Bolivia
South America · Spanish · Boliviano
Sip the coca tea, climb stairs slowly on day one, and always ask before photographing anyone in the markets.
Today in Bolivia
No Bolivia stories in today's wires — read the global briefing.
5 phrases you need in Bolivia
- HelloHolaOH-lah
- GoodbyeAdiósah-DYOHS
- PleasePor favorpor fah-VOR
- Thank youGraciasGRAH-syahs
- Excuse meDisculpedees-KOOL-peh
The Trovlr app drills all 8 Bolivia phrases with audio, Duolingo-style. Get the app →
Know before you go
safety
La Paz sits at 3,600 meters and altitude sickness is real; take it easy for 48 hours, hydrate, and let coca tea or soroche pills do their work.
money
Carry small boliviano notes since nobody can break a 200, ATMs vanish outside cities, and counterfeit bills circulate; check large notes you receive.
transport
La Paz's Mi Teleférico cable car network doubles as the best city tour in South America; for Uyuni, vet your salt-flat tour agency rather than picking the cheapest.
etiquette
Always ask before photographing market vendors and cholitas; a polite request and a small purchase go much further than a long lens.
Get Bolivia updates
News, fees, and rule changes for Bolivia — in your inbox as they break.