Passports and visas
Nordic citizens can stay 90 days in Bolivia without a visa. Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the return journey and contains two unstamped pages. The passport must not be broken or cracked. On board the flight, you will receive an entry / exit card that must be filled in and handed in to the immigration authority upon arrival.
Security
Pocket thieves are a common occurrence. Exchange money at the bank or exchange office. Do not carry cameras, jewelry or other valuables open on the streets. Keep a copy of valuables such as passports and visas in a safe place. We recommend that you follow reports in the media and other sources about any changes in the country.
Transport and communications
Road safety in Bolivia is deficient. If you are traveling longer distances through the country, you should choose flights over buses. In cities, it is safer to take a taxi than a bus. Agree on the price in advance. Ask at the hotel reception or the guide about how much to pay for a certain route. Use only reputable taxi companies and ask the hotel or restaurant to order one for you.
Vaccinations and health
We always recommend that you review your basic protection before the trip. Contact your vaccination center for advice at least one month before departure. Vaccination against yellow fever may be relevant for travelers visiting the Amazon. If you have problems with your heart or blood pressure, you should contact your doctor (there are large height differences within the country). Feel free to bring mosquito repellent and a small set of “first aid” with patches, headache tablets, etc. Do not forget to bring prescription medicine, stored in original packaging so it is clear what the medicine is, and a certificate in English from your doctor. Do not drink tap water and avoid ice in chilled beverages. Check with your insurance company that your health insurance coverage applies in Bolivia and what it covers in that case. Transportation home in the event of a more serious illness can be extremely costly.
Currency and exchange
Bolivianos, BOB, can be exchanged in Sweden before departure. It is not always in stock but must be ordered. If you are going to exchange currency on the spot in Bolivia, USD works better than EUR. Credit cards usually work at ATMs in major cities. Check with your bank if the card is valid in Bolivia and if there are additional fees for withdrawals.
Climate table for La Paz
| La Paz | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Christmas | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Max ° C | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 14 |
| Min ° C | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 0 | -2 | -2 | -1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Precipitation etc. | 116 | 120 | 66 | 26 | 14 | 3 | 6 | 12 | 42 | 29 | 44 | 96 |
Weather and clothing
Bolivia’s has a very varied climate. The valleys have temperate climates and the plains tropical. It can also get really cold among the snow-capped mountains in the Andes. Upholstery: Lighter wool clothing is perfect for the highlands and a warm jacket is necessary at higher altitudes. Do not forget comfortable shoes!
Shopping
Local crafts and textiles of alpaca wool are popular products. Bargaining is not very common in Bolivia. Feel free to ask the local guide when shopping and shopping.
Food and drinks
In Bolivia, the most important meal of the day is usually lunch, and a three-course meal is not uncommon. Examples of local specialties are Changa (el chanka) de pollo: chicken soup with potatoes and peppers. Humitas: Steamed cornmeal buns with cheese wrapped in banana leaves. Potatoes are present in most meals.
Other information
Local time: Bolivia is 6 hours after Swedish time (7 hours after Swedish summer time).
Electricity: In La Paz: 110/120 Volt AC / 50 Hz. In other parts of the country: 220 Volt AC / 50 Hz. Adapter needed.
Language: Spanish is the official language, but the Native American languages Quechua or Aymará are spoken by the majority of the indigenous people.
Tips: 10% on the bill during restaurant visits.
Baggage: It sometimes happens that the checked baggage gets lost. Therefore, pack important medicines with a certificate from your doctor in your hand luggage. The same goes for valuables. Label all your luggage carefully with the luggage tags you receive with the tickets. This is important as these notes are our identification at the airport and at our hotels. It is good to have a proper, lockable suitcase because the bags are not always handled carefully.
