Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Bolivia page at Yoogo.

Bolivia's currency is the boliviano (BOB), and US dollars are also widely accepted in tourist areas, hotels, and larger restaurants. Card payments are becoming more common in cities such as La Paz, Sucre, and Santa Cruz, but cash remains essential in smaller towns, markets, and rural areas, so it is advisable to carry a supply of bolivianos.

Bolivia is generally a rewarding destination for travellers who take sensible precautions, with the majority of visits passing without incident. Petty theft and opportunistic crime occur in busy markets and city centres, and some regions see periodic political demonstrations that can disrupt transport. Check your government's current travel advisory before departure for the most up-to-date information.

Bolivia has an extensive network of long-distance buses connecting major cities, and domestic flights between La Paz, Santa Cruz, Sucre, and Cochabamba save considerable time on long routes. In cities, taxis and ride-hailing apps such as InDriver are widely used, while cable cars (teleferico) provide a useful and scenic alternative in La Paz.

The dry season from May to October is generally the most popular time to visit, offering clear skies, stable road conditions, and the best conditions for trekking, visiting the salt flats, and exploring Lake Titicaca. The wet season from November to March brings lush landscapes and the famous mirror-effect on the Salar de Uyuni but can make remote roads impassable, particularly in the Amazon lowlands.

Spanish is the dominant language spoken by around 84 per cent of the population and is the most useful language for travellers. Quechua and Aymara are widely spoken across the Andean highlands, and you will frequently hear them alongside Spanish in markets and rural communities. English is limited outside upmarket hotels and specialist tour operators, so a working knowledge of basic Spanish makes a significant practical difference.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers aged one year and older entering Bolivia, particularly if visiting lowland areas below approximately 2,300 metres east of the Andes. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine immunisations are also widely recommended, and malaria prophylaxis is advised for travel to Amazonian lowland regions. The high altitude of the Andean cities, including La Paz at over 3,500 metres, means that acclimatisation time and awareness of altitude sickness symptoms are important considerations, so consult a travel health specialist well before departure.