Capital One Atms: Bolivia Accessibility

Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America with a diverse landscape and rich cultural heritage. It is known for its stunning salt flats, towering Andean peaks, and vibrant indigenous traditions. When it comes to accessing money in Bolivia, it is important to note that the country is not as advanced as most countries in terms of banking, payments, and currency exchange. While ATMs are available in most major cities and towns, they are less common in smaller towns and rural areas. It is also worth mentioning that Bolivian ATMs typically accept 4-digit PINs and mainly accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, and Maestro cards.

If you are a Capital One customer, you may be wondering if you can access your money through ATMs in Bolivia. Capital One offers its customers fee-free access to over 70,000 ATMs across the United States, including select locations in Target, Walgreens, and CVS stores. However, it is unclear if these fee-free ATMs include locations outside of the United States. Therefore, it is recommended to check with Capital One directly to confirm if their fee-free ATM network extends to Bolivia or if there will be any additional charges for using ATMs internationally.

Capital One ATMs in Bolivia: Where to Find Them

If you're a Capital One customer and you're travelling to Bolivia, you may be wondering where you can find ATMs to access your money. Here's a guide to help you locate Capital One ATMs in Bolivia and some other useful information about managing your money during your trip.

Capital One ATMs in Bolivia

Unfortunately, there is no information readily available about Capital One ATMs in Bolivia. However, this doesn't mean that you won't be able to access your money. There are a few alternative options you can consider:

• Fee-Free ATMs: Capital One offers fee-free access to over 70,000 ATMs across the United States, including those of MoneyPass® and Allpoint®. It's worth checking if these ATM networks have any partnerships with local banks in Bolivia, as this could save you from paying additional fees.
• Local Banks: Bolivia has several popular banks with ATMs widely available across the country. These include BCP Bolivia Banca Ganadero, BNB – Banco Nacional de Bolivia, BancoSol, and Mercantil Santa Cruz. You may be able to use your Capital One card at these ATMs, but additional fees and charges may apply.
• International Money Transfer Services: Services like World Remit, Ria Money Transfer, Panda Remit, Sendwave, and TransferGo allow you to send money to local cash pick-up points in Bolivia. This can be a safe and convenient option when you're unable to locate a suitable ATM.

It's always a good idea to inform your bank about your travel plans before you leave, and to carry multiple payment options, such as more than one debit or credit card. Additionally, having some local currency (Bolivian Boliviano) on hand when you arrive can be helpful for initial expenses like transportation and food.

ATMs in Bolivia

ATMs in Bolivia are mostly available in sizeable towns and cities, particularly in major airports, town squares, tourist areas, and malls. However, it's important to note that ATMs in smaller towns and rural areas may be less common and might not always accept foreign cards.

It's recommended to use ATMs during the day and in busy, well-lit areas for added security. Additionally, be cautious of your surroundings and keep your cash and valuables secure to prevent theft or loss.

Withdrawal Limits and Fees

Withdrawal limits and fees can vary depending on the bank and your personal account settings. In Bolivia, the withdrawal limit per transaction typically ranges from 500 to 2,000 Bolivianos, with some ATMs allowing up to 5,000 Bolivianos. As for fees, while some ATMs in Bolivia don't charge for withdrawals, your home bank may apply a fee for using an international ATM.

Card Acceptance

When it comes to card acceptance in Bolivia, VISA cards are the most widely accepted, followed by MasterCard. American Express cards are rarely accepted, and other cards like JCB, UnionPay, Diners, Discover, or RuPay may not be supported at all. Therefore, it's advisable to carry a VISA or MasterCard as a backup option.

Final Thoughts

While Capital One may not have a direct presence in Bolivia through its own ATMs, you still have several options for accessing your money. Remember to plan ahead, inform your bank about your travel plans, and have multiple payment methods available to ensure a smooth financial experience during your trip to Bolivia.

Using a Capital One Card in a Bolivian ATM

If you're planning a trip to Bolivia, it's worth noting that the country is not as advanced as most in the areas of banking and payments. Bolivia's official currency is the Bolivian boliviano (B$), and while US dollars are accepted for higher-priced transactions, you'll need bolivianos for most day-to-day purchases. This includes street shopping, local taxis, small purchases, street food, tips, local restaurants, entry fees for temples, museums, public buses, hostels, and budget hotels.

ATMs in Bolivia

ATMs can be found in most major cities and towns in Bolivia, but they are less common in smaller towns and rural areas. Look for ATMs at major airports, town squares, tourist areas, and malls. Some sources suggest that ATMs in Bolivia accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, and Maestro cards, but it's always a good idea to check with your bank before travelling. It's also worth noting that there have been reports of ATMs retaining cards, so be sure to use busy, well-lit ATMs and exercise caution during nighttime withdrawals.

Withdrawal limits and fees

Withdrawal limits depend on the bank, but they typically range from 1500bs to 6500bs, with an average maximum withdrawal of 3500-4000bs per transaction. Most ATMs in Bolivia don't charge for withdrawing cash, but your bank might, and there may also be a poor exchange rate.

Tips for using ATMs in Bolivia

• Always choose an ATM inside a bank rather than on the street.
• Put your cash in a money belt or a secure pocket straight away.
• If you feel nervous about withdrawing money, go with someone else.
• Try to use ATMs during the day and in busy places.
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep your cash in a safe place.

Other options for accessing cash in Bolivia

If you're having trouble with ATMs or can't find one nearby, there are a few other options for getting cash in Bolivia:

• Currency exchange: You can exchange money at authorised currency exchange centres, banks, hotels, and airports. However, banks usually offer the best rates.
• Send money to Bolivia and pick it up locally: There are several international money transfer services that allow you to send money to a local cash pick-up point, such as World Remit, Ria Money Transfer, Panda Remit, Sendwave, and Transfergo.
• Use a credit card: While it's not as common to pay by card in Bolivia, especially outside of the cities, many mid-range and higher hotels, restaurants, and stores will accept them. However, they usually charge a service fee for doing so. Visa is the most widely accepted card, followed by Mastercard, and then Maestro. American Express is rarely accepted.

Fees for Using Capital One Cards in Bolivian ATMs

Capital One does not charge a currency conversion fee, but other issuers might. There are no additional fees for using a 360 Checking debit card abroad. However, for non-360 products, there may be a $2 fee plus 3% of the total transaction amount when withdrawing from an international ATM.

Capital One checking customers can withdraw money from over 70,000 fee-free Capital One, MoneyPass, and Allpoint ATMs in the US. These ATMs can be found in stores like Target, Walgreens, and CVS.

While Capital One cards can be used in Bolivian ATMs, there is a risk of incurring international ATM fees. It is recommended to use a card that doesn't charge for international transactions.

ATMs in Bolivia are generally modern and accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, and Maestro cards. They are usually operational 24/7, but those inside banks may have restricted hours. It is advised to use ATMs in busy, well-lit areas and exercise caution during the nighttime.

Most ATMs in Bolivia charge a transaction fee, and the maximum transaction withdrawal limit is B$2000. There are some fee-free ATMs in Bolivia, and these can be found using the ATM Fee Saver app.

Other Banks With ATMs in Bolivia

While there are over 4,000 ATMs in Bolivia, they are mostly found in major cities and towns, with smaller towns having fewer options. In addition to the most popular ATMs in Bolivia, there are other banks with ATMs that accept international debit and credit cards. These include:

• Banco Nacional de Bolivia (BNB)
• Banco Mercantil Santa Cruz
• Banco Union
• BCP Bolivia Banca Ganadero
• BancoSol
• Mercantil Santacruz

ATMs in Bolivia are known to accommodate international cards, including those from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries. However, it is recommended to carry cash when travelling outside of major cities, as ATMs may not always be available or functional.

Safety Tips for Using ATMs in Bolivia

While ATMs in Bolivia don't usually pose challenges for travellers, it's always good to be cautious. Here are some tips to help you stay safe when using ATMs in Bolivia:

• Try to use ATMs inside banks rather than on the street. If you do use a street ATM, be aware of your surroundings and any potential threats.
• Avoid using ATMs at night or in deserted places. Thefts and muggings can occur, so it's best to use ATMs during the day in busy, well-lit areas.
• Always be cautious of people trying to distract you or offer help. Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on anyone acting suspiciously.
• If possible, go to the ATM with someone else, especially if you feel nervous about withdrawing money.
• Withdraw cash in smaller amounts more frequently rather than carrying large sums of money. Only carry what you need for the day.
• Use a money belt or a hidden pouch to store your cash and valuables. Keep your wallet in your front pocket if possible.
• Try to use ATMs from popular banks such as BCP Bolivia Banca Ganadero, BNB - Banco Nacional de Bolivia, BancoSol, or Mercantil Santa Cruz. These banks have a wide network of ATMs and are more likely to accept international cards.
• VISA cards are the most widely accepted, followed by MasterCard. American Express is rarely accepted.
• Be aware of ATM fees and withdrawal limits. Most ATMs in Bolivia don't charge for withdrawing, but your bank may charge a fee. The average maximum withdrawal per transaction is between 3500 and 4000 Bolivian bolivianos.
• Check for any signs of tampering or skimming devices on the ATM before inserting your card. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent onlookers from seeing it.
• If possible, inform your bank that you are travelling abroad to avoid any security blocks on your card.
• Always keep your cash and valuables secure, and be discreet when making transactions or displaying large amounts of cash in public.
• Be extra cautious in areas with higher rates of crime, such as La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba.

Frequently asked questions