Travel tips for Bolivia - what to prepare in advance and what to obey

1. A visa is required for entry into the territory of Bolivia. If the tourist does not have a visa, it can be issued on arrival at the airport. However, the visa in the tourist's country is issued free of charge but this service will be paid at the Bolivian airport.

2. Tourists visiting Bolivia should be aware that in addition to weapons and drugs non-canned foods are prohibited from being imported into the country. You must present a receipt from the store for the purchase of items made from alpaca and fabrics woven by hand when exporting them from the country.

3. Bolivia is located in a mountainous area high above sea level. Therefore, some tourists may experience problems with acclimatization when visiting this country. Lack of oxygen, shortness of breath, nausea, and pulmonary edema – these are just some of the signs of high-altitude illness. You should not try to climb the highest mountain peaks immediately after arriving in the country to avoid it. It is better to explore the sights located in the cities on the plains first. You should go higher gradually. This will allow the body to adapt to the surrounding conditions.

4. You need to be vaccinated against malaria or taking medications for its prevention before a trip to Bolivia. These diseases are carried by mosquitoes. Therefore, it is better not to come here during the rainy season. It is recommended to wash your hands more often, have a disinfectant, and drink only bottled water to avoid infection with cholera, various types of hepatitis or infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

5. It's not very convenient to travel by public transport in Bolivian cities and towns. This is due to the fact that it is usually extremely crowded. Tourists should take a taxi. However, intercity buses are perfect for traveling between cities. It is better to rent a car in order to see all the beauty of Bolivia on your own. An off-road car that can drive in mountainous areas is an excellent option.

6. Security in Bolivia has always been at a fairly high level. Periodically, the Bolivians organize demonstrations to protest against the low standard of living. But they are peaceful. Such actions do not affect tourists in any way. But it is recommended that tourists have a copy of their passport.

7. You should use a camera with a good flash when visiting national parks and reserves to avoid problems with the quality of images. The local jungle is impassable. Thickets of vegetation do not allow light to pass through. Therefore, a weak camera will not be able to capture all the beauty of the Bolivian nature. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

8. 4 and 5 stars hotels are only located in the cities of La Paz and Santa Cruz. Their prices are initially inflated. Therefore, you can bring down the cost of living through bargaining. You will have to pay for Wi-Fi services in addition. Meals are also not included in the price. It is paid separately. The hostel will be an alternative accommodation option. Fortunately, there are numerous hostels here.

9. Locals will not refuse tips in poor Bolivia. Any amount, even insignificant in the opinion of foreigners, will be gratefully accepted by local residents. Tips go up to 10% in cafes. They are included in the bill and go up to 20% in restaurants. It is better to specify the cost of a taxi ride in advance. The taxi driver will even take the tourist's luggage for a tip.

10. Sometimes difficulties with money exchange happen when dealing with Bank branches in small towns. Bank employees can mislead tourists by claiming that the exchange machine does not work. They may also try to take inflated commissions. You shouldn't put up with it. You can threaten negligent employees by contacting the police or demand to call the manager.

11. The numbering of Bolivian streets is extremely confusing. It is not in order but in accordance with the order of construction of the building on this site. Finding the right house is often difficult in this regard.

12. Tobacco smoking is not legally restricted in Bolivia. You can smoke in any place, except those where there is a special sign that prohibits smoking. But possession of drugs, and especially their use, is strictly punishable by law.

13. Bolivians will consider it an insult if a tourist calls them the word "Injun". It is better to say "Campesino" ("villager ") or" cholo" (a villager who moved to the city) instead.

14. Quechua and Aymara Injuns are the main population of Bolivia. Therefore, there are 3 official languages in the country. These are 2 indigenous languages and Spanish. However, residents of remote and rural areas do not speak it. But it will be helpful to know a couple of phrases in Spanish.

15. The Internet and telephone services are very stable in Bolivia. The Internet is available at a cost of 4 bolivianos per hour in most stores. You can also call using the services of people in green vests. They are called "mobile phone booths". They have a phone attached to a chain. The cost of the service is 1 boliviano.