Bolivia🇧🇴
Bolivia is a South American country known for its diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history. Nestled in the heart of the continent, it is surrounded by Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay and Argentina to the south, and Chile and Peru to the west. Bolivia boasts an array of geographical features, including the high Andes Mountains, altiplano, lush rainforests, and lowland plains. Well known for traditions like the Alasitas Festival, the country's cultural heritage is strongly tied to its indigenous peoples, like the Quechua and Aymara. Famous attractions include the surreal Uyuni Salt Flats, the historic capital city of Sucre, and the leisurely city of La Paz which is often referred to as the city that touches the sky, due to its high altitude. Bolivia has preserved much of its historic architecture, archaeological wonders, and traditional customs, that make it a fascinating place to visit.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid drinking tap water, it's generally considered unsafe.
- Avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics and indigenous rights. Bolivia has a history of political instability and social protests.
- Avoid travel during the rainy season (November - March) due to the high risk of natural disasters like flooding and landslides.
- Avoid the use of illegal drugs. Bolivia has strict drug laws and penalties.
- Avoid illegal wildlife trade. Bolivia has a diverse range of flora and fauna protected by local and international laws.
- Avoid isolated areas, especially at night to reduce the risk of crime.
- Avoid disrespectful behavior towards cultural and religious beliefs. This can be frowned upon and even penalized.
- Avoid public demonstrations and strikes. They may turn violent.
- Avoid disregarding altitude sickness in high-altitude areas like La Paz and Potosi. The risk of altitude sickness is high for visitors.
- Avoid risky adventures without proper guidance and safety measures. Bolivia's diverse geography can pose dangers.
Overall
5
Crime 🔫
4
Bolivia has moderate crime rates, with property crimes such as theft and pickpocketing being particularly prevalent in urban areas. Violent crimes occur but are less common. Petty crimes tend to rise during public events and festivals. Most unsafe cities are Santa Cruz, El Alto, Sucre, and sometimes La Paz due to crowded streets making it easier for pickpocketing.
Terrorism 💣
9
Bolivia has been relatively insulated from large-scale terrorist activities. There have been no major terror incidents in the recent past years, making the country quite safe in terms of terrorism.
War ⚔️
9
There's no ongoing war in Bolivia. The country's last major conflict was the Chaco War with Paraguay from 1932 to1935. Major political discontent led to protests in 2019, but they did not escalate to a war.
Natural Disasters 🌊
4
Bolivia is prone to natural disasters including earthquakes, landslides, and flooding. The country faces regular flooding in the northern lowland regions during the rainy season (November- March). One of the most significant incidents was the 2014 flooding, the worst in 60 years, affecting over 350,000 people.
Medical Care 🏥
5
Bolivia's healthcare system has made significant improvements, but the standard of care varies widely. Urban areas have relatively better facilities than rural areas. Major cities have public and private hospitals, but may lack resources.
Tap Water Quality 💧
3
Tap water in Bolivia is not generally considered safe to drink. Even locals often prefer to drink bottled or boiled water. Some rural areas might not have access to safe drinking water at all.
Disease Burden 🤒
4
Bolivia faces diseases like dengue fever and yellow fever, especially during the rainy season. Tuberculosis is also a burden. The country also faces difficulties with Zika virus and Chagas disease, an insect-borne illness.
Corruption 💸
3
Corruption is a pressing issue in Bolivia. While efforts are made to increase transparency, issues persist in many sectors. A high-profile scandal was the 2015 incident involving the Indigenous Fund, which led to multiple arrests and political tensions.
Safety for Women ♀️
4
Women travelers should take standard precautions. Solo travel can present additional risks. There have been reports of violence against women in Bolivia, including sexual assault.
Safety for Queer People 👬
5
LGBTQ+ rights in Bolivia have improved in recent years, but social attitudes can still be conservative. Same-sex relationships are legal, and anti-discrimination laws exist, yet public displays of affection might attract unwanted attention.
Censorship 📺
5
While the constitution enshrines freedom of speech, there have been incidents of journalists being targeted or censored. Media outlets often feel pressure from both government and opposition forces.
Public Transportation 🚌
7
The public transportation system in Bolivia is overall satisfactory, particularly in big cities. There are buses and taxis, and in La Paz, there's a unique cable car system. Yet, accidents due to reckless driving are not uncommon.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
General safety in Bolivia is moderate. While the country is relatively safe, petty crimes and occasional violent crimes do pose a risk. Travelers should take standard precautions, avoid isolated areas particularly at night, and safe guard possessions. Caution around political gatherings and protests is advised, as these can turn violent quickly. Natural disasters are also a risk in Bolivia, notably during the rainy season. It's advised to stay informed about local weather updates.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Various countries have embassies in Bolivia's administrative capital, La Paz, including United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Australia. Some countries, such as Canada, handle diplomatic affairs through their embassies in neighboring countries.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Before traveling to Bolivia, it's recommended to get vaccinated for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, and Influenza. Depending on your travel plans, other vaccinations like Hepatitis B, Rabies, Meningitis, Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis), Chickenpox, Shingles, Pneumonia and Influenza may be considered.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Bolivia is home to a range of wildlife including some dangerous species. Venomous snakes, such as pit vipers and coral snakes, are found in forests. Dangerous spiders like the recluse spider, tarantulas, and the Brazilian wandering spider can also pose threats. In the Amazon and other water bodies, travelers should be aware of dangerous aquatic life.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Visa requirements for Bolivia vary by nationality. Some tourists, including those from the United States, require a visa prior to arrival. EU citizens can generally enter without a visa for tourist visits up to 90 days.
💲 Currency
The official currency is the Boliviano (BOB). Money can be exchanged in banks and currency exchange offices, though ATMs are also widely available.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are generally accepted in larger cities at restaurants, shops, and hotels, but might not be accepted as widely in smaller towns and rural areas.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Yes, work and travel is possible in Bolivia, but options can be limited. Working holiday visas are not currently offered, yet proposals have been made. Some internationals work as English teachers or participate in volunteer projects.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
Traveling and living in Bolivia is relatively inexpensive compared to many western countries. Accommodation, food, and transportation are generally affordable, though prices for tours and activities vary.