Capital city, Bolivia
La Paz
Dramatic high-altitude capital in a canyon, with a cable-car commuter network, witches' market, cheap food and Andean day trips. Altitude, steep streets, protests and petty crime are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$582–914Comfortable, one person · Bs7,000–11,000Details
- Value for money83/100Better value than 82% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–SepWarmest: Nov, 16°CDetails
- Internet74 MbpsFixed broadband, Bolivia medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$12–25Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundYangoWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCash is the norm outside upscale restaurants and hotels.Details
Where to stay in La Paz
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Sopocachi | Cafés, bars, a calmer feel and good restaurants |
| Calacoto and San Miguel | Safer, upscale southern zone; lower altitude |
| Centro (Sagárnaga, Linares) | Hostels, markets, tours; busy and rougher at night |
| Miraflores | Residential, hospitals and cable-car access |
Apps that work in La Paz
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| PedidosYa | Widest restaurant choice |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Avoid hailing street taxis; use apps or radio taxis. Without apps, ask your hotel to call a registered radio taxi.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Bolivia.
- Mostly cash Cash is the norm outside upscale restaurants and hotels. Cards work in malls and chains; markets, minibuses and tours need small notes.
- Currency: Boliviano (BOB). US$1 ≈ Bs12.03 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs in cities accept foreign cards and dispense bolivianos; expect a fee and low per-withdrawal limits.
- Tipping: Not expected at cheap eateries; leave about 10% in sit-down restaurants. Tip guides and drivers on Uyuni and jungle tours.
- Paying by phone: Locals pay with bank QR codes, which need a Bolivian account. Contactless cards work in upscale shops and hotels.
Before you go
Visa and 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.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 118 · Fire 119
Plugs
Type A, C · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy prepaid SIMs at Entel, Tigo or Viva shops with a passport. Entel has the best coverage in rural areas and around Uyuni. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Bolivia
Going to La Paz solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in La Paz meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety 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.