Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Bolivia due to civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
[591] (2) 216-8000; US Embassy in La Paz, Avenida Arce 2780, Casilla 425, La Paz, Bolivia; https://bo.usembassy.gov/; ConsularLaPazACS@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Telephone Code
591
Local Emergency Phone
911
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Bolivia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, COVID-19.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid
Currency (Code)
Bolivianos (BOB)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): A, C
Major Languages
Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, Guarani
Major Religions
Roman Catholic, Protestant, Believer, other
Time Difference
UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested; additionally, if you plan to drive in Bolivia, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Sajama National Park; Oruro Carnival; Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos; La Paz (includes the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace); Torotoro National Park; Tiwanaku; Yungas Road cycle route (“Death Road”); Qhapaq Nan/Andean Road System
Major Sports
Soccer, trompo (top game with attached string)
Cultural Practices
It’s normal to greet everyone you talk to with a formal “good morning/afternoon/evening” (“buenos dias, buenas tardes/noches”) before starting conversation; failure to do so can be taken as rude.
Tipping Guidelines
In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is in order if you are happy with the service. Taxi drivers do not expect tips unless you hire them for the day, in which case 10% is appropriate.
Souvenirs
Native pottery and handicrafts, paper mache and copper decorations, llama and alpaca woolen items, woven ponchos, jewelry and "good luck" charms
Traditional Cuisine
Salteñas (empanadas) — savory pastries filled with beef, pork, or chicken mixed in a sweet, slightly spicy sauce containing olives, raisins, and potatoes
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Thursday, May 09, 2024
