Currency
Bolivia’s official currency is the Boliviano, divided into 100 centavos. The US dollar is the second currency and many hotels, plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars in the main cities accept US dollars for payment. Euros are getting easier to change. When exchanging foreign currency in Bolivia, it's best to head to a ‘casa de cambio’ (currency-exchange offices). Currencies of neighboring countries may be exchanged in border areas, airports, and at certain in ‘casas de cambio’. Some currency-exchange offices change travelers checks as well. When exchanging money, ask for the cash in small denominations, as change for larger notes is scarce outside big cities. Some banks will exchange foreign currency, but the lines are often long and the process can be chaotic. In La Paz and Santa Cruz, most banks are open from about 9am to 4pm and Saturdays from 10am to noon. Some banks do close in the middle of the day, we therefore advice you to take care of your banking needs early in the morning.

ATMs, travelers’ checks and credit cards
Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are the best way of getting cash in Bolivia; they are found in most cities, except in small towns such as Coroico, Sorata, and Copacabana. Most ATMs accept MasterCard and Visa credit cards and debit cards from Cirrus and PLUS networks; however, they can’t deal with PINs that are more than four digits. If you are traveling with travelers’ checks, your best bet is to cash them at a ‘casa de cambio’. Most stores don’t accept travelers’ checks.

MasterCard and Visa are accepted almost everywhere in Bolivia. American Express is less common, but it’s still widely accepted.

Tipping
A tip in Bolivia, like in most of the countries in South America, is given to reward good service. Porters in hotels and airports expect US dollar 1 for 2 luggage pieces. A 5-10% tip is sufficient in most restaurants unless the service has been exceptional. There is no need to tip taxi drivers unless they are hired for a full day, in which case 10% is acceptable. Fares are negotiated before departure. It is customary to offer your tour guides and driver a token of appreciation at the tour’s end (of course of you feel pleased with the service).

Taxis
Taxis in La Paz can be dangerous. We highly advice you to use only radio taxis with cab company phone numbers printed on roof and doors and with two-way radio inside while in La Paz. Before you get in, be sure to write the plate number of the assigned taxi and the driver's name. Taxi drivers do not expect tips unless you hire them for the day, in which case 10% is appropriate.

Bargaining
In open markets as the Witches’ Market in La Paz, Tarabuco’s Sunday market near Sucre or the Uyuni marketplace bargaining -gentle, good-natured haggling over prices- is accepted and even expected. However, be careful of getting the haggling fever and trying to bargain beyond reason. In general, most salespeople don’t drop their prices significantly. Consequently consider how important the one or two extra dollars are to you compared to how important they might be to the vendor. Bargaining is not common in restaurants.

Phone calls and internet access
The international access code for Bolivia is +591. Bolivia’s national phone company Entel has outlets on practically every block in major cities. Most Punto Entel shops also have internet-connected PCs, typically Bs 4 (USD 50 ¢) per hour. You can also make local calls from cellular phones at kiosks. Mobile phones operate on a GSM network. Internet cafes are widely available in La Paz and other tourist areas, with the possible exception of Sun Island on Lake Titicaca.

Electricity
All outlets are 110/220 Volts AC in La Paz and 220 Volts 50 Hz in the rest of the country. Ask the hotel to be sure of the voltage. Both flat and round two-pin plugs are used.

Airport Taxes
If the airport tax is not included you have to settle it after checking in at the airport. For domestic flights approx. USD 2 and USD 25 for international flights.

Time zone
GMT- 4 hours

Immunizations
No vaccinations are required unless you are planning to visit the Amazon (Pantanal and Beni). Most travelers receive inoculations for hepatitis A, typhus and tetanus. Since mosquitoes can't live in high altitudes, malaria is not a risk in the high plateau region of Bolivia. But if you are traveling to the Amazon region a yellow-fever vaccine and malaria prophylaxis are strongly recommended.

Protection against insects
Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria are prevalent and insect protection is strongly advised. Try to avoid perfumes and after-shave. If practical and possible, wear light-colored clothing; wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts; use mosquito repellents containing the compound DEET on exposed areas. In case you have a very sensitive skin you could use an anti-allergic cream, for example ‘After bite’ or ‘Bite away’ that reduces the itchiness. Double-check that your lodge in the Amazon provides a mosquito net in your room. Use a mosquito net impregnated with mosquito repellent (permethrin).

Food & Drink
Sanitation and hygiene are poor in some areas so be wary of what is eaten. Travelers should drink only bottled water, which is widely available. Do not drink tap water, even in major hotels, and try to avoid drinks with ice. If you’re trekking in the mountains or visiting remote rural areas where bottled water is not available, boil water to purify it or use water-purification tablets. You are safer eating fruits that you can peel or salads and fruits washed with purified water, as well as foods that have been thoroughly cooked. Your best bet is to eat at clean restaurants and to avoid food vendors.

Altitude sickness
Altitude sickness is the most common complaint in Bolivia with much of the country lying above 3,050 m (10,000 ft). This is particularly relevant to diabetics, those with headert complaints or chest problems, who should seek advice before travelling to Bolivia. We recommend avoiding physical efforts during the first few hours as well as alcohol. Try to eat light food and drink a lot of water, especially the local coca tea is recommended in case of altitude sickness.

The climate of Bolivia is typical of a high altitude location, with contrasting cold nights and warm days. Temperatures get down to freezing on winter nights. La Paz has an average daytime high of 14°C (57°F) and an average night time low of 1°C (34°F). Warmer clothing is necessary at night, and particularly in the Altiplano and the Puna, including La Paz, Oruro, Potosi and Uyuni. Santa Cruz has a tropical climate, although it can get chilly from June through September. Cochabamba has a pleasant spring like climate year-round. The rainy season lasts from November to March (summer months) and is longer in the north.

Staying safe
We consider Bolivia a safe destination. Still, petty theft is common in busy tourist areas such as airports, markets, and other tourist sites and especially in La Paz. Typically, members of a group of thieves will distract victims by staging a fight or by throwing an object or a liquid on them, while others are robbing them. You should remain alert to your surroundings at all times, dress down and avoid carrying large sums of money or credit cards. Political demonstrations, strikes, and roadblocks occur with some frequency in Bolivia. Travelers should avoid these gatherings if possible. Our local guides are an excellent source of information and advice.

The possibility of having a bad experience can be greatly reduced by taking a few simple precautions: