Highlights

Uyuni Salt Flats

The Uyuni Salt Flats, (Salar de Uyuni), is the world's largest salt flat. This arid expanse is renowned for its flatness and in the wet season, a layer of water transforms the flats into a giant mirror. 

Lake Titicaca

On the border of Bolivia and Peru is the world’s highest navigable lake. In Incan mythology, it is where the first Inca king and his wife emerged from the lake, sent by the sun god to build the Inca Empire.

La Paz

La Paz is the highest administrative capital in the world, sitting at an elevation of about 3,650m above sea level. Surrounded by the Andes Mountains, La Paz offers breathtaking views and dramatic scenery.

Useful information

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Communications

Country Code for Bolivia: +591 

 

Official Travel advice visit: 

Bolivia Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

Safe Travel NZ | Bolivia (New Zealand) 

Fire and rescue services: Call 119 

Medical emergencies: Call 118. 

Police: Call 800-14-0081 for English-speaking tourist police or call 110. 

 

Australia has a consulate in La Paz. It provides limited consular assistance and can't issue Australian passports. 

Australian Honorary Consulate, La Paz 

Centro Empresarial del Sur Av Arequipa No 8221, 2nd floor, office 16 

Phone/Whatsapp: (+591) 706 10626

Email: consul@australiabolivia.com  

Australian Embassy in Peru 

The Australian Embassy in Peru can offer remote consular assistance. 

Avenida La Paz 1049, 10th Floor, Miraflores, Lima, 18 Peru 

Phone: +51 1 630 0500  

Email: consular.lima@dfat.gov.au  

   

New Zealand Embassy Santiago, Chile 

Isidora Goyenechea 3000, 12th Floor, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile 

Telephone: +56 2 2616 3000 

Email: embajada@nzembassy.cl

Customs

Spanish is the primary language in Bolivia, but the country officially recognises 37 languages, including Quechua, Aymara, and Guarani. Handshakes are a common greeting between men, while men and women may either shake hands or greet each other verbally.  

Bolivians are known for their warm hospitality. When visiting someone's home, it is customary to bring a small gift, such as flowers or sweets. Family plays a central role in Bolivian society, with extended families often living together, and there is a strong emphasis on respecting elders. 

Modest dress is recommended, especially in rural areas and religious sites. Lunch is the main meal of the day and is often followed by a siesta. It is polite to wait for the host to begin eating before you start. Bolivian cuisine includes dishes like salteñas (stuffed pastries) and llajwa (spicy salsa). Finishing your plate is a sign of appreciation. 

The majority of Bolivians are Roman Catholic, and religious festivals and processions are common.  

Bolivia has a rich tradition of arts and crafts, including textiles, pottery, and silverwork. Indigenous artisans create intricate handmade goods that make excellent souvenirs. Traditional music features instruments like the charango and panpipes, and folk dances such as the Cueca and Morenada are integral to cultural celebrations. 

Bolivia is home to diverse ecosystems. Be mindful of your environmental impact by not littering and respecting wildlife.

Electricity

Electrical Socket type: Type A and Type C

Voltage: 230 volts, 50 Hz

Health

Yellow fever is a risk in Bolivia and is spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. You may be asked to show proof of your vaccination at some ports of entry in Bolivia or to enter some countries after visiting Bolivia.  Zika virus is also a risk. If you're pregnant, discuss your travel plans with your doctor before you leave. There's also a risk of malaria and dengue. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent. Consider taking anti-malaria medication. 

Many parts of Bolivia are at high altitudes. You're at risk of altitude sickness if you travel above 2,500m. The risk is greater if your ascent is rapid. Altitude sickness can be life-threatening and can affect anyone, even if you're very fit and healthy. High altitude impacts the body by reducing oxygen levels, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, fatigue and nausea – altitude sickness. 

 

How can you avoid developing altitude sickness? 

  • Acclimatise gradually where possible. Avoid strenuous activities and gradually increase your activity level as your body adjusts. 
  • Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.  
  • Avoid alcohol, smoking and caffeine.  
  • Eat foods rich in carbohydrates to maintain energy levels. Avoid heavy or greasy food. 
  • Take long, slow, deep breaths to increase your oxygen intake and help your body adjust to the lower oxygen levels. 
  • Consult your doctor about medications which may reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness. Also consider using local Andean remedies. 

 

Official Travel advice visit: 

Bolivia Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

Safe Travel NZ | Bolivia (New Zealand) 

How to Get There & Getting Around

Bolivia’s main international airports are Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) in Santa Cruz and El Alto International Airport (LPB) in La Paz. 

From neighbouring countries, you can enter Bolivia by bus from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru. Popular border crossings include Desaguadero and Copacabana from Peru, and Villazón from Argentina. While Bolivia is landlocked, you can travel via Lake Titicaca from Peru, using boats to cross the lake and then continuing by land. In regions like the Amazon Basin and Lake Titicaca, boats are a primary mode of transportation. 

Buses are the most common way to travel around Bolivia. Companies like Todo Turismo and Trans Copacabana are well-regarded. Domestic airlines like Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) and Amaszonas offer flights between major cities. 

Taxis are widely used, but ensure the meter is running or you agree on your fare at the start of your journey. 

In La Paz, the Mi Teleférico cable car system is the world's longest urban cable car network, providing stunning views and efficient transportation across the city.  

Holidays & Festivals

  • Oruro Carnival: Held the week before Ash Wednesday, this UNESCO-recognised festival features elaborate parades, folk dances and vibrant costumes. It attracts over 400,000 visitors. 
  • Semana Santa (Holy Week): During the week leading up to Easter, religious processions, reenactments of the Passion of Christ, and pilgrimages are held. 
  • San Juan: On 24 June bonfires, traditional music, and festivities are held to celebrate San Juan Bautista. In the highlands, fires are lit to ward off evil spirits. 
  • Independence Day: 6 August  - Parades and cultural events commemorate Bolivia's independence from Spain in 1825. 
  • All Saints' Day and Day of the Dead: From 1-2 November, families honour deceased loved ones at cemeteries and homes. 

Language

The official language of Bolivia is Spanish, along with Quechua, Aymara and 34 other indigenous languages. 

Money, Tipping & Shopping

The official currency of Bolivia is the Bolivian Boliviano (BOB).  Cash is widely used, especially in rural areas and towns. It's a good idea to carry small denominations for convenience. 

 

Tipping in Bolivia is appreciated for good service. It is common to leave a tip of 5-10% in restaurants and a few Bolivianos (2-4) per drink as a token of appreciation. Housekeeping staff appreciate tips of 6-10 Bolivianos ($1-2) per day, while porters and concierges appreciate 5-7 Bolivianos ($1) per bag. For tour guides, a tip of 10-15% of the tour cost is customary if you’re happy with the service. 

 

Bolivia offers a variety of unique souvenirs. Some popular options include: 

  • Salt crystals and crafts from the Uyuni Salt Flats 
  • Andean textiles such as high-quality products made from alpaca wool 
  • Bowler hats, a distinctive part of Bolivian women's attire 
  • Aguayo cloth, a colourful rectangular textile used by Andeans to carry children and small items 
  • Handcrafted talismans found in markets like the Witches Market in La Paz are believed to bring good luck or ward off evil spirits 

Visas

The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travellers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa and more using the Sherpa travel tool: Visa Advice 

 

Australians and New Zealanders can enter Bolivia without a visa for tourist purposes for stays of up to 30 days, which can be extended to 90 days, the maximum stay per year.  

 
For more information visit: 

Bolivia Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

Safe Travel NZ | Bolivia (New Zealand) 

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