City, Bolivia
Potosí
Colonial silver-mining city at about 4,100 m, with Cerro Rico mine tours and a cheap, authentic feel. Altitude, cold nights and poor English make it a short stop on the way to Uyuni or Sucre.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$374–582Comfortable, one person · Bs4,500–7,000Details
- Value for money98/100Better value than 97% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Nov, 18°CDetails
- Internet74 MbpsFixed broadband, Bolivia medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water everywhere.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$8–21Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundRadio taxiWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCash rules outside hotels.Details
Where to stay in Potosí
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Historic centre (Plaza 10 de Noviembre) | Colonial streets, museums, hostels and the best restaurants |
| Calle Quijarro and Avenida Sevilla | Shops, cafés and the quieter part of the centre |
Apps that work in Potosí
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: App coverage is thin. Use radio taxis and agree the fare first; avoid unmarked cars at the bus terminal.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Bolivia.
- Mostly cash Cash rules outside hotels. ATMs exist in the centre but run out; carry pesos and small notes for taxis, markets and mine tours.
- 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
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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.