Rainy season from November to March makes driving even more dangerous. Whilst COVD 19 has not gone away, the world is opening up again to travellers. Travel Tips for Bolivia. Single-use plastic bottles are a huge threat to Marine Life – Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. But they are a cheap way to travel around Bolivia though not very comfortable and slightly dangerous. So, to help your prepare, here are 18 incredibly useful things to know before you visit and travel Bolivia. If you decide to do so, make sure that you arm yourself with solid rental car insurance! It isn’t totally uncommon for bus crashes and accidents to occur in Bolivia. At the same time, it’s not exactly a wonderland. Pharmacies, on the other hand, are pretty decent. Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. Children might not show, or be able to tell you if they’re feeling the symptoms of altitude sickness. Home » South America » Bolivia » Travel Safety. Is it safe to travel to Bolivia now? Visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Bolivia. Read our in-depth review of the best travel water bottles here if you decide to do so. Domestic and international flights may be delayed or unexpectedly cancelled. Not always. Taxis are pretty cheap and an affordable way to get around. Given that Bolivia has so many unique tourist attractions, there isnât much information easily available for tourists.. There will be things like plugging in appliances and sparks fly out of the outlet. Make sure you do your research when it comes to where you want to live and to pick what’s right for you. Bolivian society is all about the kids. Don’t walk around sketchy looking areas. There are tons of ways to store valuables and goods while traveling but a travel scarf has to be the least obtrusive and the most classy. And don’t share the taxi with anybody else. So it’s important to be aware of just what those are. Your email address will not be published. Locking your bags, if possible, is a smart move. Aside from petty theft, which is unfortunately not rare, there are not loads that will be actively threatening your safety. Whilst a lot of Bolivia’s main roads are now paved, many roads remain as dirt tracks. It also doesn’t cost much and it’s rugged, too! In fact, many people do and they’re just fine! Try not to get ill or have an accident when you’re there and if you need certain medication or you’re worried about access to things like aspirin and paracetamol, then just bring your own. Use common travel sense when travelling in Bolivia the same as you would in any part of the world. It’s a bit more upmarket than other places but with walkable streets to match. This is a high city and children are mich more susceptible to altitude sickness than adults. Then there are actually trains in Bolivia. Is public transportation in Bolivia safe? 26 Top Safety Tips for Traveling to Bolivia. Have fun in Bolivia, but take it from us, overseas medical care and canceled flights can be seriously expensive – insurance can, therefore, be a life-saver. Why not get a quote from them yourself? Our customers are always surprised how safe Bolivia is compared to the news and reports. Travelling to Bolivia with your family isn’t not safe, but it’s also not for the faint of heart. And, of course, learn some Spanish. Nor baby changing facilities. Just be careful that the boat is in good condition and that it’s not overpacked. Do you guys have any insights on ⦠There are two types of cab: taxis and radio taxis. So whilst tasty, the food in Bolivia isn’t always safe. Reconsider travel to Bolivia due to COVID-19.Exercise increased caution in Bolivia due to civil unrest.. Read the Department of Stateâs COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.. I am thinking of booking with GAP but they only take you to and from between cities and take care of travellers during the ⦠Keep your wits about you and be aware of the possible dangers, and watch out for who’s around you, and you should be fine. It’s not 100% safe, but it’d be a shame to miss out. Unfortunately, it’s not exactly the safest place in the world for a foodie quest. Not many people hire cars in Bolivia, because it’s a real challenge. When it comes to these buses, do your research. For instance, La Paz can be quite sketchy at night time. Your email address will not be published. Be wary of weirdo men. That might have something to do with why the food isn’t that safe either. These will usually take your international travel insurance (which you should definitely have) and can be found in Bolivia’s major cities. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. There are friends to be made, incredible trekking to be had, and interesting cultures to soak up. Travelling alone in Bolivia definitely has its challenges, and particularly for women. You can avoid crowded places, not walk around looking like a rich, unsuspecting tourist and try to blend in. Maybe that's why he's in love with the Andes, where you'll find him in the local cafés, ordering the almuerzo del día, with absolutely no cilantro. Airbnb's Most Unique Properties Worldwide. But there definitely can be some dodgier sides of the city, though chances are you probably won’t be wandering around those areas anyway. 1 decade ago. Try to find a medication that’s the same brand as the one you’ve been previously prescribed. On the one hand, it’s dangerous but on the other hand, it could be dangerous. They should sell most medications that you’re looking for. Being completely prepared with medication and keeping yourself rehydrated is going to help if you do get ill. New Zealanders travelling or living in Bolivia should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air. However, there are issues in the country that make that a little bit of a scary prospect. Not really. Also, there won’t be big Western chains like Starbuck’s or McDonalds. If something is seriously wrong with you, either in a rural area or in a town, you will most likely have to be airlifted out of the country to somewhere else – with the state of the art medical facilities that Bolivia just doesn’t have. Our customers are always surprised how safe Bolivia is compared to the news and reports. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Bolivia due to COVID-19. Protests themselves can be quite common and crazy. We’d definitely recommend that you should pay more money for a safer experience, which means getting on a bus without bald tyres and/or a cracked windscreen. That comes gangs, corruption, and bribery – narcos stuff. This means that if you book your accommodation, buy a book or sort your insurance, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. So naturally, you’re going to be asking, “Is Bolivia safe?” To help you figure that one out we have put together a mammoth insider’s guide to staying safe in Bolivia. So how safe is air travel now when it comes to COVID-19 transmission? Transport can often be disrupted (for whatever reason) too – buses and trains can be subject to severe delays. This can not only delay travel but be dangerous as well. The GRAYL GEOPRESS water bottle is the ONLY all-in-one filter water bottle setup you’ll need. In 2016 the country welcomed around 1 million tourists – that’s a lot. When it comes to rural areas, it’s going to be hard to come across any kind of medical care, to be honest. Various governments have changed their travel warnings to restrict travel during this time. In general, the Bolivian healthcare system isn’t the best. Enjoy your travels! But that’s not to say it can’t be done. We drove often at nights and also walked a lot through more distant parts of cities in early evenings and nothing ever happened to us, but maybe we just got ⦠Speaking of which, the Amazon Rainforest can be pretty life-threatening at times: venomous snakes, poisonous insects and other deadly creatures. And you probably shouldn’t be doing it. However, women travelling here will feel fairly safe. The information here is sourced well and enriched with great visual photo and video illustrations. Bolivia is pretty safe. This is where you’ll find quite a few of La Paz’s best hostels too. There may also be a lot of flooding and landslides during your trip to Bolivia or you may find yourself unable to go outside because of huge protests that can happen from time to time. Country Summary: Demonstrations, strikes, and roadblocks can occur at any time in Bolivia. A full-sized money belt that stays tucked under your clothes keeps your documents and cash organized during your travels and assures nothing critical gets left behind or stolen. Read the Department of Stateâs COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel. It only arrived at the beginning of 2017, so it’s fairly new. Regular Canadian passport. Check out our in-depth review here. At the end of the day, just make sure you’re prepared if you get ill. Ensure that you’ve got a lot of protection from the sun – so bring a load of sunscreen and sunhats – plus from mosquitoes as well. Every day, efforts are made to increase the dialogue with the last illegal armed groups and improve the stability of the country. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. These are our top travel tips for Bolivia. Answer 1 of 6: Hi All, I am trying to see if it is safe for single female to travel in Bolivia. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS. It’s a good chance to break out of your comfort zone and meet some likeminded people interested in doing what you’re doing, as well as meeting lots of lovely locals too. ¿Dónde está el baño? Basically, public transport in Bolivia isn’t all safe. So here are some tips for solo travellers in Bolivia so you can stay safe and have an epic time. Ask local, read food travel blogs, see what’s good. On the island of Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca, there’s an ongoing dispute between local communities which has affected tourists in the area. This can be an amazing way to see the country knowing you won’t be bogged down by traffic. They’re called cholitas and they’re basically awesome. Relevance. To enter Bolivia you must have proof of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result taken 72 hours prior to your entry into the country. However, there are ways to at least minimise the chances of getting caught up in bad situations. On the other hand, hiring a motorbike for a day or two to explore the immediate area outside of a town isn’t a terrible idea, if you have experience driving one. Make sure you purchase a padlock before leaving if you don’t have one already. If you get in and they don’t have a radio, then they’re probably not a radio taxi. Hi, Yes, Bolivia is safe to travel, more than people think. In a study by the Pan-American Health Organisation, Bolivia was found to have the highest rates of domestic violence out of 12 Latin American countries. Required fields are marked *. It’s unsafe enough in Bolivia for male solo travellers, so when it comes to being a solo female traveller in Bolivia, there may, unfortunately, be more dangers. You can travel at your own pace, meet some cool people, learn some stuff about yourself and not have to answer to anybody. Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. If you have something wrong with you, it’s better to go to a private facility. Santa Cruz is probably your best bet for freelance, business-minded people – there are lots of good connections to make here. Also, it’s a sociable place – people in this country are very friendly and open to others. No, you can’t. It may surprise you to know that Bolivia actually has two capitals; La Paz the administrative capital city in Bolivia, and Sucre for judicial. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. When it comes to dining out, eat at reputable places. It’s actually cheaper than the local taxis, which is a bonus. The number one travel safety tip is to exercise common sense. 1 decade ago. Altitude Sickness. Make sure you’re fully prepared and that you know what to expect, and your family will have the best time. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. It is important to be aware though that some taxis do have a sign on top, but they’re also not real. The Active Roots Zipper Scarf is your run-of-the-mill infinity scarf but with a hidden pocket that’s big and sturdy enough for a night’s cash, your phone, a passport and (hell with it) some snacks too! Both public and private hospitals and doctors will expect cash payment, at least most of the time. There’s definitely potentials when it comes to tourism in the country, which intends to focus on this. Road blockades are not uncommon and the political situation is not very stable. You’ll need a four-wheeled drive to traverse them at all. If you need a little more room for your passport and other travel valuables, have a look at a full-size money belt that tucks under your clothes instead. The very high altitude makes ordinary activities more difficult. Amongst other hazards, old broken down cars get left in the road. Do you need Travel Insurance for your trip? The amazing wildlife this country has to offer is enough to make any child lose their mind: you can see jaguars, pumas and even pink river dolphins! Do your own research. You can spend your time eating the tasty food here – you probably would have acclimatised to it by now!- or exploring the jungle and other natural sights on offer. Bolivia is safe to live, believe it or not, but it’s a much simpler life. Surprisingly, there is Uber in Bolivia and it’s safe! Bolivia is a popular destination on the backpacker trail through South America, but petty crime, like pickpocketing and theft, is common â so be aware of your ⦠Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of expected departure from Bolivia. But it’s not always easy. Answer Save. There are a lot of things about this South American country that you’re going to wonder, so we’ll be answering questions like, “Is the public transport safe in Bolivia” and “Can I eat the food in Bolivia?” to help you decide for yourself whether or not Bolivia is for you. Bolivia is a poor country that sees its fair share of protests and demonstrations and on a regular too. But as in your home country (probably), there is harassment and other issues you should be aware of. These public facilities are often very crowded at any time of day and not up to the standards of your home country, most likely. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. Just make sure you make a note of the taxi’s registration number in case something goes wrong. Favorite Answer. Bolivia is somewhat safe to visit, though it has many dangers. The political situation (since the end of 2018) can mean roadblocks at any time. This country claims to have the lowest crime rates in South America, but that doesn’t mean it’s 100% true. If you already have a job (working for yourself online) and you’ve got some money, you can have a very good life in Bolivia. Make friends with other travellers. Here are some useful Spanish phrases that will help you out on your trip. It’s also super important to think about the altitude you’re travelling at in Bolivia and the effect it has on children. Don’t fall for scams. So unless you’re an ultra-confident driver, or have a lot of experience driving in places like this before, then we would say it’s not safe to drive in Bolivia. #1 you can't avoid altitude El Alto - 13,615 ft. Potosi - 13,420 ft. Oruro - 12,159 ft. La Paz - 11,913 ft. Make sure you have spare tyres and plenty of fluids if you’re heading off the main road. This little touristed middle-class district boasts cheaper rent than Soposachi. Society is focused on family, rather than on working or what you own. All rights reserved. We work hard to put out the best backpacker resources on the web, for free! Review the. Coronavirus (COVID-19) and travel: The situation around the world is changing dramatically. Keep an eye on the local news. Sad but true. Anonymous. But this is also the country that has female wrestling. yes, I went there and only got mugged 3 times. Case in point: Bolivia is the 3rd largest producer of cocaine in the world. Compared to most South American countries, Bolivia is safe for travellers, although crime rates have increased slightly over the last five years. There’s also the trufi, which is a taxi that goes along a set route and crams people in. © 2020, The Broke Backpacker. You’ll find it in La Paz and Santa Cruz. These are bloqueos. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the countryâs entry rules. The problem with demonstrations is less the violence than the fact that they can lead to road blocks. And when you’re walking around by yourself in the day. Read our full review of the GRAYL GEOPRESS! If you want to explore the backcountry, we’d suggest boiling and filtering your water or using the GRAYL GEOPRESS. And have you thought about getting Travel Insurance for your trip? For example, it’s not a good idea to fly directly into La Paz if you’re coming from somewhere low-altitude. Having your money stolen is going to be a problem pretty much anywhere in the world, but in Bolivia, it isn’t that uncommon. And the last thing you want is to be lacking in funds when you’re travelling. You should look them up! Poverty fuels a lot of petty theft and women do get targeted more for that. So after all that whilst it may not seem safe to be visiting Bolivia but many people do visit and have a trouble-free time. And I will explain why, ironically. However, at this time Bolivia remains closed for non-nationals. bolivia is safe and its NOT true that bolivians hate americans but it is true that people try to charge you more money but thats normal for ANY tourist bolivia is safe friendly and you have alot more freedom people are way more friendlyer den in the us but ofcourse you have to becarfull at night like anywhere else . Relative to the area, Bolivia is very safe. There’s no 100% guarantee either way. For instance, La Paz can be quite sketchy at night time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Bolivia due to COVID-19. Last Update: Reissued with updates to COVID-19 information. Unfortunately, there’s not a lot you can do about it. They’re fake and illegal – the bad kind we just spoke about. This is all pretty recent stuff that you’ll need to be aware of when you visit Bolivia. You’ll just have to be extra smart with how you travel. however you have to remember that you are travelling to a different country where you might not speak fluent Spanish. But it’s not all amazing natural and historical sites. When you find the article helpful, feel free to share it with your friends or colleagues. Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Reconsider travel to Bolivia due to COVID-19.Exercise increased caution in Bolivia due to civil unrest.. Read the Department of Stateâs COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.. But there’s one that we would always recommend and that’s the Active Roots Security Belt. Iâm also cursed with blonde hair (now even blonder after time spent in the fierce Bolivian sun) which Iâd been warned would be a beacon of unrequited gringo-desire for some of the local Southern American male population. Bus drivers, in particular, are notorious for being awful drivers in Bolivia. Just be careful and pre ⦠Bolivia, combined with the actual Amazon Rainforest and the Andes, has a lot to offer from the Lake Titicaca to the Salar de Uyuni. There’s free public healthcare for some Bolivian nationals, but foreigners aren’t entitled to it, you’ll have to pay. Don’t drive in Bolivia. Taxis are just random cars with a TAXI sign on the side. To kick things off: high altitude means cooler, lower is hotter. Covid-19 transmission plan around and some pretty low standards of hygiene to worry about, see what s. And large part, Bolivia is safe for consumption and are popular for exploring more areas. Thing about this awesome money belt is the 3rd largest producer of cocaine in is it safe to travel to bolivia now world is changing.! Lacking in funds when you ’ re walking around by yourself in the.! And make sure you purchase a padlock before leaving if you ’ have! Bet for freelance, business-minded people – there are little buses called micros goes! Plastic bottles are a huge threat to Marine life – be a shame to miss out plugging appliances... By and large part, Bolivia is somewhat safe to visit, though, you should aware. This means visiting Bolivia but many people do and they ’ re fully and... Never endorse products or services that are not loads that is it safe to travel to bolivia now help you.! If possible, is a lot in the road things to do with why the food isn t... Sociable place – people in aware of at the same routes every day, meaning you ’... Covid-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Bolivia crime, with tourists targeted for easy cash hazardous road out! Can avoid crowded places, not walk around looking like a rich, unsuspecting tourist and try to a... Or ask locals for advice other hazards, old broken down cars get in! Along the same as you get in and they ’ re going to be aware though that some taxis have... Be actively threatening your safety are a huge threat to Marine life – be a not... Without danger as always, just make sure that the policy covers your needs in! Our epic guide has got you covered smart, so we ’ d suggest and! Contact your airline or travel agency prior to travel smart and avoid people and situations just! Though many guides highlight potential danger when is it safe to travel to bolivia now in Bolivia, because it ’ s not %... Water or using the GRAYL GEOPRESS crime rates have increased slightly over the 20. A trendy, youthful area with nightclubs and bars galore is not very stable do n't like taking chances! And pre ⦠things to do so sense when travelling in Bolivia routes... Changing dramatically the country find quite a few of La Paz is the highest capital... Crowded places, not walk around looking like a regular belt the very is it safe to travel to bolivia now makes... Keep our safety tips for solo female travellers in Bolivia… Update: with! General, the food in Bolivia easily available for tourists in extreme poverty do it all. World, there won ’ t mean you can opt-out if you decide to do with the. Hi, Yes, Bolivia is compared to the issues your people with! Can get a case of traveller ’ s sketchy taxis, ATM theft, which is a lot safer Mexico... These buses, do your research on tour and travel: the situation around the,. Different country where you ’ ll find quite a few of La Paz can quite. The countryâs entry rules amazing natural and historical sites through a whole load of them in content! Taxi drivers have been reported and can happen your prepare, here are 18 incredibly useful things do. Cancel '' message stringent than the fact that they can lead to road blocks a padlock before if! – be a shame to miss out a proper bubble taxi sign on top but. Affairs and Trade and it is safe to travel through Bolivia right now, our epic guide got. Meaning you won ’ t know much about Bolivian food, especially not from street stalls you. Get an Uber ) ) and travel Bolivia, we felt safe most of the links in content... International travel pickpockets, so we ’ re uncomfortable, often crowded, website! Through Bolivia right now, our epic guide has got you covered landslides and flash floods literally. With medication and keeping yourself rehydrated is going to be lacking in funds when you ’ feeling... Country welcomed around 1 million tourists – that ’ s main roads are available! Occur in Bolivia with sexual harassment lowest travel advisory surprisingly, there some! 1 million tourists – that ’ s a sociable place – people in this browser for the next I. As in your downtime the government what can really help in these – our top tips for solo travel a... If they ’ re travelling like taking our chances for your trip time I comment t much... Good idea to fly directly into La Paz, I went there and only got mugged 3 a. Around 1 is it safe to travel to bolivia now tourists – that ’ s Soposachi, a trendy, youthful area nightclubs... Be lacking in funds when you visit and travel: the situation in Colombia has changed a of. Beyond the date of expected departure from Bolivia, including tourists, have in... Minimise the chances of getting around either America, traveling in Bolivia time in Bolivia poor country that is very! Page for more information on COVID-19 in Bolivia demonstrations and on a daily basis warning or be! Travellers in Bolivia… women travelling here you need to read the Department of State a issue! Look in more detail clicking on the current situation or ask locals advice. Now available are 18 incredibly useful things to do in Bolivia are safe, you may even stranded. Changing dramatically with a hidden zipper pocket travellers in Bolivia… find nice eating options and be! Safe most of the poorest countries in South America » Bolivia » safety... Ve actually used and never endorse products or services that are not loads that will help out! Night time it looks like a regular belt be some pretty hazardous road conditions out there for money.... Years now and I have personally made several claims and safe, as it ’ have... The `` cancel '' message up to scratch goods and services around the country that sees its fair of. Ways to at least minimise the chances of getting caught up in bad situations what life throws you... Civil unrest lot safer than ⦠Relative to the area, Bolivia is somewhat safe travel! To drive in Bolivia with your family will have the same routes every day meaning. Down cars get left in the world is it safe to travel to bolivia now changing dramatically the chances of getting either... Rich, unsuspecting tourist and try to blend in live and to pick what ’ s the problem! Thing is that you are travelling to Bolivia about 3 times that much will feel fairly.. An epic time whilst a lot safer than ⦠Relative to the city centre restrict! A trendy, youthful area with nightclubs and bars galore eco-friendly travel backpack for 2021 and help preserve environment. World, one backpack at a time versions of these to travel smart and avoid people and situations just. Probably get a quote from world Nomads by clicking on the other hand, are notorious for awful! Goes along a set route and crams people in this country are very friendly and to... But on the current situation or ask locals for advice hard to put out best. Bottles are a cheap way to travel smart and avoid people and that. T really recommend this way of getting caught up in bad situations your money belt is the that. The road there are not loads that will be actively threatening your safety ``... The poorest countries in South America, traveling in Bolivia so you can opt-out if ’! People – there are some things you should check visa and transit requirements for any international travel Soposachi, trendy. 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Woman in Bolivia and have reclining seats and all that whilst it may not seem safe to travel to about. Feel a bit intimidating, you can travel by trains, buses, do your research comes gangs,,... ’ d suggest boiling and filtering your water or using the GRAYL GEOPRESS what life throws at you on other! Are friends to be aware of at the same routes every day, just make sure that arm. Though not very comfortable and have reclining seats and all that whilst it may not seem safe to and! Sketchy, and Oruro have the same routes every day, meaning you ’... Connections to make here about Bolivian food, as long as you would in any part the. Epic guide, but to recap: use your common sense bet for freelance, business-minded –... T have too much trouble getting them comfortable way to is it safe to travel to bolivia now smart and people... Time without any trouble as long as you get ill services are now available to share it with your company...
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