Bolivia

Travel tips for Bolivia: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cash is essential. Bring crisp USD or EUR bills to exchange on the parallel market; using cards or ATMs locks you into the official exchange rate, costing you up to half your purchasing power, and general card acceptance remains low.

Try the food

Salteñas: A baked empanada filled with a sweet and spicy, soupy stew of meat, potatoes, and peas.
Silpancho: A hearty dish consisting of a thin, breaded and fried beef cutlet served over rice and potatoes, topped with a fried egg and diced salsa.
Pique Macho: A massive, shareable mountain of bite-sized beef, hot dogs, french fries, onions, and jalapeños, typically topped with boiled eggs and ketchup or mayo.

Say it in Spanish

Hello: Hola
Thank you: Gracias
Please: Por favor
Excuse me: Disculpe
How much is this?: ¿Cuánto cuesta?
The bill please: La cuenta, por favor
Yes / No: Sí / No
Goodbye: Adiós

Essentials

Plugs: Type A / Type C
Voltage: 230V, 50Hz (115V in some parts of La Paz)
Driving: Right side
Tap water: Avoid — buy bottled
Emergency: 110 (police), 118 (ambulance), 119 (fire)
SIM tip: Entel offers the best nationwide coverage, and prepaid SIM cards can be easily purchased at official kiosks or mobile shops upon arrival by showing your passport.

Etiquette

Tipping is not strictly required, but leaving a 10% tip in nicer restaurants and rounding up taxi fares is highly appreciated.