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ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS:
VISAS: When you travel to Bolivia, regulations to obtain visas for Bolivia change frequently, but currently citizens of most EU countries can stay 90 days without a visa; citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa and Israel can stay 30 days without a visa (that period can be extended upon application to 90 days) Most other nationalities require a visa in advance, usually issued for a 30-day stay.
MONEY & CURRENCY: As a rule, visitors fare best with US dollars, the only foreign currency accepted throughout Bolivia. Currencies of neighboring countries may be exchanged in border areas and at certain La Paz exchange houses. All change cash US dollars and some also traveler's checks. When exchanging money, ask for the cash in small denominations, as there are chronic problems with change. Major credit cards may be used in larger cities.
HEALTH & RISKS: The major risk is altitude sickness. The tropical diseases like malaria, dengue and yellow fever are a risk only for the people going to remote areas in the Amazon jungle. Medical care in large cities is adequate for most purposes but of varying quality.
HIGH-ALTITUDE HEALTH RISKS: Prior to departing for high-altitude locations over 10,000 feet above sea level, such as La Paz, travelers should discuss the trip with their personal physician and request information on specific recommendations concerning medication and lifestyle tips at high altitudes. Although coca-leaf tea is a popular beverage and folk remedy for altitude sickness in Bolivia, possession of these tea bags, which are sold in most Bolivian grocery stores, is illegal overseas.
Heart disease: A man 45 years or older, or a woman 55 years or older, who has two of the following risk factors (hypertension, angina, diabetes, cigarette smoking, or elevated cholesterol) should have a stress EKG and a cardiological evaluation before the trip.
Lung disease: Anyone with asthma and on maximum dosage of medication for daily maintenance, or anyone who has been hospitalized for asthma within the last year should not come to La Paz.
Given potential complications from altitude sickness, pregnant women should consult their doctor before travel to La Paz and other high-altitude areas of Bolivia.
All people, even healthy and fit persons, will feel symptoms of hypoxia (lack of oxygen) upon arrival at high altitude. Most people will have increased respiration and increased heart rate. Many people will have headaches, difficulty sleeping, lack of appetite, minor gastric and intestinal upsets, and mood changes. To help prevent these complications:
Consider taking acetazolamide (Diamox) 125 mg twice a day, starting two days before traveling, on the day of the trip, and two to three days after arriving at high altitude. This medication inhibits the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, has a slight diuretic effect, and stimulates respiration. It is available only by prescription in the U.S. Pregnant women and nursing mothers cannot take Diamox. If you have a severe allergy to sulfa, you may not be able to take Diamox.
Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least one week after arrival in La Paz. Limit physical activity for the first 36 to 48 hours after arrival in La Paz.
For those with diabetes, only the following blood glucose meters work properly at altitudes up to 10,000 feet: One Touch Ultra Meter, One Touch Fast Take Meter, and One Touch SureStep. Other models give incorrect readings of blood sugar levels.
MOUNTAIN TREKKING AND CLIMBING SAFETY: Foreign travelers are advised to exercise extreme care when trekking in Bolivia or climbing in Bolivia. Since June 2002, four American citizens and three guides have died in falls while mountain climbing in Bolivia. Five of the deaths occurred on Illimani, a 6,402 meter peak located southeast of LaPaz. If reasonable precautions are taken, mountain trekking and climbing in the Bolivian Andes can be an enjoyable way to experience the countryside and culture. Travelers should inquire about conditions in the high country before leaving La Paz. The Club Andino Boliviano (591-2) 2312-875 is a good source of information about trail conditions and possible hazards. Many popular trekking routes in the Bolivian Andes cross passes as high as 16,000 feet. Trekkers must have adequate clothing and equipment, not always available locally, and should be experienced mountain travelers. It is not prudent to trek alone. Solo trekking is the most significant factor contributing to injuries and death. The safest option is to join an organized group and/or use a reputable firm to provide an experienced guide and porter who can communicate in both Spanish and English. If you develop any of the following symptoms while climbing at altitude - severe headache, weakness, vomiting, shortness of breath at rest, cough, chest tightness, unsteadiness - descend to a lower altitude immediately. Trekkers and climbers are strongly encouraged to purchase adequate insurance to cover expenses in case of injury or death.
There are few telephones in remote areas of Bolivia. Make sure others (especially family and friends in your country) know your trekking itinerary. The U.S. Embassy strongly encourages trekkers and climbers to register upon arrival in Bolivia. A registration file with your passport information, emergency numbers and travel itinerary is very useful if the Embassy needs to relay emergency information from home or locate you in case of a natural disaster or evacuation.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: Road conditions in Bolivia are considered hazardous. Although the major population centers of La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba are connected by improved highways, less than five percent of all roads in Bolivia are paved. For trips outside the major cities, especially in mountainous areas, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended. Travel during the rainy season (November through March) is difficult, as most routes are potholed, and many roads and bridges are washed out. Added dangers are the lack of formal training for most drivers, lack of lights on speeding vehicles at night, and drunk or overly tired drivers, including commercial bus drivers. Fatal crashes, fender-benders, and car/pedestrian accidents are commonplace.
Drivers of vehicles involved in traffic accidents are expected to remain at the scene until the arrival of local police authorities. Any attempt to leave the scene would be in violation of Bolivian law and could place the driver and passengers at risk of physical harm.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: The Bolivian Government has very strict laws concerning attempted theft or removal from Bolivia of any item that it considers to be a national treasure. The Bolivian and U.S. Government have a cultural property protection agreement. In addition to the traditional examples of pre-Columbian artifacts, certain historical paintings, items of Spanish colonial architecture and history, and some native textiles, the Bolivian Government also considers certain flora, fauna, and fossils as national treasures. It is illegal to remove any such items from Bolivia without prior written permission from the appropriate Bolivian authority. Any type of fossil excavation, even picking up a fossil, without prior written authorization from the appropriate Bolivian authority, is also illegal. Violation of the law can result in lengthy jail sentences and fines.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Bolivian laws, even unknowingly, may be arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Bolivia are strict and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Incarcerated persons can expect to wait longer than two years before being sentenced. Prison conditions are very primitive and prisoners must pay for their own room and board.
WHEN TO GO
Bolivia lies in the southern hemisphere; winter runs from May to October and summer from November to April. The most important climatic factor to remember is that it's generally wet in the summer and dry in the winter.
While the highlands and altiplano can be cold in the winter and wet in the summer, the only serious barrier to travel will be the odd road washout. In the tropical lowlands. Travel is difficult, and services may be stifled by mud and flooding.
Also consider that the high tourist season falls in the winter (June to September), due not only to climatic factors, but also to the timing of European and North American summer holidays and the fact that it's also Bolivia's major fiesta season. This means that both overseas visitors and lots of South Americans are traveling during this period. Consequently, the best time to visit Bolivia is during the winter (dry season).
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