£1 BOB 9.23
Today
10:51 pm
-4h from you
Travel warning
Public transport, including access to the airport, has been shut down indefinitely, making travel in and around La Paz extremely difficult, with long queues for the only service still running.
Weather in Bolivia
Bolivia
14°
Slight rain showers
Fri
3
14
Sat
4
15
Sun
3
13
Mon
3
13
Tue
3
15
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.
Getting around Bolivia
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
Safety in Bolivia
Tips for British travellers
Bolivia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Do not get into an unmarked police car, and beware of thieves impersonating police officers to check your documents and steal your belongings.
Order taxis by phone using established companies, check for official stickers, and never get into a taxi already carrying other passengers.
Keep copies of your passport photo page and entry stamps with you for ID checks, leaving the original in a safe place.
Petty theft is common in tourist areas and on buses, so keep valuables secure and never leave bags unattended.
Carrying any amount of illegal drugs is considered trafficking with harsh prison sentences, so avoid all contact and expect thorough bag searches at the airport.
Bonus tips:
Book adventure tours, like 'Death Road' biking, only with reputable companies and check their bikes and safety gear first.
Be careful taking photographs of local people in remote or coca-growing areas, as people can be suspicious.
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.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
110
Ambulance
160
Fire
119
Save 110 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Bolivia
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type C
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Bolivia primarily uses 230V at 50Hz. Plugs are typically Type A and Type C. British travelers will need a plug adapter.
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
ATMs in Bolivia
ATMs are available in most cities and larger towns, but less common in rural areas. It's advisable to carry cash when traveling outside of major cities.
Local name
Cajero automático
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are generally reliable in larger Bolivian cities. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted cards. Always be cautious of your surroundings when using ATMs.
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 data package
5 GB for 350 BOB (~£40)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Local carriers
Entel, Tigo, Viva
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.
Health & vaccinations 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.
Vaccinations required?
Yes
Recommended
Yellow Fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers aged 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Check with your doctor or travel clinic well in advance of your trip.
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.
Calling Bolivia
Country code
+591
00 591 [area code] [local number]
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 in Bolivia
British Embassy La Paz
Avenida Arce 2732, La Paz, Bolivia
Airports in Bolivia
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.