Photo Credit: Anthony Tong Lee

Language

The languages of Bolivia include Spanish and at least 30 indigenous languages, of which the most common are: Quechua, Aymara, and Tupi Guarani. All of the indigenous languages and Spanish are official languages.

Currency

The Bolivian boliviano, divided into 100 centavos, is the official currency. There are several coins in circulation in denominations of 1, 2, and 5 boliviano, and banknotes of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 boliviano.

Time

Bolivia is in the -4 UTC/GMT time zone. The country does not utilize daylight saving time.

Electricity

Electricity in Bolivia is 220 Volts at 50 cycles (220V/50Hz). However, there are a few places in La Paz that uses both 220V/50Hz and 110V/50Hz. The majority of outlets in Bolivia use two-pronged, round pinned plugs. Adaptors are easily purchased throughout the country.

Communications

To call internationally from Bolivia, dial the international access code (00) + country code + area code + phone number. To call Bolivia from another country, dial the international access code followed by the Bolivian country code (591) and the relevant Bolivian area code, followed by the phone number.

Duty-free

Persons over 18 years can bring the following goods into Bolivia by without paying any customs duty: 50 cigars, 400 cigarettes or 500g of tobacco; three liters of alcohol, and gifts up to the value of US$1,000.

Embassies and Consulates in Bolivia

US Embassy, La Paz: +591-2-216-8297 US Consulate, Santa Cruz: +591-3-351-3477 US Consulate, Cochabamba: +591-4-411-631 British Embassy, La Paz: +591-2-243 3424 Canadian Embassy, La Paz: +591-2-241-5141 Australian Consulate, La Paz: +591-2-211-5655

Emergency

Emergency services: 110 (police), 118 (medical), and 119 (fire)

Click here to learn about Visas and Vaccinations for Bolivia