Bolivia

Home to ancient traditions and cultures that are fast disappearing, Bolivia is the continent’s most indigenous country, with 60% of its inhabitants descended from Native Americans - a rich heritage that is evident in the local art, cuisine, music and traditions. Equally as fascinating is the incredibly diverse landscape, stretching from the central Andes to the Amazon Basin and encompassing a terrain that includes snowy peaks, the world’s highest navigable lake, rainforests, dry valleys, and volcanoes both active and extinct. Whether you are in search of colourful festivals, ancient remains or an outdoor adventure, Bolivia is a tourist’s treat waiting to be discovered.

Currency 

Local currency: Bolivian Boliviano 
Symbol: Bs. 
ISO code: BOB 
Subunit: Centavo 
Banknotes: Bs.10, Bs.20, Bs.50, Bs.100, Bs.200 
Coins: Centavo, Bs.1, Bs.2, Bs.5 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: No 
Diner’s club: No 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Boliviana de Aviación (BoA), Amaszonas 
International Airports: El Alto International Airport (La Paz), Viru Viru International Airport (Santa Cruz) 
Domestic Airports: Jorge Wilstermann International Airport (Cochabamba), Alcantarí International Airport (Sucre) 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: No 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Limited 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: No 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: No 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Bolivian cuisine reflects the country's diverse geography and cultural influences. Staple foods include quinoa, potatoes, and corn. Popular dishes include salteñas (savory pastries), pique a lo macho (spicy beef dish), and api (corn drink). Notable local drinks include chicha (fermented corn beverage) and singani (grape-based liquor). 
 
Tipping: 10-15% 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 
Average temperature: Highlands: 5°C - 20°C, Lowlands: 25°C - 35°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: Highlands: 10°C - 20°C, Lowlands: 25°C - 35°C 
Average lows: Highlands: 0°C - 5°C, Lowlands: 15°C - 20°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: Highlands: 5°C - 15°C, Lowlands: 20°C - 30°C 
Average lows: Highlands: -5°C - 0°C, Lowlands: 10°C - 15°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Bolivia depends on the regions you plan to visit. Generally, the dry season (May to October) is ideal for visiting the highlands and exploring cities like La Paz and Sucre. The rainy season (November to April) is best for visiting the Amazon basin and experiencing the lush landscapes. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

 General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: No 

Plug Type: Type A, Type C 
Voltage (V): 230V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.