Basics - The Rough Guide to Bolivia - page 40

Outside towns, most roads are unpaved and in very poor condition, so four-wheel drive
(4WD) is essential. Petrol (gasoline) stations are few and far between and breakdown ser-
vices even scarcer, so you should fill your tank whenever you can, carry extra fuel, and take
food, drink and warm clothing in case you get stuck. Always carry your passport, driving
licence and the vehicle's registration documents, as police checks are frequent, and any in-
fringement will usually result in an on-the-spot fine, whether official or not. Small tolls are
also charged on most roads. Speed limits are irregularly posted, but the speed is usually dic-
tated by the state of the road. Most Bolivians regularly ignore traffic lights and don't indicate
when turning, and some drive at night without lights. Vehicles drive on the right, though this
rule is obviated on some mountain roads when the vehicle going uphill drives on the right
and has priority.
Virtually none of the major international car rental companies is represented in Bolivia,
but you'll find local rental companies in all the major cities. Rental costs vary but are gener-
ally a bit less than in Europe and the US at around Bs210-350 ($30-50) per day; 4WDs cost
about double. You'll need to be over 25, and leave a major credit card or large cash deposit as
security; most rental agencies can arrange insurance, though you should read the small print
carefully first.
In several lowland towns, such as Trinidad, Guayaramerin and Riberalta, it's also possible
to hire mopeds and motorbikes by the hour (Bs20-40) or by the day, leaving your passport
as a deposit - a good way of heading off into the back country for a day.