South America
Bolivia
One of South America's cheapest countries, with the Uyuni salt flats, La Paz and Lake Titicaca. Altitude, road blockades, fuel shortages and a currency shake-up make 2026 travel slow and unpredictable.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa52 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyBOBUS$1 ≈ Bs12.03Details
- Price level40%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English3/5Common in tourist areasDetails
- PlugsType A, C230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency110Police 110 · Ambulance 118 · Fire 119
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water everywhere, including La Paz.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalLaws are progressive but society is conservative, especially on the Altiplano.Details
- Internet74 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 21 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightCarry a 1949 International Driving Permit together with the home licence; police and rental firms ask for both.
Where to go in Bolivia
7 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La PazCapital city | 3/5 | $582–914 | May–Sep | 83/100 |
| UyuniTown | 4/5 | $499–831 | May–Oct | 95/100 |
| SucreCapital city | 4/5 | $457–706 | May–Sep | 98/100 |
| CopacabanaTown | 4/5 | $457–706 | May–Sep | 97/100 |
| Santa CruzCity | 3/5 | $623–997 | May–Sep | 88/100 |
| RurrenabaqueTown | 4/5 | $457–706 | May–Sep | 97/100 |
| PotosíCity | 4/5 | $374–582 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 98/100 |
When to visit Bolivia
May–October is the dry season: clear Altiplano skies and freezing nights. December–March rains flood roads but turn Uyuni into a mirror. Lowlands are hot year-round.
Good to know
Entry
- Make sure every land crossing gives an entry stamp; a missing stamp means a fine on departure.
- Bolivia no longer stamps at the Argentine border; register the exit with Argentine migration, which passes it on.
- Officers may ask for a first-night hotel or hostel booking and address.
- A yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from a risk country; the vaccine is advised for Amazon lowlands.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Any amount of illegal drugs counts as trafficking; the minimum sentence is eight years
- Prison tours are illegal and unsafe
- Coca leaves are legal in Bolivia but illegal to carry into most other countries
Etiquette
- Ask before photographing Indigenous women and market vendors; some expect a small tip
- Buses and tours often leave late; allow slack in plans
- Greet shopkeepers and drivers before asking anything
Tipping
Not expected at cheap eateries; leave about 10% in sit-down restaurants. Tip guides and drivers on Uyuni and jungle tours.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Bolivia
- Banco Central de Bolivia
- Dirección General de Migración
- Speedtest Global Index: Bolivia
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.