Basics - The Rough Guide to Bolivia - page 66

Similarly, always ask permission before taking anyone's photo , as some Bolivians find this
offensive, or expect to be paid.
Attitudes to what constitutes appropriate clothing vary sharply between the highlands and
the tropical lowlands. Bolivians everywhere are used to foreigners wearing shorts, but in the
conservative highlands it's not the done thing to show off too much flesh. In remote villages
in particular this can cause real offence. In the hot and humid lowlands, on the other hand,
it's acceptable to strip down to a bare minimum of shorts and sleeveless vest. Santa Cruz is
particularly liberal in this respect.
The sexism and machismo characteristic of Latin America is arguably less prevalent in
Bolivia than in many other countries, but it can still present an annoyance for foreign women,
particularly those travelling alone or accompanied only by other women. Generally speaking,
everyday sexual harassment is less of a problem in high-altitude cities like La Paz, where
indigenous cultures predominate, and worse in lower, warmer cities like Santa Cruz , where
Latino culture has more of a hold. Harassment usually takes the form of whistling and lewd
cat-calling in the street: most Bolivian women just walk on and ignore this, and you'll prob-
ably find it easiest to do likewise.
Many women find this problem increases in February and March in the run-up to Carnaval ,
when the usually good-natured custom of water fighting is used by some men as an excuse
to harass women with water bombs. Sexual assault and rape are not common in Bolivia, but
there have been a number of incidents reported by female travellers. It's best to exercise at
least the same degree of caution as you would at home.
Most Bolivians do not have a very liberal attitude to homosexuality : though legal, it is
frowned upon and kept under wraps. Though gay travellers are unlikely to suffer any direct
abuse,it'sbesttobediscreetandavoidpublicdisplaysofaffection.Largercitieshaveahand-
ful of gay bars, but these tend to be fairly clandestine to avoid harassment.
< Back to Basics
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Costs
Bolivia is one of the least expensive countries in South America, and considerably cheaper
than neighbouring Chile, Brazil and Argentina. Imported goods are expensive, but food, ac-
commodation and transport are all relatively cheap, and travellers on a tight budget should
be able to get around on Bs140/$20/£12/€14 per day, staying in basic hotels and eating set
meals in local restaurants. For about Bs280 Bs280/$40/£25/€28 per day you can enjoy more
comfortable hotels and good food, take taxis when necessary and go on the occasional guided
tour. Spend more than Bs490 ($70) per day and you can have a very comfortable trip.