South America

Money, cards and tipping in Bolivia

Capital: SucreSpanish, QuechuaUpdated October 2026

BOBBoliviano

Money in Bolivia

Mostly cash Cash rules outside upscale places. The boliviano has floated since mid-2026, so foreign cards now get a fair rate. Carry clean US dollars as backup. US$1 ≈ Bs12.03 (03 Oct 2026).

Key facts

Tipping: Not expected at cheap eateries; leave about 10% in sit-down restaurants. Tip guides and drivers on Uyuni and jungle tours.
ATMs: ATMs in cities accept foreign cards and dispense bolivianos; expect a fee and low per-withdrawal limits.
Paying by phone: Locals pay with bank QR codes, which need a Bolivian account. Contactless cards work in upscale shops and hotels.
Price level: about 40% of US prices (World Bank PPP).

Cash or card, by place

Place	Cards	Notes
La Paz	Mostly cash	Cash is the norm outside upscale restaurants and hotels. Cards work in malls and chains; markets, minibuses and tours need small notes.
Uyuni	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.
Sucre	Mostly cash	Mostly cash. Cards work at some hotels, supermarkets and upscale cafés; markets, taxis and small restaurants are cash only. Use ATMs in banks.
Copacabana	Cash only	Mostly cash. Few ATMs, which often run dry; bring bolivianos and small notes. Boats, guesthouses and small restaurants rarely take cards.
Santa Cruz	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards work in malls, supermarkets, hotels and many restaurants in Equipetrol; cash for markets, micros and small shops.
Rurrenabaque	Mostly cash	Mostly cash. Few ATMs, which may run dry; bring bolivianos. Some agencies and guesthouses take cards with a fee.
Potosí	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.

Quick answers

Do you tip in Bolivia?

Not expected at cheap eateries; leave about 10% in sit-down restaurants. Tip guides and drivers on Uyuni and jungle tours.

Is Bolivia cashless?

Mostly cash. Cash rules outside upscale places. The boliviano has floated since mid-2026, so foreign cards now get a fair rate. Carry clean US dollars as backup.

What currency does Bolivia use?

The Boliviano (BOB). US$1 ≈ Bs12.03 (03 Oct 2026).

Sources

Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.