Bolivia Tips & Advice

Here are some Bolivia tips and advice for backpacking or travelling through this amazing country:

Tourist Visa Requirements

Visas NOT required to enter as tourist (some exceptions – notably USA citizens and people from parts of Asia, Africa, communist countries)
Normally granted 30 days upon entry – for most nationalities, you are able to extend at the nearest Immigration office twice for a maximum stay of 90 days per year
Do NOT lose your tourist card (green slip of paper immigration given to you upon entry) – you will need to hand this over when leaving the country and losing this may delay your departure
Overstay fines apply – you will need pay 20Bs per day for every day you stay over your visa and you pay this in the airport or at border when leaving

Valid passport – bring 1 or 2 photocopies though to use for nightclub entrance etc.
Drivers License if you intend to rent a car – although we highly recommend you don’t, drivers here are crazy!

Currency – Boliviano (Bs)
Dollars (up to a certain amount) are also accepted in many places
ATM fees can be high at some cash machines so try to use ATMs at banks like BNB and BCP
Currency exchange sellers on the street are not always bad and give good exchange rates, ask hostel for advice
Don’t carry large amounts of cash – use the lockers provided in hostels
Be aware of gringo taxes in markets/taxis – always haggle prices
Average cost of a meal in a middle class restaurant – $7 (49 Bs)
Average cost of a dorm bed in a hostel – $8 La Paz (55Bs), less elsewhere

Try to arrive with a minimum 100 Bolivianos – no large bills as taxi drivers won’t have change
Exchange rates are not the best in the airport – only change what is necessary, you will get better rates when you get into the city
Taxi rank outside of arrivals is safe – price to centre is roughly 60Bs
Be careful if you arrive at night
Be sure you agree on the price of the taxi in Bolivianos before leaving
It helps to have clear directions to your hostel printed off BEFORE you arrive

No meters – always haggle and agree on the fare BEFORE you get into the taxi
Average journey within the centre should cost approx. $2 (10-15 Bs)
Be careful – keep your belongings close to your feet at all times, NOT in your lap
Try to share cabs with another tourist when possible
Always ask the hostel reception/Bolivia Hop guide for approximate costs and the best places to find taxis

Book in advance, many can be full throughout the year
Use Hostelworld’s review functions – check location rating and security ratings
Use lockers provided for all your valuables
Be wary when coming home at night to your hostel – avoid walking at night if at all possible

Spanish is the national language.
English is spoken by most hostel receptionists and waitresses in touristy areas
Taxi drivers in general don’t speak English unless in you are in a touristy area

Bring some altitude sickness tablets for La Paz (3600m)
Vaccinations and malarial medication may be required if visiting Amazon regions, consult your local GP

Use a backpack if possible – it’s easy to carry around and store in hostels
Bring a small backpack for day trips/treks
Bring clothes and flip flops for summer weather – up to 30 degrees in some cities ALL year round
Bring a rain jacket – rain is possible ALL year round
Bring warm hoodies and pants – nights can get cold!
Bring comfortable trainers for trekking and activities
Usual items such as sun cream, camera, sunglasses, etc.