What is Bolivia's currency and what denominations should I carry?

The boliviano (BOB) comes in coins of 10, 20 and 50 centavos plus BOB 1, 2 and 5, and notes of BOB 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200. Carry plenty of BOB 10 and 20 notes for daily expenses — markets, transport and street food. Larger notes are hard to break outside banks and supermarkets.

Can I use US dollars or euros in Bolivia?

US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, hotels and tour agencies. Euros are less common but can be exchanged at casas de cambio in major cities. For everyday purchases — markets, local restaurants, transport — you need bolivianos. Rural areas are cash-only in local currency.

Are ATMs reliable in Bolivia?

ATMs work reliably in La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba and Sucre. In smaller towns (Uyuni, Copacabana, Rurrenabaque, Coroico) ATMs exist but can be empty, offline or have long queues. Withdraw enough cash in a major city before heading to remote areas. Per-transaction limits are typically BOB 2,000–3,000.

Is tipping expected in Bolivia?

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants, a tip of around ten per cent is customary if service charge is not included. Tour guides and drivers on multi-day excursions (Uyuni, Madidi) expect tips — roughly BOB 50–100 per day for guides. Hotel porters and taxi drivers are not typically tipped.

How much does a typical day cost in Bolivia?

Bolivia is one of South America's most affordable countries. Budget travellers can manage on roughly USD 25–35 per day covering hostel accommodation, local meals, transport and entry fees. Mid-range travellers spending USD 50–80 per day get private rooms, restaurant meals and organised tours. The three-day Uyuni tour typically costs USD 100–200 depending on the level of comfort.

Should I bring new or old US dollar bills?

Bring clean, unmarked US dollar bills printed after 2006. Torn, marked, worn or pre-2006 bills are routinely rejected by exchange houses and vendors. This applies across South America but is particularly strict in Bolivia. Small denominations (USD 1, 5, 10, 20) are more useful than large ones.

Can I pay for Salar de Uyuni tours with a credit card?

Some agencies in La Paz and Uyuni accept credit cards, but many charge a surcharge of three to five per cent or prefer cash. If booking from Uyuni town directly, cash is the safer option. Bring enough bolivianos or US dollars for the full tour cost plus spending money for the three days.

Bolivia

🇧🇴

Phone Code

+591

Capital

Sucre

Population

12.2 Million

Native Name

Bolivia

Region

Americas

South America

Timezone

Bolivia Time

UTC-04:00

Bolivia is a landlocked South American country known for the Uyuni Salt Flats, high-altitude La Paz (world's highest administrative capital), Amazon rainforest, Lake Titicaca, and indigenous Quechua and Aymara cultures. The country features dramatic landscapes ranging from the Andes mountains to tropical lowlands. Visitors are drawn to Salar de Uyuni (world's largest salt flat), Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca, colonial architecture in Sucre and Potosí, Death Road mountain biking, wildlife in Madidi National Park, and vibrant markets showcasing indigenous traditions. Bolivia offers authentic cultural experiences at affordable prices.

Visa Requirements for Bolivia

Bolivia has simplified its visa policy significantly. EU citizens, UK nationals, US citizens, Canadians, Australians, and most South American countries can enter visa-free for tourist stays of up to 90 days per calendar year. Citizens of neighbouring countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela) can enter with a national identity document alone. For nationalities that still require a visa, applications are processed through Bolivian embassies and consulates. A passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay is required. Visa policies can change — verify current requirements before travel.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days per calendar year; passport must be valid 6 months beyond stay; no fee required. Citizens of neighbouring countries may enter with national ID.

For tourism, business, or visiting for citizens of EU countries, UK, US, Canada, Australia, South American countries and other eligible nationalities.

Consular Visa (Advance Application)

30 to 90 days; requires application form, photos, proof of accommodation, financial means, travel itinerary.

For nationalities requiring advance visa processing, applied for through Bolivian embassies or consulates before travel.

Extension of Stay

Extensions possible up to 90 days total stay per year; apply at immigration offices in major cities; fee required; proof of financial means needed.

For tourists wishing to extend their visa-free stay beyond the initial granted period.

Important Travel Information

Yellow fever vaccination: Required for entry from certain countries and recommended for travel to lowland regions.

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Ensure you have blank pages for entry stamps.

High altitude: La Paz is at 3,640 m (11,942 ft) elevation. Acclimatise slowly. Altitude sickness is common. Stay hydrated, try coca tea and avoid alcohol initially.

Travel Guide

Bolivia is South America at its most raw, affordable and culturally intact. The Salar de Uyuni — the world's largest salt flat at over 10,000 square kilometres — transforms into an endless mirror during the rainy season, creating one of the planet's most surreal natural spectacles. La Paz, wedged into a dramatic Andean canyon at 3,640 metres, is a vertical city of cable cars, indigenous markets and colonial churches watched over by the snow-capped Illimani. Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake, holds the Isla del Sol — legendary birthplace of the sun in Inca cosmology. Sucre, the constitutional capital, charms with white colonial architecture and a mild climate. Potosí tells the story of Spanish silver extraction at the Cerro Rico, once the richest mountain on earth. The Death Road (North Yungas Road) offers the world's most famous mountain-bike descent. And the Madidi National Park in the Amazon basin ranks among the most biodiverse places on the planet. Bolivia's indigenous Quechua and Aymara cultures are not museum exhibits but living daily realities — from the Cholita wrestlers of El Alto to the Witches' Market offerings to Pachamama.

Ways to Experience This Destination

Salar de Uyuni & Altiplano

The Salar de Uyuni as an endless white horizon, the Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde with flamingos, the surreal rock desert of Siloli, and the Sol de Mañana geysers at 4,800 metres — the three-day jeep tour across the altiplano is one of South America's most unforgettable experiences.

Lake Titicaca & Inca Heritage

The Isla del Sol with its Inca ruins and deep-blue lake panorama, Copacabana as a pilgrimage town, and sunset over the world's highest navigable lake — mystical and unforgettable.

Colonial Cities & History

Sucre's white colonial architecture (UNESCO), Potosí's Cerro Rico and the harrowing mine tours recalling Spanish silver extraction, and La Paz's Witches' Market and colonial churches — Bolivia's cities tell stories of splendour and tragedy.

Adventure & Death Road

The North Yungas Road (Death Road) from La Paz to the Yungas is one of the world's most spectacular mountain-bike descents: 64 kilometres, 3,600 metres of descent, from snow to jungle. Plus climbing Huayna Potosí (6,088 m) and trekking the Condoriri peaks.

Amazon & Wildlife

Madidi National Park is one of the most species-rich protected areas on earth. Jungle tours from Rurrenabaque encounter monkeys, caimans, parrots and anacondas. The Pampas del Yacuma offer nearly guaranteed sightings of pink river dolphins.

Indigenous Cultures & Markets

Bolivia has the highest proportion of indigenous population in South America. The Cholita wrestlers in El Alto, the colourful markets of Tarabuco and Sucre, the Aymara New Year ceremony and vibrant Quechua traditions offer deep cultural insight.

Money & Currency

Bs.

Boliviano (BOB)

Currency code: BOB

Practical Money Tips

Currency & Exchange

Bolivia's currency is the boliviano (BOB). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, hotels and tour agencies — particularly in La Paz, Uyuni and Copacabana — but always at an exchange rate set by the vendor. For the best rates, exchange dollars or euros at casas de cambio (exchange houses) in city centres rather than at airports or hotels. Street money changers are common but carry counterfeit risk. Keep small-denomination boliviano notes for markets, transport and rural areas where change for large bills is scarce.

ATMs & Cash Access

ATMs (cajeros automáticos) are available in all major cities — La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Sucre, Potosí — and dispense bolivianos. Most accept Visa and Mastercard; American Express is rarely supported. Withdrawal limits are typically low (around BOB 2,000–3,000 per transaction) and fees apply per withdrawal. In smaller towns like Copacabana, Coroico, Rurrenabaque and Uyuni, ATMs exist but can run out of cash or go offline. Always carry a cash reserve when leaving major cities.

Card Acceptance

Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at upscale hotels, restaurants and shops in La Paz, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba. Outside these cities, card acceptance drops sharply. Tour operators for Salar de Uyuni trips, Death Road biking and jungle tours in Rurrenabaque often prefer cash or charge a surcharge for card payments. Contactless payments are emerging in modern establishments but remain uncommon. Notify your bank of travel to Bolivia to avoid blocked transactions.

Cash Strategy

Bolivia is predominantly a cash economy outside major urban centres. Carry enough bolivianos for multi-day excursions (Uyuni three-day tours, jungle trips, Titicaca crossings) where ATMs are unavailable. Small bills (BOB 10, 20, 50) are essential — market vendors, minibus drivers and rural shops often cannot break BOB 100 or 200 notes. US dollars in small denominations serve as useful emergency backup. Keep cash distributed across bags and use hotel safes where available.

Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.

Common Money Questions