£1 BOB 9.38
Today
1:33 pm
-4h from you
Travel warning
Public transport is on strike indefinitely, meaning airport access is disrupted, the bus station is closed, and there are extremely long queues for the only operating cable car.
Weather & climate
Weather in Bolivia
Bolivia
14°
Overcast
Thu
2°
14°
Fri
4°
16°
Sat
2°
15°
Sun
5°
14°
Mon
5°
14°
Tue
3°
14°
Wed
5°
11°
SPF level in Bolivia
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Bolivia
What British travellers need to know
You can visit Bolivia for up to 90 days without a visa.
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least two blank pages.
You may need to show proof of your accommodation, such as a hotel booking, for at least your first night.
Make sure you get an entry stamp when you arrive, otherwise you will have to pay a fine when you leave.
If you enter overland, get your passport stamped on both sides of the border with an exit stamp from the country you are leaving and an entry stamp from Bolivia.
Good to know:
If only one parent is travelling with a child, you cannot visit for longer than 90 days.
You must declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty using Bolivia's 250 declaration form.
Safety in Bolivia
Tips when travelling
Bolivia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Carry a copy of your passport and entry stamps with you, leaving the original in a safe place.
Use registered radio taxis ordered by phone and avoid taxis already carrying other passengers.
Do not get into an unmarked police car, and be aware that thieves sometimes impersonate officers.
Do not leave your belongings unattended and use a money belt for valuables on night buses.
Avoid illegal bars, as being found in one could lead to detention, especially if drugs are present.
Bonus tips:
Ayahuasca ceremonies involve a brew containing a hallucinogenic drug, and people have suffered serious illnesses or died after consuming it.
There are no official minimum standards for tour operators, so get local advice and use reputable companies for adventure activities.
More information
Driving in Bolivia
A UK driving license is generally accepted for short-term visits. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Bolivia drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Bolivia
As a British tourist, you should ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, repatriation, and other unforeseen events. The GHIC/EHIC card is not applicable in Bolivia.
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for the most up-to-date health advice and to discuss necessary vaccinations and malaria prevention. Drink bottled water, avoid ice, and be cautious about food hygiene. Altitude sickness is a concern in higher altitude cities such as La Paz; acclimatise gradually. Insect repellent is essential to prevent mosquito bites.
Cards & payments
Card acceptance is limited, especially outside of major cities. Cash is preferred for smaller establishments, markets, and rural areas.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
Tipping in Bolivia
Tipping is not automatically included in bills in Bolivia, and while not compulsory, it is generally appreciated for good service. Locals may not always tip, but tourists are often expected to do so.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service
Bar/Café
Small change or 5-10% for table service
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated, but not mandatory
Hotel Porter
5-10 BOB per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
5-10 BOB per night
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price for a good tour
Mobile & roaming
Since the UK is no longer part of the EU, EU roaming agreements no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Bolivia. Roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card.
Local SIM
5 GB for 350 BOB (~£40)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Bolivia
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type C
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in major cities, but can be unreliable. Rural areas may have limited or no internet access.
Average speed
10 Mbps
Internet access is generally available in cities, though the speed and reliability may vary. Consider a local SIM for more consistent access.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
110
Ambulance
160
Fire
119
Save 110 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Bolivia
Country code
+591
To call a La Paz number from the UK, you'd dial 00 591 2 [local number]
To call Bolivia from the UK, dial 00 (the UK exit code), then 591 (Bolivia's country code), followed by the area code and the local number. Mobile phone numbers usually start with a '7'.
UK Embassy
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.