Going to en Bolivie: Formalities and administrative steps
Organize your stay en Bolivie
Money en Bolivie
The currency is the boliviano, divided into 100 centavos. The Iso code for Bolivian currency is: BOB. Denominations are 10 (blue), 20 (orange), 50 (purple), 100 (red) and 200 (light brown) bolivianos. Coins are 10, 20 and 50 centimes, as well as 1, 2 and 5 bolivianos. Remember to carry notes of 5, 10 or 20 bolivianos for everyday expenses (transport, cabs and food). Small bills are often in poor condition. For them to be valid, the two serial numbers on the right and left of the bill must coincide. Wherever possible, all prices in this guide are given in bolivianos (Bs) and US dollars (US$), which are widely used in the country.
Exchange rates: 1 € = 7.3 Bs, 10 Bs = 1.37 €; 1 US$ = 6.93 Bs, 10 Bs = 1.44 US$ (early 2025). The Boliviano is pegged to the US dollar, despite some deflation against the latter in recent years.
Exchange offices and banks. Arrive with plenty of euros on you, as many as possible, so that you can change them in exchange offices as you travel, in stores or even directly on the street. The rate is very advantageous, much more so than the official ATM rate, due to the country's liquidity problems. It's impossible to take money out of Bolivia, and as in Argentina with the "dollar blue", here your euros are exchanged in a minimum value of €1 for 10 Bs, but up to 13 or 14 Bs, i.e. double the official rate, depending on the day! It's easy and very safe (no theft) to exchange your money. In this guide, we indicate where to exchange your euros in each major city.
Banks have cash dispensers, but they're not always well-stocked, so always carry a reserve of cash with you. When you withdraw euros, be sure to take out a large amount, as the local bank charges a fixed fee. The rate is in line with the official rate, and therefore much less advantageous than exchanging cash.
CB payment. Choose a card with no bank charges abroad (particularly online banks) for both withdrawals and payments, as it is possible to pay by CB in many places, which is handy for storing your cash as it goes quickly. Pay directly in bolivianos and not in dollars when asked to do so when entering the amount, as this is more advantageous for Europeans.
Budget & Tips en Bolivie
Plane. The average price of a return flight from Paris to La Paz is €1,200. A flight to Santa Cruz de la Sierra costs slightly less. Domestic flights, with BoA or Amaszonas, are also very affordable (from US$50 to US$100 for La Paz-Uyuni). Please try not to haggle over €2. For you, it's nothing, but for a cholita at a market, it's two days' food for your family.
Standard of living. In 2014, President Morales raised the minimum wage by 20% to Bs1,440 a month, or around US$207. Since then, the country's good economic performance has enabled it to be increased to Bs 2,362 in 2023. Although in 2024 it was reduced to 2,250 Bs due to the new economic crisis, the overall evolution remains spectacular. As you can see, living in Bolivia is not expensive, but the population is not very wealthy. You can therefore travel more cheaply by eating locally (10-15 Bs in a market), 30-60&nbSp;BS in a local restaurant. Travelling by rudimentary bus costs very little, but choose the more luxurious ones for reasons of comfort and above all safety, as Bolivian roads are dangerous. To sleep, 10 euros per person is the minimum, comfort is 20 euros per person, luxury from 35 euros. For a cab, no more than 10 to 20 Bs a ride... An excellent restaurant charges no more than 90 Bs per dish, i.e. around €10, which is quite reasonable!
Budget. Small budget: around €22 per day per person, including one night in a youth hostel, meals on the go (market, bouis-bouis...) and local bus or minibus trips.
Average budget: €35-60 per day per person, including one night in a hotel with private bathroom and hot water, meals in restaurants, more comfortable tourist buses, possibly one or two domestic flights and all-inclusive stays in the Amazon (for example).
Big budget: €65-110 per day per person, including a night in an international standard hotel, excellent restaurants, private transfers and domestic flights, plus possible all-inclusive stays here and there.
Tipping. It's normally already included in the bill, but there's nothing to stop you thanking someone for good service or special attention... It's a habit we've gradually lost, but it's still very useful when it comes to "congratulating" those who make the effort and deserve it. You'll be rewarded with a beautiful smile, you can be sure, and you'll be helping to improve the image of the French tourist who's always a little too close to his pennies.
Merchandising (pedir rebaja). "Rebájame Casero (or Casera)! "This expression is used to establish a relationship of trust with the shopkeeper, while asking for a discount. Bargaining is part of the Bolivian way of life, but discounts rarely exceed 25% of the original price. However, don't try to undercut the price of local crafts, as their survival depends on it. The right price is also a sign of safety and quality, especially on an excursion. A few years ago, many North American "researchers" bought J'alqa (Bolivia's finest fabrics) at US$5 a piece, because the peasant women didn't know the real value of their products. In fact, they were worth a hundred times more. The Americans in question have dedicated a museum to them in San Diego. What's more, J'alqa fabrics almost disappeared forever from Bolivian culture, as the women of the region needed to have access to earlier models to ensure their continued production. While in other Latin American countries, haggling is part of the way of life, in Bolivia it is used much more sparingly. While it may seem like a game, it's worth remembering that paying a fair price (admittedly difficult to define) is a matter of survival for the local people and respect for the visitor's hosts.
Taxes. Since your final destination is outside the European Union, you can benefit from Duty Free (tax-free purchases). However, if you have a stopover within the European Union, you will benefit from this at all airports on the outward journey, but not on the return. For example, on an outbound flight with a stopover, you can do Duty Free shopping in all three airports, but not in the airport where you are staying on the return journey.
Passport and visas en Bolivie
Visa. For stays of less than 30 days, French, Belgian and Swiss nationals do not need a visa, but only a passport valid for 6 months from the date of entry into Bolivia. This entry permit can be renewed free of charge 2 times, in one visit, with the immigration service. Please note that if you have not renewed your authorization, you will be required to pay a fine when you leave the country, proportional to the number of days of infringement (20 Bs per day). No visa is required for stays of less than 90 days. If you plan to overstay, you must apply for a visa at the Bolivian embassy in France, as it is impossible to obtain one locally (12, Avenue du Président Kennedy 75016 Paris ✆ 01 42 24 93 44 - www.emboliviafrancia.fr).
Passports. All passports issued in France are now biometric. They include your photo, fingerprints and a secure chip. To obtain a passport, go to the Mairie (town hall) with a tax stamp, proof of address, proof of identity and two passport photos. The passport is issued in about three weeks. It is valid for ten years. Children must have a personal passport (valid for five years).
Tip. Before you leave, photocopy all the documents you'll be taking with you. Take one copy of each document with you and leave the other with someone in France. In the event of loss or theft, this will make it much easier to renew your passport with the consular authorities. You can also keep copies on the official website (mon.service-public.fr). Simply create an account and scan all your identity papers and other important documents into the confidential area.
Driver's license en Bolivie
Car hire is not recommended for inexperienced drivers. On the one hand, road signs are rare in Bolivia, and on the other, the tracks are poor and really require driving and... mechanical experience. Asphalted roads are few and far between, and you'll sometimes need a 4x4 to cross some of them. If you're not used to driving in the mountains, beware of the winding roads of the Andes, which can be an ordeal even for the most seasoned motorists... Especially as good travel agencies often hire out an extra driver for the same price. To rent a car, you need to be over 25, have an international driver's license (although, in practice, a national license is sufficient for short-term rentals), and have a credit card (Visa or MasterCard) which you can use to leave a signed form as a guarantee (don't leave the deposit blank, as they ask you to do...).
Health en Bolivie
For advice before your trip, don't hesitate to consult your doctor. You can also contact the travel medicine society at the Institut Pasteur medical center at ✆ 01 45 68 80 88 (www.pasteur.fr/fr/centre-medical) or visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website under "Conseils aux voyageurs" (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/).
Your bank card or health insurance often comes with you in the event of a problem abroad. If you have a Visa® or MasterCard® bank card, you're automatically covered by medical insurance and repatriation assistance for any trip abroad lasting less than 90 days (you don't have to pay for your trip with your card to be covered; simply holding a valid card ensures you're covered). Ask your bank for details, and carefully check the overall amount of coverage and deductibles, as well as the conditions of coverage and exclusion clauses. Contact them before you leave to find out what to do in the event of a problem. They usually have a list of doctors and hospitals they work with, so you won't have to pay in advance. If you are not covered by one of these cards, don't forget to take out medical assistance before you leave.
The biggest problem in Bolivia is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The famous sorojche is due to a person's difficulty in adapting to oxygen depletion, a direct consequence of altitude. Before you leave, consult your usual doctor, especially if you're over 60 and planning to visit the Andean part of Bolivia. If you're flying directly from France or a low-altitude country, it's best to plan your arrival in Santa Cruz de la Sierra rather than La Paz. This way, you'll gradually climb in altitude during your stay, and your body will acclimatize all the better. Don't underestimate this fact, as many travellers arriving directly in La Paz "waste" a few days of their trip acclimatizing. On the other hand, if you're coming from Peru or Chile, arriving in La Paz won't be a problem.
Water. It's not always easy to tell whether water has been purified or not. You can purify your water with disinfectant tablets (Aquatabs®, Drinkwell Chlore®, Micropur®), which you should take with you. Beware, however, that disinfectants do not protect against all water-borne microbes unless the water has been filtered beforehand. In any case, you'll need to be extremely vigilant. In many countries, especially Bolivia, water is a traveller's main enemy. Statistically, one traveller in two is affected by turista within the first forty-eight hours, and 80% of travel-related illnesses are directly attributable to contaminated water.
Mosquitoes. Malaria is a common disease in Bolivia, so it's important to protect yourself against mosquito bites. Prevention requires treatment prior to departure. If you're safe above 2,000 m, below this altitude, it's imperative to protect yourself, especially if you're planning to visit the Amazon rainforest. On site, use powerful repellents and wear suitable clothing (pants, long-sleeved sweatshirt, socks). At night, use a mosquito net and, for added safety, anti-mosquito sprays. These precautions also protect against dengue fever, yellow fever, the Zika virus and leishmaniasis, diseases also transmitted by mosquito species present in Bolivia.
Mandatory vaccination en Bolivie
To travel to Bolivia, you need to update your vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis. Vaccinations against typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B, and rabies are recommended. Vaccination against yellow fever is strongly recommended, and compulsory if you are coming from infected countries (certain African and South American countries). It is advisable to be vaccinated at least 2 weeks before departure. Tropical diseases are numerous in Bolivia and can affect anyone who fails to follow certain safety precautions. In the Amazon region, beware of mosquitoes, which can carry many diseases (Zika, dengue, malaria, etc.).
For more information, visit the Ministry of Health website (www.sante.gouv.fr) to find vaccination centers near you.
Security en Bolivie
According to France Diplomatie (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/bolivie), Bolivia is not a particularly dangerous country, and violent attacks on tourists are fairly rare. Insecurity does exist, however, particularly in tourist areas where petty crime is rife(pickpockets, pickpocketing, etc.). It is therefore advisable to be vigilant.
Because of drugtrafficking and smuggling, and the large number of weapons in circulation, we strongly advise against visiting or staying in the border area with Brazil, unless there is a compelling reason to do so. It is recommended not to linger when crossing the land borders with Brazil, particularly at Guayaramerin (Beni department). The rest of the country is under reinforced vigilance.
It is advisable to register on the Ariane platform, particularly if you are travelling to isolated areas (Salar de Uyuni, Sud-Lípez, Sajama National Park, Amazonia) or in regions that are difficult to access, and especially during the rainy season (from December to April for the Yungas, Alto Beni, Beni, etc.), so that you can enter your planned itineraries on the platform.
Time difference en Bolivie
Local time is GMT -4, so there's a 5-hour time difference with France in winter (when it's 8pm in Paris, it's 3pm in La Paz) and 6 hours in summer.
Spoken languages en Bolivie
Spanish (castellano) is the language in all cities. In the countryside of the Altiplano or Oriente, you'll usually find at least a few people who speak Spanish, even if the local language is different (Aymara, Quechua, Guarani, etc.). Even in the big cities, very few people speak English or French.
Communication en Bolivie
In most major cities, hotels, restaurants and cafés offer free wi-fi connections. If your phone is unlocked, buying a local SIM card will give you access to an LTE connection. The Entel company offers attractive mobile packages ranging from 1 to 12 GB (20 to 100 Bs). You'll need to bring your passport with you when you buy the card. Top-up cards are available at many kiosks and grocery stores. To add digital data to your mobile from these, dial *109* followed by your prepaid card's 14-digit PIN code, followed by # and press the call key. For example: *109*12345678901234#. A top-up of 20 Bs is equivalent to 1 GB of internet data.
Electricity and measurements en Bolivie
Bolivia uses the metric system, as in France. Electricity is 220V and 50Hz. Voltage is the same as in France, but its variations can sometimes damage computers (especially at 110 volts), and a small lightning plug may be useful for your electronic devices, especially your laptop! Sockets can be either round or rectangular in cross-section, but be sure to have an adapter handy (grounded sockets don't exist).
Luggage en Bolivie
Dress code. The diversity of Bolivia's climates means frequent changes of clothing. Bolivia is an Andean country in the tropics, which means that in the Andes the weather is fine (between 15°C and 20°C) in the morning, but in the evening the temperature drops significantly. Clothes made of cotton or alpaca wool (readily available locally) are best suited to these climatic fantasies. A down jacket will be welcome during the southern winter months (May to October). A Goretex jacket will be very useful from August to October in the Andes, especially for expeditions in the Salar and Sud-Lípez. On the other hand, in Chaco and Chiquitania (Santa Cruz), cold winds from southern Argentina, known as surazo, can drop the thermometer from 30°C to 10°C in the space of a few hours, with high humidity. Finally, from November to May, Bolivia is in the grip of the rainy season. An umbrella costs 20 Bs... In fine weather, refreshing swims await you around Tarija, Santa Cruz, on Isla del Sol or in Cochabamba. So don't forget your bathing suit.
Sunscreens are essential at altitude and in tropical regions. If you forgot to bring some, Bolivian pharmacies sell the right ones. Good sunglasses (if you lose them, there are several stores on Calle Eloy-Salmon in La Paz and Santa Cruz that sell very good quality lenses, although they are a little more expensive than in Europe). If you plan to travel to Brazil or other Latin American countries, don't forget your international vaccination booklet (yellow fever compulsory).
You'll needa sleeping bag in the Andes, and a very good comforter if you're planning a 4x4 expedition over the Altiplano in winter. Fleece or silk inner bags add 5°C to the temperature, but are useful for hygienic reasons (meat bags) in warmer regions.
Small first-aid kit. It's essential to carry a small first-aid kit (to be transported in the hold) with basic necessities: antidiarrheal, antihistamine (in case of allergies), antiseptic (for superficial wounds), ointment for sunburns (frequent at altitude), high factor sun cream and after-sun cream, lip cream with UV protection, paracetamol, anti-inflammatories, bandages, bandages, small scissors, mosquito repellent (type 5/5) if you're going to the Oriente, the Yungas and the Amazon, condoms, tampons (hard to find outside the big cities), saline solution.
Daily life en Bolivie
Hello? en Bolivie
To call abroad: 00 + country code (France: 33) then the correspondent's number (for France, omit the 0). The cost of a three-minute call from a Bolivian landline to Europe is approximately 50 Bs.
To call Bolivia from France: 00 + 591 + city code + number.
Local calls. The telecommunications market in Bolivia opened a few years ago, and numbering is complicated. The numbers in this guide are therefore valid when you make a local call (we've left the city codes). As soon as you call outside your local city, you'll need to add a 0 first, then the city code and finally, of course, the number of your correspondent.
Cell phone. To lighten your bill, we strongly advise you to buy a local SIM card from any operator (Entel offers good services), on your arrival, which will give you access to internet via 4G throughout the country, and to download applications such as Skype, Messenger, Line, Telegram, WhatsApp..
If you want to keep your French package, you'll need to activate the international option (usually free) before you leave, by calling your operator's customer service department. Who pays for what? The rule is the same for all operators. When you use your French phone abroad, you pay for the call, whether you make it or receive it. In the case of an incoming call, your correspondent also pays, but only the price of a local call. All calls made to or from abroad are out of the bundle, including those to voicemail.
Accessibility en Bolivie
Bolivia is impractical for wheelchair users and strollers. Sidewalks are often small and crowded (street vendors, etc.), except in parks and on the Prado promenades in La Paz and Cochabamba.
Generally speaking, very few hotels, restaurants and tourist sites in Bolivia are adapted for people with reduced mobility. Because of the altitude, they will also face a number of problems. It is not really advisable to leave the major cities or main roads, and even not to travel to Bolivia if the handicap is serious, unless you are already used to touring developing countries. However, Bolivians are very welcoming and will bend over backwards to help you. However, conditions are very basic and you need to be in good spirits!
Health en Bolivie
There are a few things to bear in mind to avoid health problems during your trip. Travelling in Bolivia means taking a few precautions.
Altitude. The major problem in Bolivia is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The famous sorojche is due to a person's difficulty in adapting to oxygen depletion, a direct consequence of altitude. There's nothing to worry about, however, if certain precautions are taken. You need to rest and not try to gain altitude. After a few days, the human body acclimatizes and you can resume your journey as normal. The first symptoms appear when the body fails to adapt quickly enough to altitude. Fatigue, headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness or insomnia are all warning signs. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to serious accidents, as the disease can degenerate into a more severe form, leading to cerebral and/or pulmonary oedema, which is the cause of many deaths. Chewing coca leaves, drinking coca mate or eating concentrated coca essence sweets (caramelitos ) help acclimatize you to altitude.
Before you leave, consult your regular physician, especially if you're over 60 and planning to visit the Andean part of Bolivia. Once there, the problems will differ depending on whether you're in the Andes, the valleys or the Oriente. In the event of complications, go immediately to a clinic (clínica).
If you're flying directly from France or a low-altitude country, it's best to plan your arrival in Santa Cruz de la Sierra rather than La Paz. This way, you'll gradually climb in altitude during your stay, and your body will acclimatize all the better. Don't underestimate this fact, as many travellers arriving directly in La Paz "waste" a few days of their trip acclimatizing. On the other hand, if you're coming from Peru or Chile, arriving in La Paz won't be a problem.
Water. Not always drinkable in the big cities, you need to be wary of storage facilities, which can hold a few surprises. In rural areas, water is not potable. It is strongly recommended that you use only bottled water (treated and purified water) after checking that it is properly sealed. Avoid consuming ice cubes, as well as ice creams and sorbets bought on the street. It's not always easy to tell whether water has been purified or not. You can purify your water with disinfectant tablets (Aquatabs®, Drinkwell Chlore®, Micropur®) that you've taken along with you. Beware, however, that disinfectants do not protect against all water-borne microbes unless the water has been filtered beforehand. In any case, you'll need to be extremely vigilant. In many countries, especially Bolivia, water is a traveller's main enemy. Statistically, one out of every two travellers is affected by turista within the first forty-eight hours, and 80% of travel-related illnesses are directly attributable to contaminated water. Fortunately, turista is often benign, but diarrhea contracted in high-risk areas can also conceal amoebae, giardia, bacteria or viruses, which can be vectors of serious illnesses (typhoid, cholera, for example). The utmost caution is therefore called for. It's not enough to avoid drinking tap water: ice cubes, food washed with impure water or brushing your teeth with tap water - even in a 4-star hotel - are all vectors of contamination. So it's better to be safe than sorry: buy sealed bottled water whenever possible. But make sure they don't arrive uncapped on the table, as some clever people won't hesitate to fill the bottle with tap water! Boil water (coffee and tea are "safe" drinks), avoid eating raw vegetables or peeled fruit, and avoid ice cubes.
Food hygiene. Generally speaking, we strongly advise you not to overindulge in Bolivian cuisine when you arrive in the Andes. Mountain sickness is problematic enough as it is. For those who can't resist it, walk slowly and drink plenty of water. After a few days, you'll be back in shape and your body will acclimatize, allowing you to enjoy the local specialties with little or no restraint. The most common complaints are intestinal problems. A change of diet is already a source of disturbance, but when spicy food is added to the mix, sometimes prepared under conditions of hygiene that bear little relation to those to which we are accustomed, the result is usually severe diarrhea, also known as turista. To avoid it, be careful with already peeled fruit (no problem for those you peel yourself) and raw food. Also, avoid eating fruit or vegetables that have been washed in unboiled water. And wash your hands regularly. While diarrhea is more unpleasant than dangerous, it does have the effect of dehydrating you. That's why you need to remember to drink plenty of purified water when you're suffering from this type of discomfort. Pork should also be avoided unless it is eaten thoroughly cooked. Bolivia has to contend with parasitic pig diseases such as trichinosis and cysticercosis, equivalent to mad cow disease in Europe.
Bites and stings. Malaria is a common disease in Bolivia, so it's important to protect yourself against mosquito bites. Prevention requires treatment prior to departure. If you're safe above 2,000 m, below this altitude, it's imperative to protect yourself, especially if you're planning to visit the Amazon rainforest. On site, use powerful repellents and wear suitable clothing (pants, long-sleeved sweatshirt, socks). At night, use a mosquito net and, for added safety, anti-mosquito sprays. These precautions also protect against dengue fever, yellow fever, the Zika virus and leishmaniasis, diseases also transmitted by mosquito species present in Bolivia. As for dog bites in particular, rabies is still active in Bolivia, so disinfect the wound immediately, consult a doctor promptly and, above all, get vaccinated before you leave. Don't forget that wounds in hot, humid climates take a long time to heal and can even become infected. So treat them as quickly as possible with an antiseptic and leave them in the open air as often as possible, rather than covering them with a bandage.
In the event of illness or a serious problem during your trip, consult a pharmacist and then a doctor as soon as possible. Then contact the French consulate, which will be happy to help you and provide you with a list of French-speaking doctors. In the event of a serious problem, the consulate will also inform the family and decide on repatriation.
Emergency numbers en Bolivie
The telephone number for medical assistance is ✆ 118, that for the fire department (bomboneros) is ✆ 119.
The police number is ✆ 110, the tourist police number is ✆ +591 2222 5016.
The number for ambulance services in La Paz is 165.
Common medicines are available in local pharmacies (avoid medicines sold outside pharmacies, e.g. in markets), but it's best to prepare your pharmacy before you leave.
Securty en Bolivie
Bolivia is one of the safest countries in South America. You can walk around almost as safely as you would in a French provincial town. But of course, the banana-belt, fleece-wool, camera-around-the-neck or smartphone-at-the-end-of-the-selfie-pole look makes you an ideal target for would-be thieves. First tip: keep your passport and all your savings in your backpack. In the event of theft, report it to the police in the nearest town. Even if an investigation is unlikely, the report will be useful for your insurance. There are many social movements in Bolivia, often resulting in blocked or cut-off roads (bloqueos). Find out more!
Drugs. In Bolivia, while the ancestral use of coca leaves is authorized and widespread, the consumption of narcotics is strictly prohibited. And the risks involved far outweigh the expected effects. Cocaine in particular, often sold as an unprocessed base paste, contains numerous neurotoxic substances when it is not mixed with anything and everything. One of the world's top three cocaine-producing countries, Bolivia's repressive policy is based on occasional crackdowns on drug traffickers, and often on foreigners too. Law 1008, widely known in Bolivia, dealt with coca and controlled substances. It was still in place until early 2017, when it was slightly modified. Article 2 clearly states that "the cultivation of coca is an agricultural and cultural activity traditionally and lawfully oriented towards consumption, the use of medicine and the rituals of the Andean peoples". Article 3, however, makes a clear distinction between the coca leaf in its natural state and chemically processed coca, i.e. cocaine (declared illegal in article 7). Article 48 states that any trafficking in controlled substances (such as marijuana) will be punishable by 10 to 25 years' imprisonment. Article 49 stipulates that foreigners without permanent residency and involved in the simple consumption of these substances will be punished by a mandatory residency sentence (plus a fine) of 500 to 1,000 days. In any case, attempting to obtain narcotics exposes you to certain risks (robbery, denunciation...). And foreigners receive no preferential treatment, with penalties applied, sometimes as an example, without restraint. So be careful!
Woman travelling alone. South America is a macho continent, but most people will show you respect. Be wary in remote villages or around the bus terminals of big cities. In any case, more and more women are traveling in South America armed with their backpacks, and the French are legion in Bolivia. As always, vigilance is your best weapon, without necessarily becoming paranoid.
Travelling with children. Bolivia lends itself easily to a trip with children, preferably from the age of 4/5, even with a backpack (we met several families all over the place, and they were all delighted). Bolivians love children, and Bolivia is full of them: they're the key to opening the door to wonderful encounters. They'll be thrilled by so many colors, differences and exotic new smells. As far as health is concerned, there are numerous pharmacies just about everywhere, and the biggest cities have excellent hospitals with qualified doctors (often from Cuba, renowned for the quality of its care). The only major problem is altitude: before throwing yourself headlong into conquering the Salar d'Uyuni with them, visit the Amazon, Santa Cruz and the missions, Samaipata, Tarija and then try Sucre, Potosí and/or Cochabamba... Then, depending on your child's reaction, you may be able to climb even higher!
LGBTQ en Bolivie
Gay and lesbian travelers are not particularly welcome in Bolivia, a country that is very conservative about certain practices and trends, and where the Church (or should we say, churches) still plays a very important role. People are not used to exposing themselves in public. However, mores are gradually changing in the big cities...
Embassies and consulates en Bolivie
The embassies and consulates are all located in La Paz. There are also consulates in Santa Cruz de la Sierra and Sucre.
The French Embassy (✆ +591 2214 9900) is located at 5390 Calle 8 in the Obrajes district. It has a website (bo.ambafrance.org) where you'll find all the information you need on consular activities.
The Swiss Embassy (✆ +591 2275 1001) is also located in Obrajes, at 455 Calle 13.
The Canadian Embassy (✆ +591 2241 5141) is located at 2678 Calle Victor Sanjinés, in the Edificio Barcelona, on Plaza España, in the Sopocachi district.
The Honorary Consulate of Belgium (✆ +591 2279 2877) is located in the southern zone on Calle 15, in Calacoto (Edificio Estudio de Abogados Lopez del Solar).
The Immigration Office (✆ +591 2211 0960) is located at 1480 avenida Camacho, a street parallel to Prado. Website: www.migracion.gob.bo. The department for foreigners is called "Extranjería". Open from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm for services to foreigners.
Consulate of the Republic of Argentina (✆ +591 2242 2175), at 475 Aspiazu in Sopocachi.
Consulate General of Chile (✆ +591 2244 0980), in Edificio Plaza 15, 8024 Calle 15, Calacoto.
Consulate General of Peru (✆ +591 2275 0332), Edificio Mario Mercado, at 300 Avenida 14 de Septiembre Calle 17, Obrajes.
Brazilian Embassy (✆ +591 2216 6400), Edificio Multicentro, Avenida Arce.
Mail en Bolivie
ECOBOL (Empresa de Correos de Bolivia) provided the mail service before it closed in early 2018 due to staggering debt. The government created Agencia Boliviana de Correos (www.correos.gob.bo) to take over from ECOBOL.
Local media en Bolivie
Press. With a potential readership of barely 100,000, Bolivia has a serious print media - similar in style to its neighbor Chile - with very few sensationalist or "politically correct" newspapers.
For those visiting Bolivia on business, we highly recommend Nueva Economía (www.nuevaeconomia.com.bo), a weekly economics and management magazine in the tradition of the French L'Expansion. The La Paz-based newspaper Presencia maintains a left-wing Catholic line, rather like Le Monde. La Razón (www.la-razon.com) is a major national daily published in La Paz. It is identified with the Bolivian business community and produces a comprehensive daily supplement, Economía y Negocios. Its equivalents are El Deber (www.eldeber.com.bo), in Santa Cruz, and Los Tiempos (www.lostiempos.com), in Cochabamba. In Potosí, the journalistic institution is El Siglo.
Television. There are several television channels nationwide, which can also be followed on the net: ATB Red Nacional (www.atb.com.bo), Bolivisión (www.bolivision.net), Red P.A.T, Red Uno, Bolivia TV, Unitel and RTB. The information on most channels is not necessarily very impartial, as advertising abounds and some scoops are not really verified. Access to cable TV or satellite retransmission is becoming more widespread, as it is around the world.
Radio. To find out about most Bolivian radio stations (it is often possible to listen to their programs online), visit radiostationworld.com/locations/bolivia/radio_websites.asp
Web sites. The Web provides the opportunity to follow Bolivia's news and information live. The Internet can make up for the lack of a real tourist office in France. The official website of the Bolivian Ministry of Tourism is only available in Spanish (www.turismo.produccion.gob.bo) and presents the country's major sites as well as practical information. Among other interesting sites, Bolivia Turismo (www.boliviaturismo.com.bo) is a Spanish-language site that provides relevant information on important tourist sites as well as lesser-known destinations. Bolivia Online (www.bolivia-online.net) is in fact a tourist magazine presenting the twenty or so boutique hotels that have joined forces to offer travellers more or less similar conditions of comfort in a charming environment, throughout the country. The main tourist regions are also presented. The magazine can be downloaded free of charge from the site, so you'll have all the material you need to organize your stay in the best possible way! Website in Spanish, English and German. Soy Sucre (www.soysucre.info/fr) is packed with tourist and practical information, in French, about the white city and its surroundings. The leading English-language publisher, the superb magazine Bolivian Express (www.bolivianexpress.org) is distributed free of charge in print throughout the country, as well as online for the rest of the world. Each month, it publishes a series of articles on exciting topics set against the backdrop of Bolivia.
