way to go. It’s small, has great image quality, and is easy to carry around
3. Transportation
Transportation in the city
Transportation is dominated by collectivos in vehicles commonly referred to as bongos, and can range from shared taxis to regular taxis or motorcycle taxis. However, travelers are advised to use taxis.
Taxis
When taking a taxi in La Paz, it’s safer to use a radio taxi with a large license plate.
While there are some private taxis, it’s best to take a Radio Taxi, which has a large phone number on both the front door and a separate sign on top, just in case.
Cable Car (Mi teleferico)
A total of 3 lines are open and cost 3B.s one way
Intercity buses (be prepared for terminal taxes)
Copacabana – La Paz Bus
Bus: 25B.s
4.Safety
La Paz is a relatively safe city, but crimes such as pickpocketing and theft can occur.
There are many areas in rural Bolivia, such as the mountains and Indian villages, that are not well served by state security forces, so take extra precautions when traveling in these areas.
In recent years, there have been a number of lynchings by local residents in areas outside the reach of state security forces, so be aware of this when traveling to these areas.
Emergency phone numbers
Police: 110
Ambulance: 118
Fire Department: 119
Country code: 673
5. Climate
Although Bolivia is geographically located in the tropics, it has a diverse climate pattern, ranging from tropical in the lowlands to polar in the Andes, depending on altitude, with relatively little seasonal variation.
The eastern jungle lowlands have a hot and humid tropical climate with temperatures averaging over 30°C (86°F) and year-round rainfall.
The western highlands have a more temperate climate, averaging 15 °C (59 °F) to 20 °C (68 °F), with warm days in the sun but very cold nights with a thin atmosphere.
The capital city of La Paz is located between 3,200 meters and 4,100 meters and has a temperate climate with temperatures averaging 7.5°C (46°F) from June to August and 10.5°C (51°F) from December to March.
In high altitudes such as La Paz and Titicaca, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and be sure to use sunscreen whenever possible.
6. price
Cheap.
Gasoline (1 liter) 3.80 B.s
McDonald’s Combo Meal:50 B.s
Water (1.5 liters): 6.60 B.s
Milk (1 liter) 6.50 B.s
7. Travel precautions
Bolivia is an alpine region with high altitudes, so you should be aware of altitude sickness, and to prevent it, we recommend that you engage in light activity, drink plenty of fluids, and rest for 24-48 hours after arrival. It may also be helpful to take altitude sickness prophylaxis or carry diamorphine, a medication for altitude sickness.
To prevent endemic malaria, which occurs throughout Bolivia, you should take antimalarials and be careful to avoid mosquito bites.
To prevent cholera, you should also wash your hands frequently, drink only bottled or boiled water, and eat cooked food.
Contact with nocturnal animals should be avoided to prevent tropical fever.
Bolivia has poor sidewalks and roads, so walking without sneakers can cause ankle strain.
Due to the lack of basic drainage, Bolivia suffers repeated natural disasters such as flooding and landslides every year due to heavy rainfall during the rainy season. In particular, major roads can collapse or flood during heavy rains, causing major disruptions to travel between cities, so travelers should be aware of this when traveling to Bolivia during this time.
8. Etiquette & Service Tip
Bolivians use both hands when shaking hands, and people often bow their heads when receiving compliments.Bolivians usually kiss on the right cheek when greeting, and may hug if they are very close.Tipping is done in cash and it is polite to squeeze hands when tipping.
Tipping
Tipping is recommended if you are satisfied with the service.If you take a taxi from your accommodation, show the bellhop the address and he will pick you up on the street, tipping the bellhop about 1B.s is etiquette!
10. Holidays
The following are the national public holidays for 2024:
1 Jan Mon New Year’s Day
22 Jan Mon Plurinational State Day
12 Feb Mon Carnival
13 Feb Tue Carnival
29 Mar Fri Good Friday
1 May Wed Labour Day
30 May Thu Corpus Christi
21 Jun Fri Aymara New Year
6 Aug Tue National Day
2 Nov Sat All Souls’ Day
25 Dec Wed Christmas Day
2025 National Public Holidays:
Wednesday, 1 January : New Year’s Day
Wednesday, 22 January : Plurinational State Day
Monday, 3 March : Carnival
Tuesday, March : Carnival
Friday, 18 April : Good Friday
Thursday, 1 May : Labour Day
Thursday, 19 June : Corpus Christi
Saturday, 21 June : Aymara New Year
Wednesday, 6 August : National Day
Sunday, 2 November : All Souls’ Day
Monday, 3 November : All Souls’ Day Holiday
Thursday, 25 December: Christmas Day