Town in Potosí, Bolivia
Uyuni
Dusty high-altitude town on the edge of the world's largest salt flat. A base for 1- to 4-day jeep tours; cold, basic and a one-purpose stop, with little to do beyond the tours.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$499–831Comfortable, one person · Bs6,000–10,000Details
- Value for money95/100Better value than 94% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–OctWarmest: Dec, 21°CDetails
- Internet74 MbpsFixed broadband, Bolivia medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$8–21Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTour jeep (4x4)Very walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCash onlyCash only for tours, meals and taxis.Details
Where to stay in Uyuni
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Town center (Av. Ferroviaria) | Tour offices, hostels and restaurants; everything is walkable |
| Train Cemetery side | Quiet edge of town, a short walk from the old locomotives |
Apps that work in Uyuni
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No ride apps. Taxis are cheap and fixed; agree the price. Tour agencies usually collect you from your hotel.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Bolivia.
- Cash only Cash only for tours, meals and taxis. Cards are rare and ATMs often run dry, so bring bolivianos before you arrive and keep 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
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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.