City, Bolivia
Santa Cruz
Bolivia's largest, warmest and most modern city: a lowland business hub with malls, restaurants and good clinics. Hot, spread out and car-based, with few sights, and used mostly as a base for Chiquitania and Amboró.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$623–997Comfortable, one person · Bs7,500–12,000Details
- Value for money88/100Better value than 87% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–SepWarmest: Oct, 33°CDetails
- Internet74 MbpsFixed broadband, Bolivia medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; avoid ice and raw salads at street stalls.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$12–25Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundYangoYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in malls, supermarkets, hotels and many restaurants in Equipetrol; cash for markets, micros and small shops.Details
Where to stay in Santa Cruz
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Equipetrol | Upscale: restaurants, bars, coworking and nightlife |
| Casco Viejo (Plaza 24 de Septiembre) | Historic center by day, quieter and rougher at night |
| Las Palmas and Urbari | Safer residential, apartments and malls |
| Zona Norte | Business district, malls, supermarkets |
Apps that work in Santa Cruz
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| PedidosYa | Widest restaurant choice |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Skip street taxis; use apps or radio taxis. Meters are rare, so agree the price if you have to hail one.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Bolivia.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in malls, supermarkets, hotels and many restaurants in Equipetrol; cash for markets, micros and small shops.
- 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.