Making A Living In Bolivia: Strategies For Success

Bolivia is a culturally diverse country in the middle of South America. It is one of only two landlocked nations in the continent and has a population of over 10 million people. The country's economy is growing, with a GDP increase of 6.8% in 2014. The average monthly income in Bolivia was estimated to be 4,319 Bs (around $307) in 2016, and the unemployment rate in 2015 was 7.4%. An estimated 48% of workers are employed in the service industry, while 32% work in industrial jobs and 32% in agriculture. The cost of living in Bolivia is relatively low, with rents starting at $200 in good neighbourhoods and utility costs under $50. The country's diverse geography, including some of the world's highest cities, the largest salt flats, and parts of the Amazon rainforest, presents unique challenges for transportation and connectivity. However, Bolivia's cities and towns are relatively well-connected, with most travel done by road and an option to fly for longer journeys.

Cost of living

Bolivia is the cheapest country in Latin America and the third cheapest country in the world. The cost of living in Bolivia is, on average, 59.3% lower than in Germany.

A retired couple can live a very comfortable life in Bolivia for around $1,550 per month, and a single person can live well in the city of Sucre on $600 to $800 per month. A couple could live well in Sucre on $1,000 a month.

The cost of living in Bolivia largely depends on where you live. The city of Cochabamba, for example, is one of the more expensive cities in Bolivia, with a ritzy Southern California feel. However, it is still far more affordable than any North American city. In Cochabamba, a three-bedroom condo in an upscale neighbourhood typically rents for between $600 and $800 per month. However, food, utilities, and transportation costs are comparable to the rest of the country.

The southern city of Tarija is surrounded by wine country and small farms. A one-bedroom apartment in a safe, central neighbourhood, including all utilities and cable television, costs around $200 to $300 per month. A single person can expect to spend around $220 per month on food if they opt for quality meals.

Bolivia has some of the highest cities in the world, and its diverse geography can make transportation a challenge. Most travel is done by road, and only 6% of roads are paved. During the rainy season, some remote villages can be difficult to reach. Bolivia has three main airports, located in the cities of La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz.

Employment sectors

Bolivia's economy is growing, with a GDP increase of 6.8% in 2014. The country has a diverse geography, from some of the world's highest cities to the Amazon rainforest, which can make transportation a challenge. However, Bolivian cities and towns are relatively well-connected, with most travel done by road and flying as an option for longer journeys.

The employment sectors in Bolivia are varied, with a large proportion of the population working in the services, industrial, and agricultural sectors. About 48% of the workforce is employed in services, 32% in industrial work, and 32% in agriculture. The industrial sector includes mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverages, tobacco, handicrafts, clothing, and jewelry production. The agricultural sector includes the production of soybeans, coffee, coca, cotton, corn, sugarcane, rice, potatoes, Brazil nuts, and timber.

Bolivia has a growing expat community, particularly in cities like La Paz, Sucre, Cochabamba, and Tarija. Expats in Bolivia tend to work in fields such as environmental science, healthcare, education, and business. Some expats also start businesses or work remotely for companies in other countries.

The cost of living in Bolivia is relatively low. Basic utilities can cost under $50, and food is also inexpensive, with a menu of the day including soup, an entrée, fruit juice, dessert, and coffee available for under $2 at local restaurants. Rent in good neighbourhoods can start at $200, and it is possible to live comfortably on a budget of around $1,000 per month for a couple.

Bolivia's healthcare system is insurance-based and currently undergoing reforms to improve access and quality, particularly for children and mothers. Private clinics and hospitals that do not depend on government funds tend to offer better services, although they are more expensive.

Overall, Bolivia offers a range of employment opportunities across various sectors, and the country's growing economy and low cost of living make it an attractive destination for expats seeking new career paths or a lower cost of living.

Language

The most prominent indigenous languages are Quechua (spoken by 18% of the population) and Aymara (10%). Quechua is spoken primarily in the Andes Region, and Aymara is spoken in the Altiplano region around Lake Titicaca. Chiquitano is spoken in the central part of Santa Cruz, and Guaraní is spoken in the southeast, on the border with Paraguay and Argentina.

The Bolivian government and departmental governments are required to use at least two languages in their operation, one being Spanish, and the other dependent on the territory in question. This is outlined in Article 234 of the 2009 Constitution. Despite this, many urban schools have failed to implement the National Education Reform of 1994, which introduced 30 indigenous languages to be taught alongside Spanish.

Other languages spoken in Bolivia include German, with 160,000 speakers, and Portuguese, which is spoken near the Brazilian border and by 0.2% of Bolivians as their mother tongue.

Healthcare

Despite these efforts, Bolivia's healthcare indicators are among the lowest in the Western Hemisphere, with only Haiti scoring lower. The country's child mortality rate of 69 per 1,000 live births is the worst in South America, and malnutrition is widespread, with 7% of children under five and 23% of the overall population affected. Furthermore, 20% of the rural population has access to safe water and sanitation, leaving many vulnerable to diseases such as malaria and Chagas disease.

The Bolivian government has recognised the need for reform and has introduced ambitious health initiatives. In 2019, through the Single Health System (SUS) model, the government aimed to provide universal and free coverage to 50% of the population, protecting an estimated five million uninsured Bolivians. This reform has resulted in increased health expenditure, strengthened primary healthcare services, and reduced out-of-pocket expenses for vulnerable communities. The number of doctors in Bolivia has also doubled in recent years to about 130 per 100,000 citizens, comparable to other South American countries.

However, private clinics and hospitals that do not rely on government funds continue to offer better services, and are preferred by those who can afford them. Expatriates and foreign visitors are advised to purchase international health insurance, especially coverage that includes air evacuation in case of a medical emergency. While public healthcare in Bolivia is undergoing improvements, the high prevalence of diseases and the low level of sanitation remain pressing issues.

Transportation

Buses

Buses are the most common and economical way to travel between cities in Bolivia. The bus network is extensive, with buses running frequently throughout the major towns and cities. There are different types of buses catering to various budgets and comfort levels. The long-distance buses, known as "flotas," are usually more comfortable and can be international or intercity buses. They offer features such as bed-like seats, bathrooms, television, and snack services. However, bus travel in Bolivia can also be dangerous due to frequent accidents, and it is advisable to choose a reputable company and driver.

Within cities, shorter bus routes are serviced by minibuses or micros. These buses typically travel along predetermined routes, stopping whenever a passenger needs to get on or off. Fares for micros are regulated and cost around 15 cents (USD) one way.

Taxis

Taxis are a safer and more flexible option for getting around in Bolivia, especially in cities. There are two main types of taxis: radiotaxis and regular taxis. Radiotaxis are more expensive but safer, as they are dispatched based on calls and usually associated with hotels or restaurants. Regular taxis are cheaper and can be hailed on the street, but travellers should be cautious at night due to the risk of criminals posing as taxi drivers.

Trains

Bolivia is one of the few countries in Latin America with an extensive rail network. Train travel is inexpensive and a great option for tourists who want to enjoy the scenery and reach remote places. There are two separate train networks in the country: the Eastern network, which runs from Santa Cruz to the Brazilian border and the Argentine border, and the Western network, which runs from Oruro to Villazón on the Argentine border, with stops in Uyuni and Tupiza. The Western network offers breathtaking scenery and is a great alternative to the bumpy bus ride between La Paz and Uyuni.

Air Travel

Flying is an option for covering long distances within Bolivia, especially when travelling to tropical or rural areas that are difficult to access by road. Boliviana de Aviacion (BoA) is the national airline, offering over 70 flights per day to various domestic and international destinations. Internal flight prices range from 50 to 100 USD for a one-way ticket, and baggage allowance is typically 15 kg per passenger.

Cable Car

La Paz boasts the world's highest cable car system, connecting the city to neighbouring El Alto. This mode of transport not only provides stunning views but also ensures access between the two cities in just 10 minutes, compared to the hour-long land transport. The initial fare is approximately 43 cents (USD), with discounts for students, seniors, and the disabled.

Frequently asked questions