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Practical Information for Traveling to Bolivia
TIME
The official time, with respect to the meridian of Greenwich, is 4
hours less (GMT-4)
CURRENCY
Boliviano (Bs 1 = 100 cents)
BILLS
Bs 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200
COINS
Bs. 1 y 2 Bs., 0.5 - 0.10 - 0.20 - 0.50, centavos.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE
Foreign currency, both cash and traveler’s checks, can be changed in
banks, exchange houses, and hotel. U.S. dollars are accepted in
payment almost anywhere.
VOLTAGE
220 and 110 volts in La Paz and 220 volts in the rest of the country.
HEALTH
All visitors arriving in La Paz (3600 m) must treat the altitude with
respect, especially when arriving from sea level by air. Very few
people have serious problems, but it is advisable to rest at least 24
hours, eat light meals, and drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration
due to the dryness of the environment in the city of La Paz. Avoid any
physical efforts, especially the first few days. Anyone suffering from
heart problems or who have chest pains must consult their doctor
before traveling to La Paz.
You should not drink
the tap water; it is recommended you drink bottled mineral water. Raw
salads and vegetables should be avoided, as should the food sold on
the street or in the markets.
Hepatitis,
paratyphoid, and diarrhea are common.
We recommend that
visitors acquire good medical and accident insurance while visiting
Bolivia. Costs, especially in hospital, are high and the invoices must
be paid before the patients can leave private clinics.
VACCINATIONS
Vaccinations against yellow fever, hepatitis, typhoid, tetanus, and
polio must be up-to-date. For those who are going to tropical areas,
quinine tablets are recommended. Mosquito nets and repellants are a
good idea to help prevent many tropical diseases.
In Bolivia there are
special vaccination centers. Vaccinations to go into the interior are
free. International vaccinations require purchasing a card.
LODGING
Bolivia has lodging in every city and province in the country, which
are categorized according to the services they offer. Visitors can
find 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 star hotels in the main cities.
WHEN TO VISIT
BOLIVIA
The climate is varied: cold in the highlands, temperate in the valleys,
and warm on the plains. Winter lasts from June to September; you can
ski all year round. During May and September the days are nice and
sunny.
WHAT TO WEAR
In the highlands, warm clothing; in the valleys, light clothes during
the day and warm clothes at night; in the plains, light clothing.
COMPLEMENTARY AND
RECREATIONAL SERVICES
TO ENTER BOLIVIA
A valid passport or visa granted for 30 or 90 according to agreements
and countries, indicated in the following detail:
COUNTRIES THAT DO
NOT NEED VISAS
Germany, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa
Rica, Denmark, G. Britain, Finland. Ecuador, Spain, El Salvador,
United States, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Ireland, Iceland, Israel,
Italya, Japan, Luxemburg, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Peru,
Portugal, Poland, Holy See, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, Caribbean
countries.
COUNTRIES NEEDING
VISAS
Russia, Canada, Cuba, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Malta, Panama, Venezuela.
COUNTRIES NEEDING
VISAS AND PRIOR CONSULTATION AND AUTHORIZATION FROM THE CHANCELLOR’S
OFFICE
Saudi Arabia, Algiers, Bangladesh, North Korea, China, Haiti, India,
Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan,
Palestine, Rumania, Singapore, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Thailand,
Vietnam, North Yemen, South Yemen.
CUSTOMS NORMS
The organic tourist regulations grant the tourist, upon entering the
country and after first declaring his rights, customs taxes, and
obtaining a policy, to bring in the following objects: one camera, one
portable typewriter, a film camera and accessories, a recorder, sports
equipment, five liters of alcoholic beverages, four hundred cigarettes
(two cartons), fifty cigars or five hundred grams of cut tobacco which
surpasses the franchise of U.S.$ 2,000 that has been granted.
If there are new
objects that cost more than U.S. $ 1000, the Official will proceed to
fill out form 126 for the difference, after first requesting the
interested party to present the corresponding commercial invoice.
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