Directory A–Z - Bolivia - page 688

A polarizing filter is essential when photographing the Altiplano, and will help to re-
veal the dramatic effects of the exaggerated UV elem- ent at high altitude. In the low-
lands, conditions include dim light, humidity, haze and leafy interference.
La Paz is generally the best place to buy equipment and for repairs.
Photographing People
While some Bolivians are willing photo subjects, others may be superstitious about your
camera, suspicious of your motives or interested in payment. Many children will ask for
payment, often after you've taken their photo. It's best to err on not taking such shots in
the first place - be sensitive to the wishes of locals. Ask permission to photograph if a
candid shot can't be made; if permission is denied, you should neither insist nor snap a
picture.
Post
Even the smallest towns have post offices - some are signposted 'Ecobol' (Empresa
Correos de Bolivia). From major towns, the post is generally reliable (although often in-
volving long delays), but when posting anything important, it's better to pay extra to have
it registered or send it by courier. DHL ( www.dhl.com ) is the most reliable courier com-
pany with international service.
Parcels
To mail an international parcel in La Paz, take it downstairs in the central post office (the
stairs are halfway along the ground floor and to the right). You may be charged a small fee
to have the belongings wrapped or your box officially labeled. You'll need two copies of
your passport - one will be in- cluded in your package. Complete the necessary forms (at
the time of research these included a customs declaration form and a list of contents,
known as a CN-23: Declaración de Aduana and CP-71 Boletín de Expedición). Take your
parcel to the office marked 'Encomiendas.' If your package is less than 2kg, it's easier to
send by regular mail. Pay the cost of postage and complete the CN-23. A 1kg parcel to the
US will cost about B$150 by air and B$238 by faster courier service.
In some cities, you might have your parcels checked by customs at the post office; in
cities without inhouse customs agents, you may have to trek across town to the aduana
(customs office). A parcel's chances of arriving at its destination are inversely proportion-
al to its declared value, and to the number of 'inspections' to which it is subjected.