Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Things are a bit more expensive in larger cities, especially
Santa Cruz
, and in isolated re-
gions where goods have to be brought in over long distances. Goods and services aimed spe-
cifically at foreign tourists tend to be more expensive, and there is sometimes a tendency to
slightly overcharge foreigners - if in doubt, always agree a price in advance before accepting
a service. Prices in shops and restaurants tend to be fixed, but there is some room for
bar-
gaining
in markets, when looking for a hotel room or buying a bus ticket - try asking for a
reduction (
rebaja
). There's a limit to this, though. Bolivians don't generally enjoy bargain-
ing for its own sake, and there are few sights more ridiculous than a wealthy gringo haggling
vociferously for a tiny discount on an already inexpensive item being sold by a very poor
market trader.
Disabled travellers
Very little provision is made in Bolivia for the disabled. Public transport, hotels and public
places such as museums are seldom equipped with ramps, widened doorways or disabled toi-
lets, and pavements, where they exist at all, are often narrow and covered with dangerous
potholes and other obstructions.
Electricity
The electricity supply in most of Bolivia is 220V/50Hz; in La Paz, however, there are both
110V and 220V supplies, often in the same house, so check carefully before plugging in
equipment. Plugs are two-pronged with round pins, but US-style flat-pinned plugs can also
usually be used.
Entry requirements
Most visitors to Bolivia do not need a visa, although the situation does change periodically,
so always check with your local embassy or consulate a few weeks before travelling.
US cit-
izens
require a visa (Bs945/$135); this is available onentry,where it must be paid forin cash,
or from a Bolivian embassy or consulate.
On arrival, all travellers are issued with a
tourist card
(
tarjeta de turismo
) valid for up to
ninety days' stay for citizens of most EU countries, and up to thirty days for citizens of Aus-
tralia, Canada and New Zealand; your passport will also be stamped. Make sure you ask for
the full ninety days if you need it and are eligible, as border officials sometimes give only
thirty days, particularly at remote border crossings. A thirty-day tourist card can be exten-
ded to ninety days at the
migraciones
(immigration offices) in La Paz, Santa Cruz and other
major cities; this is free for most nationalities, but costs extra (around Bs175) for Canadians,
Australians and New Zealanders; the process usually takes 24 hours.
Border officials may ask for evidence that you have enough money to support yourself dur-
ing your stay, so be prepared to show a credit card or a wad of travellers' cheques; keep cash
