Traveler Tips
If you are traveling abroad here are some tips you may need to make your trip easier:
Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Make 2 copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept packages from strangers. To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards. In order to avoid violating local laws, deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques. If you get into trouble, contact you're country's nearest embassy.
Foreign Entry Requirements to Bolivia
Valid passport required for entry and departure. Visa not required for tourist stay of up to 30 days (can be extended up to 90 days upon application to the Bolivian immigration authorities). Visitors for other purposes must obtain a visa in advance. Tourist cards issued upon arrival in Bolivia. A “Defined Purpose Visa” for adoptions, business, or other travel requires 1 application form, 1 photo, and $85 fee. Business travelers must include a company letter explaining purpose of trip. HIV test required for intending immigrants.
US citizens Visa requirement
Since December 1st, 2007 US Citizens require Visa to enter Bolivia for tourism or business. See the details here.
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Other safety Measures
The cost of living in Bolivia is very affordable so don't be afraid of going out and splurge there's a lot to see in town or out of it be as adventurous as you can, taking always some precautions. In crowded areas be careful for pickpockets and bags lashers. A common trick is that one person spills something on your clothes, and while you or he wipes it off another person lifts your wallet or slashes your bag.
Be vigilant when checking into a hotel or hostel. Keep a hand on all your bags/belongings at all times. Acting as if they work for the hotel, opportunist thieves will create a diversion and snatch the nearest unattended bag.
If you are approached by police in civilian clothes don't show any valuables or your passport. And certainly don't get in a taxi with them. Undercover police are strictly ordered not to hassle tourists. There have been several cases of muggings and things going missing from bags or luggage after "drug searches". Insist on being taken to the police station before giving them access to your things. If you can, call the 110, which is the Bolivian emergency number.
And the most important there have been several cases of violent muggings in taxis. Don't take unregistered taxis. Lock the doors and don't allow other people to share the journey with you.
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Travel Gear
Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, choosing the right gear can make or break a trip. Before you start packing have in mind the season, location, weather, and climate of the city (‘s) you will visit and the nature of your trip and to make the right item selection. To help you along your way, we've compiled a list of must-have products that will definitely help your trip go smoothly.
Necessities
Comfortable shoes or Hiking boots
Rain jacket
Warm jacket-fleece
Baseball cap or Hat
Sunglasses
Luggage (the proper size for your trip)
Small backpack to carry personal things
Sunscreen
Mosquito repellent
Soap and other basic toilet articles (toilet paper)
Medical needs and small first aid kit
Plastic bags
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Travel gadgets
Photo Camera
Electric adapter
MP3 player
Laptop computer (optional)
GPS locator (optional)
Electronic Translator if you're Spanish is a little rusty
Currency converter
Flashlight
Camcorder (optional)
Bring extra batteries
Bring extra memory
Make your gadgets work
Electrical current in Bolivia runs at 220 volts (60cycles). Some hotels have the capacity for both electrical outlets (110/220 Volts) that is why is so important to check the current of the outlet before you plug in. European and American flat-pronged plugs will require round-pronged plug adaptors.
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