Passports, Visas, and important documents
Most nationalities do not need to get a visa before coming to Bolivia, and in fact getting one may cause you problems. To check the status of your country, check http://www.rree.gov.bo./ For citizens of countries that don’t need to apply for a visa in advance (i.e. most western countries) you will receive a 30 day stamp when you arrive in the country. Two extensions of 30 days each can be obtained any immigration office. Anyone planning to stay longer than 6 months may need to get a year visa.
Citizens of the United States now require a visa - however, one can be obtained upon arrival - for $100.
Leave a photocopy of your passport and other important documents with your family at home. Write down the serial numbers of credit cards, traveler’s cheques, and the phone number of the lost/stolen hotline. Keep these in a separate place from the originals.
Bolivian law requires you to carry identification at all times – we recommend that you carry in addition to your passport a photocopy of your passport and show this when asked, never the original. It is a good idea to make copies of other important documents such as: airline tickets, insurance policies, important prescriptions be sure to store them separately from the originals.
Be aware of the expiration dates of your passport and credit cards/debit cards/travelers cheques. You may also wish to purchase insurance which covers medical emergencies, evacuation, personal belongings and repatriation.
Money and Finances
• Travelers checks are VERY difficult to change and the charges are often quite steep.
• You can exchange small amounts of US dollars, into bolivianos in the streets. It is
recommended that you use banks or casas de cambio (exchange houses) for large amounts (more than $us.100) not street money changers.
• It is common that nobody will accept dollar bills that look old or are torn. Not even banks!!
• Credit cards - Visa (most common), and Master Card are accepted in main cities. Cash can be withdrawn by credit card at ATM locations and some banks. Debit cards can be used in many locations. American Express? - Just leave home without it.
• When changing money it is advisable to ask for some small bills (10's and 20's) as it is often difficult to change large bills.
Immunizations
It takes time to have an effective course of immunizations so you will need to speak with your doctor or travel clinic at least 12 weeks before you intend to travel.
Depending on where you are traveling within the country, the following immunizations are recommended for Bolivia: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever (required).
Serious tropical diseases are spread through infected mosquitoes. Malarial pills are not necessary in the high altitude sections of the country, but you may want to bring some along in case you travel to the tropical regions of the country.
In addition to the above, check that your other vaccinations are up to date (polio, TB, meningitis, MMR, diphtheria, tetanus). It is recommended that you have a general check-up and dental exam before you travel especially if you will away for an extended period of time (+3 months).
Common Health Problems
Diarrhea
“BOIL IT, COOK IT, PEEL IT OR FORGET IT”
The most common health problem with tourist is “traveler’s diarrhea”, caused by nasty bugs found in contaminated food and water. The best way to avoid the above is by paying careful attention to what, and where, you eat and drink.
- Do not drink tap water in Bolivia or brush your teeth with it.
- Be wary of ice in drinks - except in better restaurants.
- Always ensure bottled water is properly sealed before you buy it. It is cheap and available almost everywhere.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before eating and drinking.
- Street food is never certain to be safe. Particularly avoid undercooked meat and fish, dairy products and raw vegetables.
- Dehydration can easily occur at higher altitudes and is a serious danger when you are experiencing diarrhea (be sure to drink at least a cup of water for each trip to the bathroom). At high altitudes you should drink at least 2 liters of water per day.
- If you do find yourself suffering from dehydration (symptoms include: headache, muscle spasms) a good re-hydration mix is: 1 litre of water, 1 spoon of sugar, 1 spoon of salt. You can also buy re-hydration salts in any pharmacy.
Altitude Sickness (Sorocchi)
Altitude sickness (sorocchi) can occur (especially when first arriving to the El Alto airport!), the best cure if possible is to descend to lower altitude. The symptoms (headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, loss of appetite) can be avoided or alleviated by taking it easy your first few days, eating small meals and avoiding alcohol your first few nights in town.
Sorocchi pills are sold in almost all pharmacies and are a mixture of caffeine and aspirin, which can also be helpful in alleviating symptoms.
Remember the sun is strong especially at high altitudes. It is a good idea to follow our friends the Australians:
SLIP on some clothes
SLOP on some high factor sunscreen
SLAP on hat
Safety and Scams
Bolivia is one of the safest South American countries and most Bolivians are friendly and helpful although, as in every country, you should take precautions.
- Be aware that pedestrians do not have right of way - watch out for crazy drivers and stay out of the street.
- Lock your baggage when traveling.
- Keep your valuables, including passport, in a money belt under your clothing.
- Don’t wear expensive jewelry.
- Don’t walk alone after dark in isolated areas. Best to take a radio taxi - not just any taxi.
These scams may be tried on you throughout Bolivia …read through the list below, be aware, and remember they happen when you least expect it…
1. The friendly tourist and the plain-clothes police officer.
A “tourist” approaches you and asks for directions, moments later, someone else comes over and shows you an official looking ID. He claims to be a police officer and asks to see your passport/entry stamp. Your new “friend” says this isn’t unusual and takes out his own ID / passport / entry stamp. The “police officer” then asks to inspect your money for counterfeit notes and / or your bag for drugs. During the process the two will steal your money / contents of your bag.
Variations include being asked to get into a taxi to go to the police station, during the ride they will go through your wallet / bag robbing you.
What to do?
Assume plain-clothes police officers are con – artists. Don’t allow anyone to search your bags. Only show a photocopy of your passport. Never get into a taxi with a stranger or with other people already in it.
2. It’s raining money / credit cards / white powder, etc.
Someone drops money or some other potentially valuable item near you. You bend down to pick it up and:
a. You are accused of stealing it and asked to pay to avoid arrest.
b. You are asked to share your find while being robbed
c. While bending over, you are pick-pocketed / have your bag snaked/stolen.
What to do? Ignore “accidentally” dropped items – keep walking, minding your own business. If someone approaches you with “dropped” money / phone card / credit card, become suspicious, watch your bags, and get away from the situation. Be rude if necessary.
3. Helpful cleaners
You’re walking down the street and a helpful person points out spit / vomit / mustard / dulce de leche etc. on your bag / jacket. They, or someone else, offer to help clean it off – while another person empties your pockets / bag or runs off with the jacket / bag you’ve just taken off to clean.
What to do?
Ignore said mess and keep walking. Wait until you get to your hostel / hotel / a safe restaurant to clean it off. Be careful the nearest convenient spot may be a set up to rob you.
4. The unlucky traveler
A “respectable looking traveler” tells you they’ve just been robbed / they’ve just got out of prison / their sisters just died, etc. and ask you for money.
What to do?
Do not give them anything; if in doubt give them information on the nearest police station / their country’s embassy details.
5. Bag – slashers and pick – pocketers
You are in the busy market / bus terminal and someone casually brushes against your back / bumps into you. The contents of your pockets / your bag have disappeared.
What to do?
Always carry your valuables in a safe place (ex. Money belt) underneath your clothes. Don’t have large amounts of cash in your pocket / bag. Wear backpack / bag on the front of your body.
6. People lurking at the bus terminal / café / outside hostel
Someone distracts you, asking for directions, telling you their life story etc., while someone else snatches your bag.
What to do?
Always have one eye on your belongings. Try not to travel alone. Make a habit of hooking your leg / arm through the strap of your bag.
7. The extra – long bus ride
You are on the bus and the person next to you, asks you to open their drink. You oblige, and being polite, the person offers you a little. You take a swig and hours later you wake up in a daze, having been drugged with no belongings; even your shoes are gone.
What to do?
Never accept drinks or food from strangers.
Some cultural Do’S and Don'ts
Bolivian culture is a vibrant part of everyday life and the innumerable festivals and remote small villages will allow you to experience it firsthand.
However, as in any culture, Bolivia may at times irritate or disturb you because it is different from what you are use to. You may find the poverty or treatment of domestic animals disturbing or be frustrated by Bolivians’ lack of punctuality or rudeness of driving (especially taxis, trufis, and bus drivers). It is very important that you try to gain a respect for, and understanding of, the cultural differences. One way to do this is to read about Bolivia before you come.
Here are a few tips for lessening that culture shock and helping you figure out some common social situations.
- Greeting is an important part of Bolivian culture one should always acknowledge all the people in a room when you enter or leave it. You can do this by looking at each person and saying "buenos días/tardes/noches", shaking hands or by a simple kiss on the right cheek.
- It is considered rude to stretch, yawn or burp in front of someone.
- If there is a mat or rag in a doorway take the hint and use it to clean your feet.
- If someone is eating and leave the table you should say “provecho” – “permiso” and if it is said to you, respond with “gracias”. The same “permiso” should be used when you enter or leave a group or meeting.
- Bolivians in general, are quiet people - so be aware of the volume of your voice especially when in groups of foreigners.
- Drinking is a part of almost all fiestas, weddings, baptisms and even Todos Santos and Bolivians can often times be very insistent that you join in. If you don’t feel up to having a few cups with them it may be best not to go attend the event. It may work to say you are "mal de estomago" (sick) or pregnant but the social pressure will still be there.
THINGS TO BRING
Light-weight fast drying clothing which is easy to wash is ideal. Layers are most flexible with the climate. When you pack remember LESS is MORE, many people wish they hadn’t brought so many clothes. If you forget something or need an extra sweater, good quality clothing is cheap and easily available in Bolivia.
We recommend that you bring the following:
- Lightweight layerable clothing
- Jacket and sweater
- Bath towel
- Comfortable walking shoes (tough to find shoes larger than 42)
- Rain gear
- Small knapsack
- Tampons (expensive) and contraceptives if necessary
- Camera
- Extra film or memory chip
- Money Belt
- Swimsuit
- Insect repellent
- Sun screen lotion 30 factor
- Sunglasses
- A good sun hat
- Flashlight
- Medical supplies (including antiseptic, aspirin, charcoal, Imodium/Lomotil, lip and nose moisturizer)
