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least half the day, and close instead on Mondays. All these times are approximate, though:
Bolivians aren't noted for their punctuality, and public offices in particular often open later
and close earlier than they are supposed to; conversely, private businesses, particularly those
connected with tourism, often work longer hours and open on Sundays. If you're arranging
to meet a Bolivian, make it somewhere you don't mind waiting around, as they're unlikely to
turn up on time. Note that during public holidays and local fiestas pretty much everything
closes down.
Phones
Bolivia's phone system is now fairly efficient. The Bolivian national telephone company,
ENTEL , has offices in all cities and most towns where you can make local, national and in-
ternational calls. ENTEL offices are usually open daily from around 8am to 8pm, sometimes
longer. Local calls are very cheap, and long-distance national calls are moderately priced, but
international calls are relatively expensive, though costs are coming down. You can also use
a cardphone , which are found on the streets of most towns. The cost of either method is
the same. You can buy a phone card ( tarjeta telefonica ) at ENTEL offices and in shops and
street stalls throughout Bolivia. Phone calls to North America and Europe cost around Bs1
per minute, and a little more to Australia and New Zealand.
You'll also find a small number of coin-operated phones in most towns. Most departments
also have their own regional telephone cooperatives that have their own networks of card-
phones. These are sometimes cheaper for local calls, though no good for international or na-
tionallong-distancecalls.Manyshopsandkiosksalsohavephonesfromwhichyoucanmake
short local calls for a small fee.
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