Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Private Drivers
Hiring a driver can be a more comfortable and efficient alternative to being squashed in a
bus for long periods on bad roads. Alternatively, many people just want transport- ation to
trailheads or base camps, rather than a tour.
Private 4WD service with a driver costs about B$250 to B$300 per hour for the entire
car (four to six people). Private taxi service and/or driver service costs B$40 to B$80 per
hour.
You can hire drivers through car rental com- panies and tour operators. Private taxi
drivers may also be hired.
Rental
Few travelers in Bolivia rent self-driven vehicles. Only the most reputable agencies ser-
vice their vehicles regularly, and insurance purchased from rental agencies may cover
only accidental damage - breakdowns may be considered the renter's problem. Check
ahead, and make sure your credit card covers incidentals, like the US$80 Budget charges
to clean cars.
You must be aged over 25, have a driver's license from your home country and provide
a major credit card or cash deposit (typically around US$1000). You'll be charged a daily
rate and a per-kilometer rate (some agencies allow some free kilometers). They'll also
want you to leave a copy of your passport.
To save money, book online or through an aggregator. Weekly rentals will save you
money. Daily rates are about US$50 for cars, while 4WDs cost US$55 to US$90 per day.
For listings of better-known agencies, see Getting Around sections for the major cities.
Road Rules
Traffic regulations are similar to those in North America or Europe. Speed limits are infre-
quently posted, but in most cases the state of the road would prevent you from exceeding
them anyway. If stopped, you should show your driver's license rather than your passport.
If your passport is requested, only show a copy. Bribes are common here.
Bolivians keep to the right. When two cars approach an uncontrolled intersection from
different directions, the driver who honks (or gets there first) tends to have the right of
way if passing straight through - but this can be somewhat hit and miss. In La Paz, those
going uphill have right of way at an intersection. When two ve- hicles meet on a narrow
mountain road, the downhill one must reverse until there's room for the other to pass.